Water Quality & System Information : Frequently Asked Questions About Water Pressure
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Pressure
At times, Brushy Creek MUD water customers may experience fluctuations in water pressure at their homes or businesses.may be affected by a number of factors, including conditions within a customer's private plumbing system, high water demand, water main breaks, and District operations. The following information addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about water pressure and offers simple steps to help identify potential causes.
Q. What should I do if I suddenly lose water pressure?
A. First, check several faucets, including an outdoor faucet if available, to determine whether the problem affects the entire property or only one fixture.
If multiple fixtures are affected, check the property's main water shutoff valve and any other accessible shutoff valves to make sure they are fully open. If you have a water softener, place it in bypass mode to determine whether it is restricting water flow.
If the issue continues, review the troubleshooting steps below to help identify the potential cause.
Q. What if my water pressure is limited to only one or a few faucets or spigots?
A. Check the affected faucet, fixture, or spigot for clogs or restrictions. For bathroom and kitchen faucets, remove the aerator at the end of the faucet and check for mineral deposits or debris buildup. Showerheads can also become restricted by mineral deposits.
If pressure is normal at other fixtures throughout the property, the issue is more likely to be isolated to the affected fixture or its associated plumbing.
Q. What if my water pressure issue is occurring only inside or only outside?
A. If the issue is occurring only inside, check individual faucet aerators, the water softener, and the water heater for possible restrictions.
If the issue is occurring only outside, the cause may involve an outdoor fixture, hose bib, irrigation system, or other private plumbing.
If pressure is low at both indoor and outdoor fixtures, the issue may be related to the property's service line, pressure-reducing valve, a leak, or the District's water distribution system.
Q. How would I know if a leak is causing my water pressure issues?
A. A leak on your property's plumbing system can affect water pressure and may also result in higher-than-normal water usage.
To check for a possible leak, make sure all faucets and water-using appliances are turned off, and then check your water meter. If the meter continues to register water usage when no water is being used, you may have a leak.
Q. What if the water pressure issue occurs only when I use hot water?
A. Check that the water heater's cold-water inlet valve is fully open and that there are no restrictions in the hot-water plumbing.
If the issue occurs only with hot water while cold-water pressure remains normal, the water heater or hot-water plumbing may be contributing to the problem. A licensed plumber may be able to identify the cause if the issue persists.
Q. Why might my water pressure fluctuate during the day?
A. Water pressure can vary somewhat depending on water demand throughout the system. Higher water use, particularly during periods of peak demand, can result in temporary changes in pressure.
Pressure can also change during water main breaks, repairs, maintenance activities, or other system operations.
Q. Is my low water pressure a result of District activity?
A. It may be. Water main breaks, scheduled maintenance, emergency repairs, changes in system operations, or other District activities can temporarily affect water pressure in an area.
Significant or sudden changes in pressure may occur when work is being performed on the water distribution system or when an unexpected issue affects the system.
Q. What is the District's responsibility regarding water pressure?
A. BCMUD is responsible for operating and maintaining the District’s public water system, including water treatment and supply facilities, water storage facilities, pumps, pressure control equipment, water mains, valves, and other distribution system infrastructure.
Under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements, public water systems must be operated to provide a minimum pressure of 35 pounds per square inch (psi) throughout the distribution system under normal operating conditions. Lower pressures can occur temporarily during emergencies, such as a water main break, firefighting, or system repairs. TCEQ rules provide for a minimum of 20 psi during emergencies such as firefighting.
The District is responsible for maintaining pressure within its public water system. Plumbing and equipment located on a customer's property are the customer's responsibility. Conditions such as clogged fixtures, water softeners, pressure-reducing valves, private service lines, leaks, and other plumbing issues can affect water pressure at a home or business.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you are experiencing an unexplained or persistent water pressure problem, please contact BCMUD Customer Service at 512-255-7871, or email customerservice@bcmud.org, to help determine whether there is a known issue affecting the District's water distribution system and whether additional investigation is needed.