Low water pressure can be a real pain. If the plumbing system in your home is suffering from low water pressure, you should take steps to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Below is a guide to 3 possible causes of low water pressure.

Blocked Pipes

Over time, minerals, dirt and debris can build up on the inside of the pipes in your home, causing blockages. These blockages impede the flow of water and cause the water pressure within the system to drop. A plumber will be able to add a bio-cleaning product to your plumbing system to help to remove the build up of minerals and debris within the pipes.

Leaking Pipes

A leaking pipe will also cause the water pressure in your home to drop, as not all of the water in the system will make it to its intended location. You should check your home for signs of a water leak. The most obvious signs of a leak include water dripping down a wall, a leaking ceiling, a toilet which continuously runs, or a dripping tap. However, there are other less visible leaks which may be located deep within the pipes of your plumbing system. 

If you suspect that the leak is occurring deep in your plumbing system, you should carry out a simple test by performing the following actions:

  • Turn off all taps and other appliances which use water
  • Wait a few minutes for the water to settle within the system and then take a reading from your water meter
  • After a few hours, read the meter again and check if the reading has increased. If the reading has increased, it is highly likely you have a leak deep within the plumbing system.

If you suspect that the leak is occurring deep within the plumbing system, you may need to call in a professional plumber to get it fixed.

A Faulty Water Heater

If you only experience low water pressure when you use the hot water system in your home, it is likely that a faulty water heater is to blame. The most likely problem is that the shutoff valve being partially in the closed position or a build up of sediment around the outflow pipe. You should check the valve is fully opened and if the problem persists have the hot water system inspected by a qualified plumber.

If you would like further help, assistance or advice, you should contact a professional plumbing contractor.

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