How to fix low water pressure

If your water appliance is flowing out much slower than normal, then it sounds like you’re dealing with low water pressure.


Low water pressure can affect one fixture at a time, such as your shower, or it can affect the entire house. Not only is it inconvenient to try to wash up or shower with low water pressure, but it can be disruptive to your lifestyle if not fixed soon enough.


In this article, we’ll help you discover the signs of low water pressure, unpack the causes of low water pressure, and discuss ways to fix it.


Is my water pressure low?


Once switched on, your appliances should always have a strong and steady flow of water. If your water flow is weaker or the pressure is fluctuating, this indicates low water pressure.


The most common signs of low water pressure include:



  • A reduced or fluctuating water flow

  • It’s slower to fill fixtures such as the bathtub or sink

  • Your water pressure is below 40 psi


What causes low water pressure?


There are a few causes of low water pressure that come from both inside and outside the home.


These include:



  • Blocked, damaged or leaking pipes

  • A broken pressure regulator

  • A water supply shortage

  • Running multiple appliances at once


If you suspect that a pipe is blocked or may need repair but can’t find the source of the problem, a CCTV survey can identify the issue for you.


At Lanes, we can carry out all the necessary drain surveying and inspection services needed to find the cause of your low water pressure.


Discover why our National CCTV Centre has a culture of excellence in our article ‘National CCTV Centre Achieves Latest ‘Phenomenal’ Milestone’ or find out more information about our CCTV Drain Surveys by calling us on 0800 526 488.


What to do if the water pressure is low?


If you’ve noticed your water pressure is low, it's time to find out why. This will help you determine if there’s a quick DIY fix or if you need to call in the Lanes drainage professionals.


Here are some tips for addressing low water pressure:



  • Inspect your entire plumbing system for any leaks or damage

  • Test the pressure regulator to ensure it’s working properly

  • Call your water supplier to see if there are any supply interruptions

  • Install a booster pump

  • Replace or reline drain pipes


How does low water pressure affect daily life?


Low water pressure is inconvenient and can significantly slow down your day-to-day tasks. Frustrating tasks related to low water pressure include taking showers that can’t supply you with enough water, washing the dishes or filling a bathtub may seem like it takes forever, and some appliances like the washing machine may be prevented from working properly.


It's better to keep on top of your drain maintenance than wait for an emergency. Discover the best ways to look after your drains in our article ‘How to maintain your drains’.


The good news is that if you ever have a drain or sewer-related emergency, we have you covered with 24/7, 365 emergency drain and sewer services.


DIY ways to fix low water pressure


Now that you know the warning signs to look out for and how low water pressure can occur, it's time to discuss DIY solutions.
You can sometimes fix low water pressure yourself by:


Cleaning and removing blockages or mineral build-up


You can clean and remove any buildup on your taps, showerheads, faucets or completely replace them. You may also need to flush the pipes or unblock your appliances, such as ‘unblocking the dishwasher’.


Checking for leaks


Inspect your pipes for visible leaks, such as damp spots or water around fixtures. You can also conduct a pressure test with a water pressure gauge to identify hidden leaks. Minor leaks can sometimes be fixed with sealant, but please consult a professional for larger repairs.


Finding out if the water pressure is low in your whole area


Check your water utility provider's website for details and updates to see if there are any supply issues, or call them to check the water pressure in your area.


Installing a booster pump


Booster pumps are commonly fitted to increase the water flow to your plumbing system. A ‘plug and play’ unit is the best DIY booster pump solution as it requires no additional components for installation.


What should I do if DIY methods don’t work?


If your DIY methods haven't resolved your low water pressure, it's time to call in the professionals, as the issue may be deeper within your drains.


At Lanes, we can conduct drain surveys and inspections so that you can know whether the low water pressure is caused by damage to your pipework.


It’s our job to identify any blockages that you may face. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.

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