Let’s be honest, low water pressure is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems. You get home from a hard days work, all you want is a nice hot shower to wash away the day, but instead you get a poor excuse for a shower and feel bemused as to what happened since your glorious morning shower.
This is why we have put together a list of the most common causes of low water pressure in your home. Interestingly, low water pressure can present itself in a few different ways; either it can be isolated to one fixture or it could affect all of your water using appliances and fixtures.
For example the dishwasher stops working and the washing machine is taking longer than usual to run and your taps are barely dripping out water. Whereas, If the low water pressure is isolated to one fixture such as the shower then the cause is most likely linked to the fixture itself, or maybe the pipes connecting to it.
However, if the low water pressure is a problem throughout your entire home, then it’s best to identify the cause to ensure your water pressure gets back to normal as soon as possible.
Shut off valve
Firstly, there are usually two main shutoff valves that maintain the water supply to your home. If you have had some plumbing work done then it’s probable that the valve has not been opened fully.
If this is the case, call the company that did the work on your house and tell them about the low water pressure; they should be able to rectify the problem quickly and easily.
Clogged water pipes
If your valves are open, then the cause of your low pressure could be clogged water pipes. This usually occurs in older homes and is often isolated to a small space.
It’s imperative that you have a licensed professional address this situation, as they have the appropriate tools and expertise to fix this issue.
Pressure regulator failure
It’s important to realize that not all plumbing is equipped with a pressure regulator, but if you are having fluctuations between low and high pressure, then this is a clear sign that the pressure regulator is failing.
Again, if you are having huge fluctuations in water pressure then it’s always best to contact your local plumber ASAP to ensure that you don’t make the problem worse for you and your family.
Corroded plumbing
This is the most common cause of low water pressure in older homes (and the most expensive). Like everything, pipes degrade over time. More often than not, these older homes often used galvanized steel pipes which corrode over time, posing a serious health risk to your family.
Replacing your plumbing is an expensive but worthwhile investment into the comfort and safety of your family home.
Public plumbing works
When the local council does plumbing upgrades, they often provide you with prior notice of the water outages. However, if you still have low or no water pressure after the allocated times for the plumbing works then contact your local council or water company to inform them of the issue and they will be able to guide you through the next steps to rectifying the issue.
All in all, the cause of low water pressure is frustrating and can be caused by a wide variety of factors.
This is why it’s always best to get a professional’s opinion, especially when it comes to your home’s plumbing, afterall, clean water is one of the most precious and important resources we have.