9 Causes of Low Water Pressure at Home and How to Fix the Issue

Having low water pressure in your home is always a frustrating experience. Getting a slow trickle when there should be a steady stream can make daily activities like showering and washing the dishes all but unbearable. 

Low water pressure can be even more serious in Dunedin. Unlike most other cities in New Zealand, Dunedin occasionally experiences freezing temperatures, particularly in the early winter mornings. If your home lacks water pressure, the water in your pipes can freeze more easily, resulting in leaks and other kinds of property damage.

Fortunately, virtually all of the most common causes of low water pressure are fixable. Knowing these potential causes can help you address the issue efficiently, saving you time and ensuring there’s sufficient water pressure available for your daily needs. If you come across a plumbing issue that you’re not sure you can handle, be sure to call the plumbers Dunedin homeowners depend on.

That being said, here are some reasons why you might be having low water pressure at home and how to address them:

1. Closed Valves

Sometimes, low water pressure is simply caused by partially closed water valves. The good thing is that this issue is easy enough to resolve yourself. Simply check your home’s main shutoff valve and the individual fixture valves and open them properly.

Note that valves are sometimes purposefully closed or left partially shut for a reason. As mentioned, temperatures in Dunedin occasionally dip below freezing. So, property owners who only stay in Dunedin for part of the year may shut off the mains supply and drain it before they leave to keep their pipes from freezing while they’re away. There are also times when water pressure needs to be kept intentionally low, such as when the home has an old plumbing system that cannot handle high pressure. In the latter case, you may want to avoid opening the main shutoff valve all the way and consider having professional plumbers update your plumbing.

2. Clogged Pipes

Over time, mineral deposits, rust, and debris can accumulate inside your pipes, leaving less room for water to flow. This is especially common in older homes and houses with well water systems. When this happens, you may have to call emergency plumbing services to clean or replace the affected pipes, as it can be difficult to isolate the clogs without professional tools and know-how.

3. Leaking Pipes

When you have leaks in your plumbing system, the volume of water that can go through pipes and spigots is significantly lower and thus lowers water pressure. Leaks are a very serious issue with implications beyond just low pressure because they can cause property damage and encourage the growth of harmful mould. Some leaks are easily addressed, but you may still want to call an emergency plumber to make sure the job is done correctly.

4. Faulty Pressure Regulator

Pressure regulators control the water pressure entering your home. Generally, these devices have a finite lifespan, and many of them can malfunction prematurely. Old or failed regulators can cause a sudden drop in pressure and will need to be replaced and calibrated by qualified plumbers.

5. Municipal Water Supply Issues

Sometimes, the water pressure problems you’re experiencing have nothing to do with your home. Maintenance work or a sudden demand surge in your area can lead to temporary low pressure on the main supply. Peak usage times, such as early morning or late evening, can also show that the demand for water exceeds supply and results in lower pressure. Contact your local water provider to see if there are any known issues. If so, the only thing left to do is to wait out the problem.

7. Old Fixtures

Over time, old taps and showerheads can become clogged with sediment. There are some temporary fixes that you can try but eventually, you will have to replace old fixtures, preferably with new, high-efficiency models. 

8. Pipe Corrosion

Older galvanised steel pipes are quite prone to corrosion, which can reduce the usable pipe volume and negatively affect water pressure. For that reason, galvanised pipes have largely been supplanted by those made with non-corroding materials like copper or cross-linked polyethylene. If you’re still using galvanised pipes at home, call professional plumbers to have the old fixtures replaced.

9. Pressure Tank Problems (For Homes with Well Water)

Homes using well water systems often need a pressure tank to maintain steady pressure. Well water is typically “hard” and full of minerals which means that these systems are often choked with sediment. Additionally, pressure tanks can fail due to age or a lack of maintenance, resulting in inconsistent pressure. Simply put, pressure tanks should be periodically checked for issues like waterlogging or pressure switch problems so that they can be repaired or replaced when needed.

Take Proactive Steps to Avoid Low Water Pressure

Modern plumbing systems are more reliable than they’ve ever been. However, regular maintenance and timely repairs are still key to ensuring a steady and reliable water supply in your home. Plumbing issues like low water pressure can be complicated and create a major impact on your quality of life, so don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if the needed fixes are more than you can handle. If you need help from professional plumbers, get in touch with us here at Mains Plumbers right away. You may call us at 03-488-6000 or 027-436-6058 or email us at office@mainsplumbers.co.nz. You may also fill out our contact form to send us a message.