5 Main Causes of Low Water Pressure In Your Home

Low water pressure in your home can cause a range of problems, including weak shower flow, dribbling faucets, toilets taking a long time to fill, washing machines that take longer to complete a cycle and dishwashers that don’t work as efficiently as they used to.
 
So what causes low water pressure and what can you do about it? In this blog, we’ll look at the five main causes of low water pressure in your home and highlight steps you can take to prevent it.

Modern plumbing is made from plastic pipes, but many older homes use copper pipes. These corrode over time, which weakens the joints. So, if your plumbing is more than 25 years old, corrosion could be the problem. The only solution is to replace corroded pipes.

Incorrectly installed pipes can lead to a drop in water pressure at the faucet and shower. This is usually a result of overzealous DIYers installing pipes that are too big. The only way to fix this is to install the correct sized pipes. 

A blocked pipe can impact the flow of water into your property. This is usually caused by tree roots penetrating the main supply pipe. This can be a difficult problem to identify, but if you suspect a blocked water main, contact your local water authority.

Leaking pipes are one of the main causes of low water pressure. Pipes can leak for several reasons, including corrosion, subsidence and damage. A leaking pipe may not be obvious at first, but it will cause dampness and lead to low water pressure if not fixed. 

Mineral deposits and limescale build-up over time narrow the overall diameter of the pipes. This can also trap debris, which leads to blockages. The problem is more prevalent in hard water areas. You can reduce limescale by installing a water softening system. 

The good news is that most low water pressure issues can be prevented by carrying out some basic maintenance tasks. But if you do notice low water pressure, the damage may already be done. Don’t try and fix it yourself, this could make the problem worse. Contact the plumbers at Sidney & Richardson for no-obligation advice.