Low Water Pressure? Here's Why

Low water pressure is one of many plumbing inconveniences everyone experiences at least once in their life. This particular inconvenience might be one of the worst though. It makes daily chores even more of a chore and don’t even think about taking a rewarding long shower at the end of the day. 

Your low water pressure could be the result of several different things. We’re going to break them down for you.

The Water Supply is at Fault

While you might look to your plumbing first as the problem, there’s a chance your low water pressure is the fault of your council. Before you make a call to a plumber, be sure to check in with your council first. 

Their plumbing isn’t exempt from the same problems yours can face, and this might just be a case of their plumbing needing a service! They might be able to let you know about plumbing work being done nearby which could be affecting your water pressure as well. 

If this is the case, keep this experience front of mind. It’s all well and good when it’s your council’s fault. You’ll be wishing you went ahead with plumbing maintenance when low or no water pressure becomes a regular occurrence in your home.

Your Fixtures are Faulty

Before you jump the gun and start planning for your entire plumbing system to be replaced, it’s wise to check if your fixtures are at fault first. It might just be that a particular fixture that has a build-up and is not allowing much water to pass through.

The solution to your low water pressure could be as easy as a simple clean of your fixtures or upgrading old ones to something new.

Your Pipes are the Problem

Your low pressure could be the result of an array of different pipe-related problems. 

Corroded Pipes

When metal is in contact with water, corrosion is bound to happen eventually. Older homes that have steel or galvanised iron pipes are highly susceptible to this. When corrosion builds up, it can cause blockages. This means less water can travel through your pipes and you might experience lower water pressure.

The cost of fixing this problem can vary greatly depending on the extent of corrosion. If only a small amount of the pipe is corroded, then this section can simply be replaced. Too much corrosion, however, and you might need a whole new set of pipes. 

Pipes Have Build-Up

Much like corrosion, your pipes can generate a build-up of minerals and sediments which are carried in your water. As water travels through the pipes, these minerals and sediments can be deposited. Over time it can build up to form blockages which cause you to have low water pressure. 

A plumber can flush your plumbing system to rectify this, or you could consider installing an inline filter. This filter removes impurities from the water before they reach your plumbing system and have the opportunity to cause problems!

Your Pipes are the Wrong Size

If you’ve recently had plumbing work done in your house and soon after you’ve noticed low water pressure, you might have had the wrong sized pipes installed. Any plumbers you hire must be fully licensed and experienced in their field. You run the risk of having to pay more down the track when their work proves to not be up to scratch otherwise.

Similarly, we don’t recommend you carry out DIY work. Not only is this illegal in most cases, but you’re likely to make a mistake somewhere. A plumbing mistake can prove to be expensive, potentially causing water damage to your home and damaging the structural integrity.

Leaky Pipes

If your pipes have sprung a leak, then less water is being delivered to the tap you’ve turned on and it’ll look like your water pressure is low. A leak will usually be accompanied by an unusual spike in your water bill and signs of water damage.

Leaking pipes can be difficult to detect if they’re concealed in your walls or the floor, and so this is best left to a professional.

Water Demand is Too High

Low water pressure might be a sign that your hot water system just isn’t cutting it anymore. If you have low pressure specifically for hot water only, your water heater is a likely candidate for causing the problem. 

Your hot water system can only provide so much water at a time – its flow rate. If you exceed this by trying to use more water than it is capable of supplying, you will likely experience low water pressure. You could consider coordinating hot water usage amongst your family, otherwise, it might be time for an upgrade.

You Have a Broken Pressure Regulator

Water pressure regulators are installed in many homes to monitor the water pressure being allowed into your plumbing. If yours is broken, you might experience low pressure. Alternatively, you could be experiencing high water pressure, and that brings another range of plumbing problems with it. 

Do you need a plumber to fix your pressure problems? Metropolitan Plumbing has plumbing experts available 24/7 to help.