Low Water Pressure? Here's Why

Low water pressure is one of many plumbing inconveniences everyone experiences at least once in their life. When your once-normal water pressure drops significantly, it makes daily chores even more of a chore.

It can take irritatingly longer to fill the kitchen sink. And don’t even think about taking a rewarding long shower at the end of the day. Low hot water pressure is not your friend in this case.

There can be a multitude of reasons behind the low water pressure inside your home. From blocked pipes or leaking pipes to a faulty water pressure regulator, we’ll break them down for you and give you some possible ways to fix low water pressure issues.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low pressure from your hot water supply can make daily tasks frustrating. However, understanding the common causes behind it can help you tackle the issue effectively. Here are some of the typical reasons you might encounter:

• Faulty fixtures: Clogged taps, showerheads, or old water outlets can restrict water flow.
• Leaky pipes: Hidden leaks in the supply pipe cause a significant pressure drop.
• Corroded or clogged pipes: Mineral build-up or corrosion in older pipes obstructs water flow.
• Faulty pressure regulator: A broken water pressure regulator can lead to low pressure.
• High water demand: Excessive simultaneous water use can temporarily reduce available pressure.

By addressing these causes, you can restore normal flow and restore efficiency and functionality to your plumbing.

Check the Water Meter and Main Water Line

When you’re dealing with low water pressure, it’s well worth first checking your water meter and main water line.

Make sure you have the water meter valve fully open; a partially closed valve can restrict the flow of water into your home. Sometimes, your local water supplier may have shut off or temporarily reduced the water flow, so it’s worth checking with them if you’re experiencing widespread low pressure. It’s also worth examining your main water line for any signs of damage or leaks, as these can significantly reduce the pressure of the water inside the house.

If everything looks in order, and the issue persists, you’ll likely need to contact a licensed plumber.

You Might Have Faulty Fixtures

Before you jump the gun and start planning a complete overhaul of your entire plumbing system, perhaps first check whether your plumbing fixtures may be at fault. It might just be a particular fixture has a build-up that is restricting water flow. These temperamental fixtures can include:

• Taps – Blockages or wear and tear can reduce water flow.
• Showerheads – Mineral deposits can limit water pressure by clogging the small holes
• Toilets – Faulty fill valves can affect water flow and pressure during refilling.
• Water softeners – These can affect your water pressure if they become clogged or need servicing.
• Washing machine connections – Leaks or blockages in the hoses can lower the flow of water.
• Dishwashers – A clogged inlet valve can cause reduced water flow into the appliance.

The solution to your low water pressure problem could be as easy as simply cleaning your fixtures or upgrading old ones to something new.

Your Water Pipes are the Problem

If there are no issues with the water meter or your fixtures, your low pressure could be due to an array of different pipe-related problems.

Your Pipes Are Corroding

Corrosion is the chemical reaction that results when metal makes contact with water. Older homes with galvanised steel pipes are highly susceptible to this. Corroded pipes can experience blockages that restrict the water moving through your pipes. In a nutshell? It means you might experience lower water pressure.

The cost of fixing this problem can vary greatly depending on how corroded your pipes are. If it’s just a small amount, you might be able to replace the damaged section only. Too much corrosion, however, and you might need a whole new set of pipes.

Pipes Have Build-Up

Your pipes can generate sediment and mineral deposits that your water ultimately carries with it. As water travels through the pipes, it deposits these minerals and sediments here and there. Over time they can build up to form blockages that 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 internal 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 noticed low water pressure soon after, your plumber might have installed the wrong-sized pipes. Any local plumbers that you hire must be fully licensed and experienced in their field. You risk paying more down the track when their work potentially proves to be below standard.

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 become expensive, potentially causing water damage to your home and damaging the structural integrity of multiple plumbing fixtures.

Leaky Pipes

When your pipes spring a leak, it will affect the volume of water that comes out of your tap and will appear as though your water pressure is low. If you don’t immediately notice a water leak, you’ll almost certainly notice the accompanying unusual spike in your water bill and other signs of water damage.

Leaking water pipes can be difficult to detect if they’re concealed in your walls or the floor. In this instance, you’re better off leaving the detection process to a professional.

Demand Exceeds System Capabilities

Low water pressure might be a sign that your hot water system just isn’t cutting it anymore.

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 a hot water system upgrade.

You Have a Broken Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator controls the water pressure entering your home’s plumbing system. If it’s malfunctioning, you might notice a drop in water pressure throughout your home. On the other hand, a failing pressure regulator can also cause excessively high water pressure, leading to a different set of plumbing issues.

To resolve this, you’ll likely need a qualified plumber to replace your pressure-limiting valve and restore your water pressure to safe, optimal levels.

How to Check Your Water Pressure

Want to be able to check and confirm if you’re experiencing low water pressure at home? It’s easier than you might think! Here’s how to do it:

• Use a pressure gauge: Attach a pressure gauge to a hose spigot or outdoor tap, and turn the water on fully to measure the pressure. A reading between 40-60 psi indicates normal water pressure.
• Check multiple taps: If you notice low pressure at one tap but not others, the problem might be isolated to that specific plumbing fixture.
• Test hot and cold water: Low hot water pressure could indicate an issue with your hot water system, while low pressure in both hot and cold outlets suggests a broader problem.

By following these steps, you can get a better idea of your water pressure and whether you need further action to fix it.

Problems with the Water Supply

While any of these problems may be behind your low water pressure issue, there’s every chance as well that the problem may lie with your council or local water supplier. Before you call your local plumber, check in with your local council and water company first.

Their plumbing systems aren’t exempt from the same problems yours can face, so this might just be a case of their plumbing needing a service! They might advise you about plumbing work happening nearby which could be affecting your water supply and pressure too.

Get Metropolitan Plumbing to Assist You

Do you need a plumber to fix your water pressure issue or problems? We can have a professional service technician conduct a pressure and flow test on your water meter to determine any low flow issues. We can also provide essential maintenance work on your property’s plumbing to ensure it continues working at its best. Metropolitan Plumbing has plumbing experts available 24/7 to help.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.