What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Expert Tips on Maintaining Your Flexible Hoses

Low water pressure can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, especially when it impacts everyday tasks like showering, washing dishes, or watering the garden.

Sydney residents are no strangers to this issue, which can arise from various factors. In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of low water pressure and provide some maintenance tips and DIY tricks to help restore your home’s water flow.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Clogged Pipes

Over time, mineral deposits and debris can build up in your home’s plumbing system, restricting the flow of water through your pipes. If you notice that your water pressure has gradually decreased, clogged pipes could be the culprit. Regular maintenance can help prevent this, but if your pipes are already severely blocked, professional cleaning may be necessary.

Corroded Pipes

Older homes in Sydney may have pipes made of materials that corrode over time, such as galvanised steel. Corrosion narrows the pipes, limiting the amount of water that can pass through. If your home has outdated plumbing, you might want to consider replacing the pipes to improve water pressure and prevent future leaks.

Leaking Pipes

Even small leaks can significantly reduce your water pressure. Water escaping from a damaged section of pipe means less water is available to reach your fixtures. If you suspect a leak, check around your home for damp spots, water stains, or unusual puddles. It’s essential to have any leaks repaired promptly to avoid more severe damage to your plumbing system.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator controls the water pressure entering your home. If it's faulty, it can result in either high or low pressure. Inconsistent water pressure throughout the house may indicate a pressure regulator issue. A professional local plumber can assess and replace the regulator if needed.

Closed/Shut Off Valves

If the shut-off valves to your water supply are not fully open, you may experience low water pressure. There are two main valves to check: the water meter valve (usually located outside near the meter) and the shut-off valve (inside your home, typically near where the water line enters). Ensuring both are fully open can help restore water pressure.

Municipal Supply Issues

Sometimes, the cause of low water pressure isn’t within your home but lies with the municipal supply. Sydney’s water supply can occasionally experience problems, such as a water main break or maintenance work. Contact your local water supplier like Sydney Water to check if there are any ongoing issues in your area.

Blocked Fixtures

Low water pressure may not affect your entire home but only specific fixtures like taps or showerheads. In this case, sediment buildup in the aerators or filters could be the problem. Cleaning or replacing these components can quickly resolve the issue.

Incorrect Pipe Sizing

If your home’s pipes are too small for the water demand, you might experience low pressure, particularly when multiple fixtures are in use. High demand from several fixtures at once can overwhelm your system if your pipes are undersized. A plumber can assess the sizing of your pipes and recommend solutions to improve the flow.

Airlocks

Air trapped in your pipes can cause water to flow inconsistently, leading to pressure issues. While this is more common in hot water systems, airlocks can affect cold water pipes as well. You may be able to fix this by turning on all the taps in your house for a few minutes to push the air out of the system.

Sediment Buildup in Hot Water Systems

Over time, sediment buildup in your hot water system’s tank can reduce water pressure, especially when using hot water. Flushing your hot water system every six months can prevent this from happening and help maintain optimal pressure.

Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

If your home is fitted with a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV), it might be limiting the water pressure too much. Adjusting or replacing the PRV can ensure a better balance of pressure in your home.

Faulty Water Pump

If you rely on a water pump to boost pressure in your home, a malfunctioning pump could be to blame for low water pressure. A plumber can check your pump and repair or replace it as necessary.

DIY Tips to Increase Water Pressure

While some water pressure issues require professional attention, there are a few DIY tricks Sydney homeowners can try before calling a plumber:

Remove sediment buildup from taps and showerheads by unscrewing and soaking them in vinegar for an hour.
Ensure your water meter valve and shut-off valve are fully open to allow maximum water
Draining and flushing your hot water tank can remove sediment buildup and improve water pressure

If you have a pressure regulator, try adjusting it slightly to see if it increases the If these tips don’t resolve your issue, it’s time to call the blocked drain experts!

Call Water Workx Plumbing Today

At Water Workx Plumbing, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing low water pressure issues for Sydney homeowners. Whether it’s clogged pipes, corroded pipes, a faulty pressure regulator, or any other problem, our expert plumbers can help. Call Water Workx Plumbing today to check and fix your low water pressure before it becomes a larger, more costly issue in the future.