Water pressure refers to the force in which your water exits the faucets in your home. For most houses in Australia, the ideal water pressure should fall between 40 – 60 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch). A low water pressure means that your plumbing may not be functioning correctly which can lead to problems such as ineffective cleaning in dishwashers and having to wait longer to fill kitchen items with water. The easiest way to test your water pressure is to connect a water pressure gauge to your exterior hose faucet or washing machine. Read on to discover the top 5 causes of low water pressure and what you can do to identify them yourself.
Valves That Are Partially Closed
If a valve becomes partially obstructed, it can result in low water pressure. To test this, locate all of the shutoff valves on the main water supply line and operate each one to determine if they are working correctly. If any are broken, leaking or seized up, call a plumber to resolve the issue.
If you have low water pressure after recent plumbing repairs, check the meter valve and ensure the handle is parallel to the water pipe. Also ensure the main shutoff valve is open; wheel-like handles turned fully in counter-clockwise direction and lever handles parallel to pipe direction.
Debris In Pipes
Debris such as grime, dirt and solidified oil can cause blockages and lower water pressure. Start by cleaning out the faucet aerator. Disassemble the three parts, rinse and screw back on. Next, clean the sediment from the water pipes by opening the faucets at full force with cold water for 20 minutes until the water runs clear.
Water Lines That Are Corroded
Corroded pipe walls restrict water flow and eventually develop holes. This is particularly evident with steel pipes in old homes that have corroded gradually over decades. If this is the problem, the only solution is to have a plumber repipe the entire system with copper or plastic piping.
Pipes That Leak
Water leaks can misdirect your water flow, causing it to become weaker. Try to identify any pools or wet spots around the pipes. If you find the culprit, wrap a rubber patch around the leaking spot by using electrical tape and a clamp to attach the patch to the pipe until a plumber can fix the problem.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
A failing pressure regulator can result in sudden high or low water pressure. Test the pressure by attaching a gauge to the exterior hose spigot closest to the water main or pressure regulator. The recommended water pressure is 70 PSI. If it’s too low, the regulator will likely need to be replaced.
Still Got Low Water Pressure?
Barker Plumbing Services have over 30 years’ experience in Gold Coast plumbing and can identify your low water pressure problem and fix it quickly. Give us a call today to get started.
