Low water pressure is one inconvenience that everyone has to deal with at least once in their lives. This inconvenience may be the most frustrating. This makes daily chores more difficult and you don't even consider taking a long, rewarding shower at the end.
Low water pressure could be caused by many things. We will help you to understand them.
Water Supply at Fault
Although you may think your plumbing is the problem, it could be your council that's responsible for your low water pressure. Before calling a plumber, make sure you check with your local council.
Your plumbing may face the same issues as yours, but it might be that their plumbing needs to be serviced. You might also be able to find out about any nearby plumbing issues that could affect your water pressure.
Keep this experience in mind if this is the case. It's fine if it's your council's fault. When low or no water pressure is a frequent occurrence in your home, you'll regret not having done plumbing maintenance.
Your Fixtures Are Faulty
It's a good idea to first check that your fixtures are not at fault before you rush to replace your entire plumbing system. You might have a specific fixture that is clogging up and preventing water from passing through.
Low water pressure can be solved by simply cleaning out your fixtures and upgrading to newer models.
Problem: Your pipes
Low pressure could indicate a variety of pipe-related issues.
Corroded Pipes
Corrosion is inevitable when the metal comes in contact with water. This is especially true for older homes with galvanised or steel pipes. Blockages can be caused by corrosion. This can cause less water to flow through your pipes, and lower water pressure.
The extent of corrosion can affect the cost of fixing this problem. This section can be easily replaced if only a small portion of the pipe has been corroded. However, if there is too much corrosion you may need to replace the entire set.
Pipes are susceptible to build-up
Your pipes can build up minerals and sediments, much like corrosion. These minerals and sediments can build up as water flows through pipes. It can build up over time and cause low water pressure.
To fix this problem, a plumber will flush the plumbing system. Or you can install an inline filter. This filter filters out impurities before they can reach your plumbing system.
Your pipes are too small
You might have the wrong size pipes installed if you have recently had plumbing work done to your home. You must ensure that any plumber you hire is licensed and has experience in the field. If their work is not up to standard, you could end up paying more.
We also don't recommend DIY work. This is not only illegal, but it's also likely that you will make a mistake. Plumbing errors can be costly and could cause water damage to your house or structural damage.
Leaky Pipes
Your water pressure will drop if your pipes leak. A leak usually causes a spike in your water bills and other signs of water damage.
If the pipes are hidden in walls or floors, it can be hard to spot them. This is why it's best to leave this job to a professional.
The Water Demand is too High
Low water pressure could indicate that your hot water system is not working properly. Your water heater could be the culprit if you have low water pressure for hot water only.
Your hot water system is limited in its ability to provide water at a given rate. You will experience low water pressure if you exceed the flow rate and use more water than your hot water system can supply. It might be worth coordinating hot water use among your family members.
A broken pressure regulator is a problem
Many homes have water pressure regulators installed to monitor the water pressure entering your plumbing. Low pressure could occur if your regulator is damaged. You might also experience high water pressure. This can lead to other plumbing issues.
Are you looking for a plumber to solve your pressure issues? Contact us!