Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

A slow shower can be annoying, and you may be late for work! Low water pressure can affect the entire house, not just the shower. Also, if the water pressure is low, the bathtubs may take a long time to fill up, and the dishwasher may take forever to clean your utensils. All these can interfere with your daily routine, and you must find the root cause.

One of the most common reasons for low water pressure throughout the house is leaks in the plumbing system. These leaks can occur in the primary or branch lines supplying water to your home. A burst pipe can cause a sudden drop in water pressure, while more than one leak can gradually decrease pressure over time. In some cases, pipe replacement may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Another potential cause of low water pressure is a malfunctioning plumbing fixture, such as a faucet or showerhead. Mineral build-up or sediment can clog the aerator or restrictor, reducing the water flow. In these cases, cleaning or replacing the affected fixture can help restore normal water pressure.

We are here to help you understand the different causes behind low water pressure in the house. Once you have a clear idea, you can get a professional to fix the issue. Also, some of the plumbing problems can be sorted by you as well.

Read on to learn more about the various factors contributing to low water pressure in your home and the steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Lowered water pressure can happen for numerous reasons depending on your plumbing system and local water supplier. Let’s take a look at the four main causes of low water pressure at your home:

1. Open Main House Shutoff Valve

You should know that every house has two shutoff valves that control the water flowing in and out of the house. One is where the water supply line enters the house through the wall. It can also be present outside the house in warm climates, often connected to brass pipes.

This valve is turned off partially during plumbing work to stop or adjust the water flow. If the plumbing team had not been careful while working, they could have left this valve half-open or partially open, which can significantly reduce water pressure throughout the house. If you have recently had plumbing work done in the house, and the water pressure has gone down, this could be why.

It’s essential to check if the valve is partially open, as this can easily be overlooked. A valve that is not fully open can restrict water flow, leading to low water pressure in your home. If you suspect the valve is partially open, investigate further.

If you see a wheel-like handle on the valve, ensure it is turned entirely in an anticlockwise direction to open the valve fully. If a lever handle is used, the lever should parallel the water pipe when the valve is fully open.

Ensuring that the main shutoff valve is fully open can eliminate one potential cause of low water pressure in your home. If the problem persists after adjusting the valve, it may be necessary to investigate other possible issues or consult a professional plumber.

2. Corroded Steel Pipes

Have you noticed a slow drop in water pressure over the last few years? Then, that could be because of corroded pipes. Now, steel pipes usually get corroded over decades. The corrosion and the scale build-up ultimately block the entire pipe.

But, if you have purchased an old home, the water pipes may already be corroded from the inside, and the water pressure may be low. In such cases, the only thing that you can do is replace the pipes. You may also opt for pipe relining, a less invasive form of pipe replacement.

However, you can replace the copper pipes or plastic water pipes. These will solve the low water pressure problem and ensure you do not face this issue for decades.

3. Faulty Pressure Regulator

Is your pressure regulator failing? Some houses have a pressure regulator attached to the pipes. This acts like a control valve and regulates the water pressure in the plumbing line to protect it from the increased flow of water. Not all houses have them, but it needs to be checked if you do have one.

The water pressure can increase or fall significantly when the pressure regulator falters or you have a broken pressure regulator. The effect will be sudden, and you will notice a change in the water pressure in all the water pipes around the house.

If the regulator falters, you can replace it with a regulator of the same brand and size. However, calling a local plumber to handle this job is best. First, it would be best to shut down the main shutoff valve to change the pressure regulator.

Once that is done, you must turn on the valve and check the water pressure.

4. Open Water MeterValve

A valve is placed right beside the water metre, known as the water meter valve. The main city water supply pipe generally controls this and will primarily be handled by company personnel.

However, if you have had some repair work done in the house or the plumbing system has been changed, the plumbing professionals may have fiddled with this valve. If the water pressure was perfect before the plumbing work, and you notice it has gone down, the water meter valve may not be fully open.

You can find this valve on the outside wall of your house. It may also be in an underground box between your home and the street, basement, or garage. Find the location, and check if the valve handle is parallel to the water pipe. If not, the valve is not fully open, and the handle needs to be turned on.

Fixing Your Low Water Pressure Issues

If you want to check the water pressure, you can use a water pressure gauge. The water pressure gauge must be attached to the outside hose spigot closest to the pressure regulator. If the water pressure is normal, then there is no further issue.

However, if it is still low, you must check all the valves and get professionals to check the water pipes for corrosion. Also, the regulator may malfunction, which needs to be checked.

You may also want to check your plumbing fixtures for any leaking pipes.

Even though you know about the common causes of water pressure, we recommend calling professionals if there is an emergency. They are trained to handle such jobs and can spot the issue immediately. Also, you will not have to spend time on it and can focus on your daily work.

For the best plumbing specialists in Melbourne, make sure you speak to the team at WP Plumbing. We offer professional, high-quality and fast solutions for your water pressure issues.

We hope this guide helps you fix low water pressure in your home!