Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

. 7 min read

Everyone enjoys the sensation of hot water flowing over them in the shower. There are few occasions when you can step so completely away from the world and relax, even if just for five or ten minutes.

Of course, the sensation can quickly be ruined if the water goes cold or the pressure is lacking. After all, you want a shower, not a trickle of water. Low water pressure can also be an issue for your appliances. If the water doesn’t fill fast enough in a washing machine it will take longer and use more power to complete the cycle. It is even possible that your machine will be damaged by the low water flow. Of course, the likelihood of damage changes depending on what the cause of low water pressure is.

Replacement parts, such as household pressure pumps, are available online for damaged plumbing components. Replacing your household pressure pump is usually advisable if the current pump is malfunctioning or no longer providing adequate water pressure.

If you notice a significant drop in water pressure throughout your home, it could be a sign that your pressure pump is failing, making daily tasks inconvenient. In the same way, a pressure pump that frequently turns on and off (a behavior known as short cycling) can lead to premature failure.

Unusual or loud noises from the pressure pump could indicate mechanical issues or worn-out components. Pumps that are making grinding, rattling, or clanking sounds may be nearing the end of their lifespan. Any signs of leakage or rust on the pump can be a red flag. These issues can indicate wear and tear, corrosion, or damage to the pump housing and may require replacement.

Household pressure pumps typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on the model and usage. If your pump is older and showing signs of wear, replacing it is best rather than constantly repairing it. Moreover, newer pressure pump models are often more energy-efficient, giving you more money savings on utility bills.

Whenever you have problems with your home plumbing, one of the things you will hear about is the common causes of water problems. Water leakage is one of these causes, and it can be an incredibly frustrating problem if you don't know what to look for. In such a situation, it would be best to call a plumbing service.

In the paragraphs that follow, we will explore these various causes and the methods by which you can combat them. This list may vary, depending on your particular situation and the location in which you live. We hope that it is useful to get a glimpse into what you should be aware of when it comes to the causes of water leaks.
As you go through this article, a very important word of caution for you to remember is this: when you experience leaks or problems with your plumbing, always ask the attention of plumbing experts, such as Mayfair Plumbing & Gasfitting. If you aren’t sure how to deal with it, you can skip trying to do a DIY. Otherwise, you might just make the problem even worse.

Low Pressure or Low Flow

It is important to understand the difference between low water flow and low water pressure. On the face of it these two things seem interchangeable. However, there is a difference and it is important to know what they are. There is little point in treating low water pressure when you have a flow issue.

The flow rate is the amount of water that comes through your taps per minute. An acceptable rate for most households is 0.5-1 liter per second. The flow rate dictates the speed at which you can fill a kettle or other container.

In contrast the pressure is the force of the water. Your average mains fed water system runs at approximately 3 bar. Water pressure is measured by the amount of pressure the water paces against the inside of the pipe that it’s being carried by. The mere fact that it’s in a pipe and not a stream increases the pressure because the water is confined and directed.

To understand the flow versus pressure you need to consider a high flow but low-pressure shower. The water will come through at the right rate but without the pressure it won’t project far from the showerhead. In other words, the water will simply drop to the base of the shower, propelled by gravity. Water with high pressure can be projected away from the showerhead, temporarily resisting gravity and making a more pleasant shower.

You’ll need to measure the pressure in your water pipes to establish whether the pressure is high or low. It’s important to be aware that there are several common causes of low water pressure.

It’s a good idea to be aware of the most common issues although, you may prefer to use the services of a reputable plumber to resolve the issue. There can be a big mess when plumbing repairs go wrong.

Blockages In The Pipes

Over time your water supply pipes can become clogged, restricted the flow, and reducing the pressure of your water.

The most common reason this happens is when pollutants are introduced to the supply line. Although the water comes through a water treatment facility, this only verifies that the water is of good quality when it leaves the plant.

