Low Water Pressure in Your Home

​Having low water pressure in your property can be extremely frustrating. When you turn on your tap you will expect to have enough force and volume to fill a kettle. If this is not the case, then it means that the water coming out of your tap will be at a very slow pace or a trickle such that washing your hands even feels like a chore. With lower water pressure, having a shower or using the rest room becomes even more challenging.  Lower water pressure will also mean it takes a long time to fill a tank or cistern.
 
Pressure is the force that helps transport water through the pipes to their final destination e.g. a tap or shower head. There are multiple reasons for low water pressure. The amount of pressure at your tap may depend on:

• how high the service reservoir or water tower is above your home
• the water consumption of your neighbours
• the height of your property e.g. properties on higher ground (top of the hill) may have lower water pressure compared to properties in a valley or at the bottom of a hill
• the water mains is too small
• reduced pressure from the water supply network in the area due to water leakage, blocked pipes, or equipment failures
• inadequate pumping facilities
• the level of demand during the day. The mornings and evenings are when the demand for water is high so it might lead to low pressure
• obstructed shut off valve because of recently completed building work as the valves may not be fully opened
• clogged water pipes especially if water is transported into your home through iron pipes. Overtime iron tends to rust and could break off leading to an obstruction in the system.
• Weak water pump which means the pump is not working at full operating capacity. If the pump is over two years, then it could be malfunctioning or is not powerful enough.
• some modern appliances cannot work below certain low water pressure levels e.g. water heaters and showers

 
When you have low water pressure before you call a plumber

• check if your neighbours are having the same issue
• walk around your area to see if there is any disruption in the water supply network or there are road works which means that water pressure has been reduced
• check if there is a water leak or burst pipe in your property first then
• check if there is a burst pipe within your area which may reducing the pressure of water to your property

If you have low water pressure and you have read through our article, you might work out the source of the problem. It could either be a problem with your water supply company or an issue with your internal water systems. If you identified any of the issues raised that do not relate directly to your home, then call your water supply company.

Otherwise, call a qualified plumber who may recommend the following actions
 
Install a water pressure booster pump
This is the go-to solution if the low water pressure is not caused by any of the other scenarios listed above. A water pressure booster pump can be used in flats, houses, or properties of any size. They are a cheap option to boost the water pressure in a property. They pass water into the pump from the mains supply and eject it into the home water system at a higher pressure. However, note that a water pressure booster pump cannot be connected directly to the mains water pressure as the added pressure can damage the mains pipework.
 
Replace water pipes
If there are clogged pipes or the pipes are leaking water, then the best option may be to replace the pipe system. This may be a more expensive option but may be necessary if it is the only viable option. Therefore, we recommend regular maintenance of the plumbing system to avoid such expensive situations.
 
Modern appliances
Always seek your water company’s advice before installing modern heating appliances and showers as these appliances do not work when the water pressure is below certain levels. Your water company will check the water pressure levels in your area and advice if the pressure is sufficient for your equipment.
 
Adopting a maintenance programme for your plumbing systems is a great way of mitigating low water pressure and other plumbing issues. Make sure that your pipes are checked regularly so that any issues with clogging or water leaks can be addressed immediately.