Have you ever experienced standing in front of your washing machine and finding that it’s taking too long for it to fill up? It could be the cause of low water pressure in your washing machine. Low water pressure can be more than just an inconvenience; it can affect your appliance’s performance and even shorten its lifespan.
Washing machine water hammer arrestors could be used to help stabilize pressure fluctuations that can influence your washer’s performance. Whether you are using a traditional copper plumbing system or a modern PEX pipe setup, adding a water hammer arrestor to ensure safety and efficiency is an effective way.
In this article, we’ll help you learn more about the potential causes of low water pressure in washing machines, what water hammer arrestors for washing machines and how they work. If you are looking for suitable water hammer arrestors for your projects, check out PlumbingSell to get top-quality products.
Table of Contents
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Washing Machines?
The causes of low water pressure could be varied, and understanding the common causes can help you address the problem effectively. Here are the most common reasons for low water pressure in washing machines.
Clogged or Kinked Water Supply Hoses
Over time, mineral deposits or rust can accumulate in your water supply hoses, or the washer could restrict flow, therefore lowering the water pressure for the washing machine. If the water valve regulates the flow of water into your washer and is not functioning properly, you could try cleaning the valve first or finding a better valve option.
Low Household Water Pressure
If all your plumbing fixtures experience reduced water pressure, your washing machine won’t receive enough water. This could be caused by pressure regulating issues or the size of the pipes, and other factors. However, if it’s only your washing machine that’s underperforming, a localized solution like a water hammer arrestor might help stabilize surges and balance the flow.
Water Hammer Effects
You may hear loud banging sounds when the washer quickly shuts off the water; this is called a water hammer. It’s caused by a sudden change in water velocity inside the pipes and could interfere with pressure regulation in the washer’s inlet system and damage your applications over time. Learn more about the purpose of water hammer arrestors from our newest article. Installing a washing machine water hammer arrestor helps absorb the shock and helps maintain consistent pressure instead of having low water pressure during service.
How to Increase Water Pressure for Washing Machines
A washing machine that has low water pressure can lead to longer washer cycles or even tears on your appliances. Luckily, there are simple solutions to the issue. Below, we have listed several most effective and achievable ways to increase washing machine water pressure, especially through the use of PEX pipes and water hammer arrestors.
Check for Physical Blockages or Restrictions
Before jumping into installations or upgrades for your project, it’s better to start with a basic inspection of the physical damage to the washing machine appliances. Flexible water supply hoses could easily become twisted or pinched behind your washer, restricting water flow. Straightening them out could potentially improve the performance. The improper function of the water valve regulator may also lower the water pressure for washing machines, considering an upgrade on the valve if essential.
Upgrade to PEX Pipes for Smoother Water Flow
If you are dealing with a rather older home or planning to make a plumbing renovation, upgrading to PEX pipes will be one of the most suitable decisions. Unlike traditional copper, galvanized or PVC pipes, PEX pipes provide smoother water flow and better long-term pressure stability. Also, with fewer fittings required, PEX can bend around corners, reducing the need for joints that slow down water. This has made them one of the best options for washing machine pipes, as the space in the laundry room is normally quite limited, and the flexibility of PEX pipes has made them easy to install.
Install a Water Hammer Arrestor
Installing a washing machine water hammer arrestor is one of the most effective ways to improve water pressure consistency, especially for high-efficiency washers that require fast valve closures. In short, water hammer arrestors are devices that absorb shock when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected. They are useful for preventing pressure spikes and drops to maintain a stable water flow.
The washer water hammer arrestor is becoming more important these days for modern washers, as pressure fluctuation issues appear more often with more fixtures at home. If you are planning for a new project, it would be better to install a water hammer arrestor at the beginning to have a secure, durable and easy maintenance washing machine.
Water Hammer Arrestors for Washing Machines
While water hammer arrestors are best known for stopping loud pipe-banging noises, they are also essential in stabilizing water pressure, which is a common issue with washing machines. When your washer suddenly shuts off its intake valves, it can cause a sudden pressure shock in the water flow. This disruption often ends up in lower water pressure, making your washing machine slow to fill or less efficient at rinsing.
By installing a washer water hammer arrestor, the sudden pressure spike will be absorbed, therefore ensuring a smoother and more consistent water flow to your washing machine. By preventing fluctuations, arrestors can improve both the water pressure for washing machines and their overall performance.
Many homeowners install washing machine arrestors for new projects or during renovations, as they help a lot. After installing washer hammer arrestors, you’ll notice a more stable water pressure supply for the washing machine, faster fill times and more balanced hot and cold water delivery. So, if you are struggling with a low washing machine water pressure, adding a properly sized water hammer arrestor could be a surprisingly effective and affordable fix. Check out EFIELD water hammer arrestors to find the best fit for your projects.
Conclusion
Low water pressure in your washing machine could cause longer water filling time and damage to the appliance, but it actually doesn’t always require costly plumbing maintenance. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as installing a washer hammer arrestor. These small yet powerful devices not only prevent the damaging effects of water hammers but also help regulate and stabilize inconsistent pressure, especially for high-efficiency fixtures like washing machines.
Whether you are tackling a DIY upgrade or planning a full renovation, incorporating water hammer arrestors is a smart investment in both efficiency and appliance longevity. Ready to improve your washer’s performance? Explore PlumbingSell’s water hammer arrestors and other plumbing supplies to get high-quality yet affordable plumbing supplies.