Unfortunately, the water travels through miles of pipes to reach your home. During this trip it can pick up debris from inside the pipes. It can also absorb sand and dirt, especially if a breach occurs in the pipe. This sand and dirt can get trapped in the smaller diameter pipes of your home, partially clogging the pipes. Combine this with the debris collected from inside the pipes and the blockage grows, reducing the pathway for water to get to your home.

You’ll need to unblock the pipes, probably by replacing them, in order to eliminate the pressure issue. It is also possible to flush chemicals carefully through your pipes but you’ll need to make sure the chemicals can’t flow backward and into the main water supply. It’s also important to locate the right section of the pipe.

Corrosion

The pipes outside of your home are generally plastic or rubber. However, the ones in your home will probably be metal. That means they can corrode. A little air introduced into the pipes will encourage the corrosion of the inner surfaces. This corrosion adheres to the inside of the pipes. It builds up over time and starts to block the water, effectively reducing the pressure of your water.

Air can leak into a system from a bad joint, it’s carried in the water, and can even enter from your faucets. In effect, it is virtually impossible to prevent this from happening. While the pipes are designed to last twenty years the corrosion will build up and reduce flow.

The only way to resolve the issue is to remove and replace the pipes.

Leaks

Water tends to leak at joints and this often means they are in cupboards, loft spaces, or under the floor. Unfortunately, this is also where the wood supports for your home live. If water drips onto wood for an extended period of time it will cause the wood to rot. This is known as wet rot and will, over time, affect the structural integrity of your home.

To test if you have a leak the easiest approach is to shut off all appliances that use water but leave the mains tap on. You can then take a water meter reading and wait for an hour before taking another reading.

If the meter reading has changed and no water has been used, you have a leak in your system. The next step will be to trace it. This generally involves visually inspecting all the walls, ceilings, and pipe joints. You’ll find a damp patch that will signify where the leak is. It will need to be repaired in order to protect your home and restore water pressure.

Supply Issues

It is always worth considering supply issues. This is when the water board has reduced the pressure. They can do this intentionally to help deal with extreme drought situations or, it can be a problem with their system.

The main water supply system is made up of pipes, these can also be subject to corrosion and debris build p, reducing the water pressure to all homes on a route. You can check if this is the issue by assessing the water pressure at your neighbor’s house. If you’re all struggling with the same issue then the water board is the logical answer.

Calling the water board is easy and they’ll tell you if there is an issue and when it is likely to be resolved.

Equipment Failure

You may be surprised to discover that many houses have water pressure that is too high. The pressure is strong enough that it damages seals and joints, causing leaks. To prevent this a pressure regulator is fitted into the supply line.

This actually reduces the water pressure. However, if the regulator breaks, which can happen from wear and tear, the pressure can go up or down.

That’s why it’s important to check for a regulator and test it by adjusting the pressure to see if it makes a difference. If it doesn’t, replacing the regulator and setting it to the desired pressure is likely to correct your water pressure issue.

Dealing With Low Water Pressure

There are times when low water pressure is simply the norm for your house. This can be because of its geographical location, the number of houses on the supply route, or a variety of other factors.

If this is the case the best approach is to invest in a water pressure pump. This is fitted into your plumbing system, usually after the hot water tank although it can go on the cold supply. The pump sucks the water in from the mains and pumps it out at a much higher pressure. You can specify the pressure you want the pump to operate at.

However, before you turn the pump up extra high, you should consider the amount of pressure your pipes, joints, and appliances can handle. Destroying the internal washers with excessive pressure will cause your system to spring leaks.

In addition, the higher the water pressure the more water you’ll use. This is potentially harmful to the environment and more costly to your wallet.

Getting the balance right is essential, that’s why you need to contact the professionals. A qualified plumber will help you test your water pressure, identify the issue, and create the best possible solution. More importantly, the pipes won’t leak after they’ve finished adjusting your system



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Mark Thompson

Mark is an Australian Agronomist and a father of two beautiful girls. He enjoys writing about garden design, landscape architecture, DIY, tools, and related topics.

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