We always take great water pressure for granted. When our water pressure is low, those morning showers quickly become a source of dread and frustration. Low water pressure doesn’t just reduce our showers to a weak trickle, it affects any part of your home which uses water. Low water pressure will manifest itself in weak toilet flushes and lacklustre faucets. Whilst water pressure loss can happen naturally over time, there are several explanations for low water pressure.
Demand and Supply
If you live in a populated area and notice water pressure issues occur around peak times, this suggests water in your area is in high demand. It is normal for water to decrease in the mornings and evenings, when people are getting ready for work and getting ready for bed or having dinner. You may notice a pattern in your water pressure loss which further confirms this. The strain on your pressure could also be coming from inside your home, if you have multiple tenants.
Maintenance
Recent home maintenance can also affect your water pressure. Any plumbing or internal pipe work could cause valves and pipes to not work as effectively. If air is present in your pipe system, this causes pressure loss. Pressure loss could also be a side effect of maintenance happening in your local area, so keep an eye out in the local news.
Boiler Malfunction
Another common cause of low water pressure is a boiler fault. The pressure relief valve (PRV) should regulate water pressure so pipes are not overwhelmed. If the force is too strong, your pipes and central heating system can become damaged. A faulty PRV can also prevent or stilt water flow, creating a host of issues around your home. Check your boiler pressure gauge for any sign of fluctuating pressure. If you are also constantly topping up your water pressure, this also is a cause for concern.
How To Fix Low Water Pressure
Before contacting a professional, there are a few things you can do at home to fix your water pressure. There are two valves you should monitor when experiencing pressure issues; the main water meter and the main shut off valve. Both of these valves should be open as. The water meter valve is your provider’s responsibility, it should be fully open. The supply pipe usually protrudes from your house outside. Your main house shut off valve should also be open, unless you have needed to shut your water supply off for any reason.
More so, listen for any odd noises in your piping system. If pipes are making a loud banging noise when water is running, this could suggest you are having fluctuating pressure. High water pressure creates noise as the water flow becomes turbulent and vibrates through pipes. If you are hearing noises from your pipes and simultaneously experiencing very low water pressure when you shower, this signals your pressure is very up and down.
When to Enlist a Professional
If you have checked your valves and can spot no concerns, it is time to enlist a professional to solve your water pressure issues. Whilst low pressure may not seem like an imminent issue, there could be an underlying issue within your home’s water system which needs addressing. Experts from Aspect, will be able to check the health of your home water system and find low water pressure causes.
Using modern methods like thermal imaging, audio tests and trace gas tests, experts can perform tests which cause no damage to your home. Once the problem is located, Aspect professionals can regulate pipe pressure by refixing pipes or fitting new valves that may be worn and leaking.
