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Low water pressure is one of the most frequent plumbing calls we get from Inman and the surrounding northern Spartanburg County area. The good news: it’s almost always fixable. The cause just depends on your home’s age, pipe material, and water source.
What Zach Finds in Inman Homes
Our plumber Zach regularly services homes throughout Inman and the surrounding Lyman corridor. On a recent Lyman call, Zach replaced a toilet with a Garber Maxwell ADA-height model with a slow-close seat — the kind of quality fixture that’s comfortable, quiet, and built to last. That attention to detail — choosing the right product, not just the cheapest one — is what separates professional plumbing from patch jobs. Here’s what Zach encounters most often in the Inman area.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Failure
Most homes in Inman connected to municipal water have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) where the main supply line enters the house. The PRV regulates incoming water pressure from the utility – which can be 80-150 psi – down to a safe 50-70 psi for your home’s plumbing.
PRVs last 7-12 years on average. When they fail, pressure drops throughout the entire house. Some fail gradually (you notice pressure declining over months), while others fail suddenly.
On a recent job in Inman, Zach installed a new pressure reducing valve along with a pressure expansion tank on the water heater. The expansion tank relieves excess pressure caused by thermal expansion when the water heater cycles, extending the life of the water heater and protecting the plumbing system.
Well Water Systems
Some Inman properties – particularly those outside the municipal water district toward Campobello and Landrum – rely on private wells. Low pressure in well systems typically points to:
- Failing pressure tank: The bladder inside the pressure tank can rupture, causing the pump to short-cycle and deliver inconsistent pressure.
- Worn pump: Well pumps last 8-15 years. As they wear, they deliver less water per cycle.
- Pressure switch issues: The switch that tells the pump when to turn on and off can malfunction or need adjustment.
Galvanized Pipe Corrosion
Older homes in Inman built before the 1970s may still have original galvanized steel supply lines. These pipes corrode from the inside out, gradually narrowing the internal diameter. We’ve pulled galvanized pipes from Inman homes that were 70-80% blocked with mineral buildup.
The only permanent fix is repiping – typically with PEX, which is corrosion-resistant, flexible, and more cost-effective to install than copper.
Common Repairs and Costs
- PRV replacement: $300-$600 installed. Restores full pressure immediately.
- Pressure tank replacement (well systems): $400-$800 installed.
- Whole-home repipe (galvanized to PEX): $4,000-$10,000 depending on home size and accessibility.
Protecting Your Plumbing Investment
When Zach installs a new PRV, he also recommends a pressure expansion tank if one isn’t already present. This combination protects your water heater, reduces stress on supply connections throughout the house, and ensures consistent, safe water pressure.
Serving Inman and Northern Spartanburg County
We service Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Chesnee, and all of northern Spartanburg County from our Duncan headquarters. Same-day service is available for most plumbing repairs.
YOUTUBE EMBED: Got High Water Pressure? This One Valve Fixes It FAST — @YallCallWally
Call Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric at (864) 536-0887 to schedule a water pressure evaluation.
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