What Causes Low Water Pressure in My Home? Our Expert Plumbing Advice

Whether you’re struggling to rinse off in the shower or waiting forever to fill up the sink, low water pressure can certainly be frustrating–especially when it pops up out of nowhere. The good news is that an experienced plumber will be able to both identify and resolve this issue in the vast majority of cases.

With that in mind, let’s explore the main reasons why your water pressure might be low and when it’s time to call in a professional.

General Factors that Impact Household Water Pressure in Melbourne

Although bodies such as South East and North East water maintain a set of standards for flow rates, other factors can influence your level of water pressure. These often include the location, the terrain, and the distance from water sources such as storage tanks or mains. 

Properties on hills or far from infrastructure may experience different pressure levels. The use of gravity-fed systems causes natural fluctuations in pressure across the region, meaning that in some cases, specific pressure levels cannot be guaranteed.

Exploring the Potential Causes

If your low water pressure isn’t a result of the factors we covered above, there could be a wide range of causes at play. Let’s cover some of the most common right now:

1. Debris and Mineral Build-Up in Pipes

Over time, dirt, sand, and mineral deposits may accumulate in your pipes. This congestion will then narrow the flow and reduce water pressure. Because it often occurs more gradually, it’s a little harder to notice at first. If you’re living in an area with a lot of hard water, minerals can also build up inside the pipes and restrict the flow.

The great news is that these issues can often be resolved with a professional plumbing inspection. At Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance, we use advanced CCTV inspections to pinpoint the exact location of the build-up and restore water flow back to the way it should be . 

2. Corroded Pipes

Older plumbing systems, especially those made from materials like galvanised steel, are more prone to corrosion over time. As metal pipes age, they tend to develop rust and other forms of corrosion, especially on the inside. This reduces the diameter of the pipe, narrowing the path through which water flows. 

The restricted space causes a bottleneck, slowing down the flow and resulting in low water pressure. The science behind this is simple: as the internal walls of the pipe corrode, the friction between the water and the pipe increases, slowing the flow rate. In severe cases, corrosion can even lead to further leaks and burst pipes. 

3. Multiple Outlets in Use

Water pressure is always affected by demand. When multiple taps, showers, or appliances are running at the same time, the total volume of water required increases, which can overwhelm an older or under-capacity plumbing system. In these scenarios, the plumbing may not have the capacity to support the higher demand, which ultimately causes pressure to drop. 

This problem is especially prevalent in larger homes or multi-storey buildings, where the water has to travel further. From a scientific perspective, the more water is drawn from a single source, the more resistance it encounters through the pipes, and this reduces the overall pressure at each fixture.

4. Partially Closed Valves

The water flow within your plumbing system is controlled by a series of valves that regulate the amount of water entering each section. If one of these valves, such as the main shutoff valve or valves near individual fixtures, is not fully open, it can and will restrict the flow of water. 

When the valve is partially closed, the pressure decreases because less water is allowed through. Luckily, this issue is fairly simple to correct, as it only requires adjusting the valve to ensure it’s fully open. However, it’s important to check these valves regularly, as even small adjustments will significantly affect your water pressure.

5. Hot Water Pressure Issues

If the pressure only drops when hot water is being used, the hot water system is the most likely culprit. This problem could stem from a variety of causes, including a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, narrow pipes, or blockages in the hot water line. Narrow pipes or debris, for example, could be restricting the water flow, while a faulty pressure relief valve may not allow the system to release pressure properly. 

The drop in pressure occurs because the system can’t supply hot water efficiently when there are obstructions or mechanical faults, increasing the resistance to flow and reducing the pressure available at your taps. In this case, simply give us a call, and we’ll provide you with first-class water supply services.

Whether you’re experiencing issues with a hot water service in Port Melbourne, Templestowe , Plenty, Brighton, Lalor, Doncaster East, Essendon, or Preston, we’re available Melbourne wide. All work carried out by Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance is completed by a team of qualified, registered, and licensed plumbers.

6. Water Leaks

Water leaks, particularly any that are hidden and hard to spot, can significantly impact overall water pressure across your household plumbing system. Why? In most cases, these leaks tend to divert water away from its intended path, which then lowers the overall pressure. Water leaks also waste valuable water, opening the door to higher utility bills and potential property damage. 

On a basic level, a leak in the system results in water being lost before it reaches its destination, and the more significant the leak, the greater the pressure drop experienced by fixtures.

7. Municipal Water Supply Issues

Low water pressure doesn’t always originate from your personal plumbing system. Sometimes, the issue lies with your local water supplier, whose infrastructure could be damaged, undergoing maintenance, or experiencing other issues that affect water delivery. In these cases, the pressure drop is caused by external factors, such as a reduction in the supply or a failure in the local water distribution system. 

This is often beyond your control, and if internal causes are ruled out, it’s worth checking with your water supplier to see if they are experiencing issues that could affect your water pressure. Yarra Valley Water’s faults and outage map is a great resource for this info, so be sure to check it out!

When to Call in a Professional

While there are a few quick fixes for some of the issues listed above, persistent low water pressure often requires professional help. Here’s why you should reach out to the experts.

Diagnosing Complex Issues

If the cause of your low water pressure isn’t immediately obvious, it’s time to call in the professionals. Corroded pipes, hidden leaks, and pressure issues within your hot water system are best left to the experts who have the tools, equipment, and experience to identify and fix the problem for good.

Upgrading Your System

If your household is growing, or if you’re simply using more water than your current system can handle, this might be the perfect time to upgrade. If this is something you’re interested in, make sure to get in touch with us today! The Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance team can assess your needs and recommend upgrades to improve your home’s water supply system.

Peace of Mind

Without a doubt, one of the biggest advantages of working with a professional is peace of mind At Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance, we provide transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or charges–Everyhting’s explained clearly so that you know exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost.

Get Help from the Solutions Plumbing Team Today

If you’re experiencing low water pressure in your home, don’t wait for it to get worse. Low pressure can indicate hidden issues like leaks or corrosion that can escalate over time. Our lines are open 24/7, and we have professional plumbers who have the knowledge and equipment to solve every plumbing issue in the book.

Whether it’s an urgent leak or a slow drip that’s disrupting your day-to-day, we’re just a call away. We also offer upfront pricing, so there are no surprises along the way. So, if you need a reliable plumber in St Kilda, Moonee Ponds, Kew or any other corner of Melbourne, get in touch with us via 0448 535 629 and let’s get your water pressure flowing smoothly again!