Effective Low Water Pressure Remedies For Your Home

What causes low water pressure?

There are several common culprits behind low water pressure:

• Corrosion and mineral accumulation in older galvanised steel pipes can inhibit flow and reduce water pressure over time
• Clogged pipes or aerators from accumulated sediment or debris can obstruct flow and cause low water pressure
• To resolve low water pressure at home, check the pressure regulator for malfunctions as improper function can lead to decreased pressure.
• High water demand or planned works in your area affecting your low water pressure during peak usage times, especially in the mornings
• Trapped air in pipes can lead to situations where low water pressure can occur, prompting further investigation about your plumbing system

Identifying the root cause is crucial before attempting to increase your water pressure and may require expert evaluation. Consulting with a plumber can help accurately identify the cause of low water pressure in your hot water system and ascertain the best solution, such as replacing pipes, installing pressure-boosting devices, or repairing leaks.

Checking for leaks or blockages

For a more comprehensive water pressure evaluation, inspect your home’s plumbing capacity for leaks or blockages that may be affecting it.

1. Examine all visible pipes, joints, valves, and fixtures for signs of leaks or mineral deposits that could interfere with water meter readings. Focus on galvanised steel pipes found in older homes, which might necessitate turning off the water for a thorough inspection. Look in your front garden bed near the main water line entry point.
2. Confirm that all taps are closed, preventing excess water from escaping unchecked. Locate your property’s main valves to turn off water supply, typically found on your front boundary water meter or outside near the front garden tap. Open and then seal the stop valve completely to expel any trapped air and verify it’s working correctly.
3. Conduct a water pressure test on your home’s supply using a pressure gauge attached to an outside garden tap while ensuring no other water outlets inside the house are being used at the same time. Pressure readings should exceed 50 psi. Readings below 40 psi, especially if affecting hot water, indicate a need for further investigation of your water pressure.
4. If low water pressure affects your entire household, compare the hot and cold water pressure by operating several outlets simultaneously with a pressure gauge attached. In most cases, inconsistencies may pinpoint culprit fixtures like washing machines, dishwashers or issues with your water heater.
5. If no water leak is found on your property and blockages are cleared, yet pressure issues persist, contact a licensed plumber for a more detailed assessment of your internal plumbing and connection to the local water supply.

Inspecting fixtures and aerators

Inspecting for any issues that can reduce water flow per fixture and aerators is an important troubleshooting step for low water pressure issues. Here are some tips:

1. To begin fixing a clogged aerator, remove the aerators (screens) from your taps using small wrenches or pliers. Check for any blockage or debris and rinse thoroughly.
2. Inspect and replace any damaged or deteriorated rubber washers within the faucet heads.
3. Look for mineral deposits from hard water clogging your shower heads and tap fixtures. Soak them in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to dissolve any buildup.
4. Examine toilet valves and flappers for sediment build-up or wear and tear. Adjust or replace parts as needed.
5. It’s time to check and make sure washing machine hoses and valves are clear of obstructions. Use a wire coat hanger to gently dislodge any debris.
6. After reassembling fixtures and aerators, test the water flow; if issues remain, seek professional plumbing assistance. Persistent issues may necessitate a call to your professional for servicing of internal pipes and valves.

Taking these basic steps can often restore normal water pressure by clearing simple fixture clogs before exploring more complex plumbing repairs.

Adjusting pressure regulators

A water pressure regulator stabilizes and can improve the incoming water flow, thereby regulating pressure at your residence. They’re typically located near the main water shutoff valve on the home’s supply line. Pressure should be set between 50-80 psi, enough to allow a substantial water flow rate per minute for optimal flow.

Here’s how to check and adjust your regulator if needed:

1. Locate the regulator attached to the main water line on the home’s exterior. It may be underground in the front yard.
2. Utilise a water pressure gauge to measure the pressure at an external tap, with gauges available for $20-50 at hardware stores.
3. If the pressure falls below 50 psi, gradually turn the adjustment screw clockwise using a screwdriver. Test again until desired pressure is reached.
4. Do not increase the pressure beyond 80 psi to prevent damage to the pipes and fixtures.
5. If unable to achieve stable pressure despite adjustments, you’ll likely need professional replacement of the regulator.

Even though regulators often remain stable, it’s wise to check the pressure yearly or if problems arise. You can contact your local plumber to help ensure optimal regulator function.

Installing a booster pump

A booster pump, a small device designed to amplify the water pressure in homes with chronic low pressure from their own pipes or limited municipal supplies, can be an effective solution. Installation of a water pressure booster is suitable for homes experiencing persistently low pressure below 50 psi.

Having a qualified plumber install a booster pump system to fix low water flow is highly recommended. An additional pressure tank is also installed to regulate the pressure flow rate and maintain consistent pressure. Installation costs typically range from $1000-2000 depending on system complexity.

It involves splicing the pump into your main water line, either outside or inside your home depending on climate and access.

Once installed, the pump activates with water coming through at a faucet, automatically maintaining stronger water pressure through all your plumbing fixtures. This ensures a dependable water flow for showers, taps, appliances, and the household’s entire water system. Just be sure not to set the pressure too high as that can damage pipes.

For homes in your area struggling with chronically low municipal water pressure that simple fixes can’t resolve, a professionally installed booster pump system can restore normal pressure and improve convenience significantly.

When to call a professional

It’s time to call in a professional plumber when DIY troubleshooting has been exhausted without resolving your low water pressure issues. This is especially true when:

• There are leaks detected on the home’s main incoming water line or at the municipal connection point that require repairs
• Adjusting your pressure regulator does not resolve your low water pressure, or if there are issues at the water main, the regulator likely needs replacing.
• Installing a water booster pump system is sought after to permanently fix low water pressure in your pipes
• Pressure is unstable with significant fluctuations noticed from fixture to fixture
• Plumbing work is required on pipes that supply water to multiple units in an apartment complex or commercial building

Our team of licensed plumbers are adept at diagnosing low-pressure challenges and restoring system integrity, regardless of whether the issues originate from private property or public main lines. We can advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to restore your home’s water pressure and flow capacity based on a thorough inspection.

For a free estimate and the latest updates on plumbing solutions, consider following us on our North Ryde Plumbing blog, your top-rated local plumbing company.

Preventive maintenance

Being proactive with routine plumbing maintenance can prevent low water pressure problems from occurring or worsening over time. Here are some key preventive measures to follow:

• Seasonally inspect visible water pipes for potential leaks, corrosion, and mineral buildup. Replace ageing steel pipes that may restrict water flow.
• Test the pressure at outdoor taps with a gauge yearly, with fixtures both running and not in use.
• Clean fixture aerators and showerheads every 3-6 months to prevent clogging.
• Examine toilet valves and supply lines annually for sediment or damage.
• Have regulators inspected and adjusted by a plumber every 2-3 years to ensure optimal 50-80 psi.
• Schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection to seek methods for enhancing pressure.

Being diligent with routine maintenance lets you preemptively catch and address minor issues before they evolve into major problems like persistent low pressure, leaks or pipe failures down the track. Investing in prevention reduces costs long-term while keeping your plumbing system operating reliably.