The signs of low water pressure are unmistakable. Maybe you turn on the tap to rinse your dishes only to find that the water dribbles out, or maybe your luxurious, relaxing shower feels more like a drizzle than a downpour. Low water pressure is a hassle that no homeowner wants to experience, and when it occurs, you want to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
By following a few simple steps, you can begin to diagnose your low water pressure problems and know where to turn for help.
1. Do a quick home inspection.
When you first notice low water pressure, walk quickly through your home and see if there is any water running. Sometimes, the water pressure will decrease in one part of the house when it’s being used in another. Make sure no one is showering, running the dishwasher, watering the lawn, doing a load of laundry or otherwise using water at the moment.
2. Try a hot-cold test.
If no one is actively using water, try running the hot and cold water in the area where you discovered low pressure. If only the hot water is flowing at a reduced rate, the problem is likely your water heater. Stop your diagnosing and contact a professional plumber, such as Sydney Emergency Plumbing.
3. Check the water throughout the house.
In instances where the hot and cold water are both low in pressure, check the pressure in other parts of the house. Turn on the shower and the tub and run the taps in the bathroom and the kitchen. If the problem is widespread, skip to number 6. If not, read on.
4. Pour yourself a glass of water.
Fill up a glass of water from the affected tap, even if it’s in the shower or tub. Check the water quality, looking for debris or discoloration. If you notice poor water quality, the problem could be stemming from corrosion or a clog in your pipes, and you should consult a plumber. If your water is clean, keep reading.
5. Look for leaks.
Take a few moments to look for leaks in the area surrounding the affected taps. Check inside cabinets and along the floor. For a second story water pressure problem, you should also go downstairs and check the ceiling and the walls. In the case of a leak, contact an emergency plumbing service for assistance.
6. See if the problem persists.
Sometimes, water pressure changes can be caused by problems in the water lines that have nothing to do with your home. Wait one or two hours and then try the tap again to see if there is an improvement in pressure. If the problem is resolved, you likely don’t need the help of a plumber unless the problem returns.
7. Check with the water company.
When low water pressure is widespread in a home and persists for more than an hour or two, contact your water company. They may be actively performing work in the area that has temporarily caused a drop in pressures, or there may be a problem in your area that has already been reported and is in the process of being solved.
8. Call for help.
If the water company can’t assist you with a widespread problem or you have a persistent low-pressure problem from one tap, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Whatever the cause of your low water pressure problem, Sydney Emergency Plumbing can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment or request emergency 24-hour service.
