No one enjoys stepping into a hot shower after a long day, only to feel a weak dribble of water trickling from the shower head. Low water pressure is hard to miss since it can affect a number of areas within the home and make daily activities such as washing dishes or clothes, both frustrating and time-consuming! Fortunately, there is generally a solution to any problem creating a lack of water pressure in your home; the key is identifying the cause of the issue. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems that can affect water pressure levels:
Low Water Pressure Cause 1 – Fixtures
If you are only experiencing low water pressure in one specific area of the house, faulty or clogged taps and fixtures could provide a possible explanation. The pressure in your shower can be affected when rust, limescale or dirt build up in the holes of the shower head, slowly blocking the flow of water. A dirty shower head can be cleaned out with a solution of vinegar and water to break up the minerals, or replaced completely.
Similarly, a lack of water pressure only experienced in specific sections of the house could be the result of dirty or blocked aerator on your taps. These screens are used to conserve and control water running through the tap, but over time minerals and substances can build up and block the water flow. In this instance, it can help to carefully take apart and clean the aerator or replace it with a new one if it is old and damaged.
Low Water Pressure Cause 2 – Hot Water System
Low pressure only associated with the hot water in your home could be an indication of an issue with your hot water heater. This could be caused by sediment buildup in your hot water system, which can be cleared out by a professional plumber to restore full hot water pressure. Other possible explanations could be that the shut-off valve on the water heater is partially or fully closed, or there could be mineral or sediment build up in the pipes connected to the system. In these situations, we strongly recommend that you arrange for a hot water service by a licensed plumbing technician. They will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of the problem and carry out any necessary hot water repairs to get your water pressure levels back to normal.
Low Water Pressure Cause 3 – Water Valve
A fairly simple explanation for the lack of water pressure could be that your main water shut-off valve is partially or completely closed. If you have had any plumbing maintenance carried out on your property recently, it is possible that the valve may not have been fully reopened after the work was completed. Check to see if this is the case and remember not to apply force to a valve, but open and close gently.
Low Water Pressure Cause 4 – Blocked Pipes
Clogged or blocked pipes are another common cause of low water pressure. This process generally happens over time, so you may not notice the problem instantly. If you do suspect your water pipes may be clogged, it is not recommended that you attempt to clear them on your own. This is a problem best dealt with by a professional plumber, who has the necessary tools and equipment required to fix the issue and restore correct pressure levels. The expert plumbing technicians at Service Today are equipped with high-tech CCTV cameras, to thoroughly inspect the condition of your pipes and determine the reason for any water pressure issues you may be experiencing. Our team can then offer the best possible solution to fix the problem.
If you have an older property, it is also possible that your pipes may have corroded. In this situation, it is important to arrange for a licensed plumber to investigate your pipework and determine the extent of any damage. Whilst this may be a costly issue to repair, it is important to address it early on – before any extensive damage (such a major leak and water damage) occurs. Service Today offers advanced pipe relining technology, enabling our expert technicians to repair your pipes the ‘no-dig’ and fuss freeway, with little to no disruption to you or your property. This is a versatile and cost-effective method, designed to suit many different applications.
Low Water Pressure Cause 5 – Plumbing Leaks
Leaks in your pipe system can also contribute to a lack of water pressure, by affecting the flow of water reaching the taps in your home.
Signs of a plumbing leak can include:
- dampness or discolouration of carpets near bathrooms, laundries and kitchens
- discolouration or marks appearing on ceilings and wall
- damp and musty smells
- flaking or scaly paint
- signs of water around light fittings and ceilings
- a hissing sound behind walls.
However, water leaks can be difficult to locate and often go unnoticed for some time. Plumbers at Service Today are experts in leak detection, equipped with the latest equipment to carry out a thorough inspection of your home and pinpoint any plumbing leaks on your property. If a leak is discovered, we can provide the best solution and carry out any repairs upon approval.
Low Water Pressure Cause 6 – Main Supply Line
If none of the above common causes of low water pressure applied to your situation, the issue could be related to your main water supply line. Check to see if other neighbours in your street have also noticed issues with their water pressure. It could be that work is being performed in your neighbourhood that is affecting your water system, or there may be a problem in the area that is in the process of being attended to.
If you are dealing with the frustrations of low water pressure in your home, the best option is to call in the professionals to thoroughly investigate the issue and provide you with the best possible solution. Whether the explanation is as simple as a dirty or broken fixture, or a more complex issue such as a burst or leaking pipe; the expert plumbers at Service Today are available 24/7 to assist you.
For any emergency water or plumbing problems, repairs or maintenance – give Service Today a call now on 1300 859 383 or book online and we’ll come to your rescue!
