What Causes a Clogged Water Line and How to Prevent It?

A clogged water line can disrupt daily life, reducing water pressure and even leading to leaks or no running water at all. Understanding the causes of a water blockage and knowing how to clear blocked water pipes at home can save you time, money, and stress.

Common Causes of Water Line Clogs

1. Mineral Buildup
   Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that accumulate over time, narrowing your pipes and reducing water flow.
   
2. Sediment and Debris
   Sand, dirt, or debris from a municipal water supply can settle in your pipes, causing water clogging and reducing pressure.
   
3. Pipe Damage or Shifting
   Cracks or collapsed sections of water mains underground can block water flow entirely. In some cases, tree roots can invade water lines and restrict flow.
   
4. Airlocks
   Air trapped in the plumbing can create an air blockage in water pipes, preventing water from flowing properly. This is more common in heating lines causing uneven heat as the air is blocking the hot water.

Helpful Reading – How Often Do You Need to Clean the Drains in Your Home?

How to Prevent Water Line Clogs

• Install a Water Softener: This helps reduce mineral buildup in homes with hard water. This can extend the lifespan of household fixtures such as water heaters, faucets, shower heads, washing machines, and dishwashers
• Whole House Filters: Whole-house filters can trap sediment before it enters your plumbing. Typically, these are installed as close to the water main as possible.
• Switching from Well Water to Town/City Water: Well water is typically filled with more minerals, sediment, and debris than town-city water which can lead to more frequent water pressure issues and clogged fixtures.

For help with any of these services, please call Zeek Plumbing and Mechanical at (866) 635-0200.

What to Do When You Think You Have A Clogged Water Line

If you’re facing low water pressure or strange noises from your pipes, you might be dealing with a clogged water line. Here’s how to diagnose water pressure issues at home:

• Check the well tank or water meter for active leaks.
  
• Open all faucets to release built-up pressure and potentially flush out minor clogs. Debris can get stuck in the aerators inside the faucets.
  
• Contact the town or water utility company to check if any work is being done in the area. If a water main break occurs, water pressure will be lower until the repair is made.
  
• Contact a licensed plumber for Clogs and Leaks. It may be as simple as a clogged faucet or there may be an issue with your water main underground. Please call Zeek Plumbing and Mechanical at (866) 635-0200.

FAQs

How do you unblock a clogged water pipe?
Water lines do not just “clog”. Well water can cause filters to fill up with debris causing low water pressure. Faucet aerators/screens can be filled with debris preventing full pressure out of the faucet spout.

How to flush water lines in a house?
Open all faucets and run the water for several minutes. This helps remove air, sediment, and minor debris from the system.

How do you clear air blockage in water pipes?
To clear an air-bound line, turn off the water supply and open all faucets in the house. Then, turn the supply back on, allowing the air to escape through the faucets as the pipes refill with water.

Don’t let water clogs and low water pressure lead to further issues. Whether you need help with how to clear blocked water pipes at home or want to install a new whole-house filter, professional help from an experienced plumbing company ensures the quickest and most efficient repairs.