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If you’ve turned on the taps and the water is not flowing at its usual rate, there could be a number of reasons for this. Below we’ll discuss some of the reasons why your home might be experiencing poor water pressure.
Planned or emergency works in your local area
It is possible that the water pressure issues you are experiencing are being caused by planned or emergency works happening in your area. These could be planned maintenance or a plumbing emergency such as a burst water main. If the works are planned, then locals in the area are often notified in advance so that they can make alternate plans. You can view reports of planned and emergency works happening on the Yarra Valley Water website. If you can’t find works happening near you then check with your neighbours to see whether their plumbing is being affected. If their plumbing is fine, then it’s probable that the water pressure issue lies within your property.
Another way to check who is responsible for the problem is the “Bucket Test”. Ensure the stop tap on the water meter is fully open, fill a 10L bucket using the tap closest to the water meter, and time how long it takes to fill. If it takes longer than 30 seconds to fill, then this indicates there is an issue with the supply of water to the property (call the water supplier), but if it fills within 30 seconds then this indicates the issue is most likely on your property (call a plumber).
Water leak or burst pipe
If the issue is on your property, the first reason may be that you have a water leak or a burst water pipe. Take a reading of your water meter at a time when you don’t need to use water for an hour or two, then take another reading after this time has elapsed. If there is a difference in the readings you may have a water leak. In the case of a leak, you should immediately call the professionals in water leak detection in Melbourne. O’Shea Plumbing have specialty pipe and leak detection equipment to investigate, find and fix domestic and commercial water leaks.
We understand that water leaks can be dangerous for your home, so we’re committed to finding and fixing all leaks quickly and efficiently. O’Shea’s accredited professionals can conduct replacements, repairs, alterations, servicing and testing.
Corroded water pipes
Another reason for poor water pressure may be due to old galvanised iron water pipes that are corroded inside, greatly restricting the flow of water to your home’s taps. In this case, it is likely you will need to replace the pipes – call O’Shea Plumbing to give you a fast quote!
It is surprising to some clients that fitting a pressure reduction valve (PRV) is recommended at the same time that the cold water pipes are replaced. The PRV works to reduce the water pressure to 500 kpa to protect mixing taps, appliances and to help prevent water hammer. The reason the PRV is recommended is because in some areas the pressure in the water main is high, but because of the restriction in the old galvanised iron pipes the flow through the pipes is poor. Once the new pipes are fitted the flow of water will be greatly increased, even with the PRV fitted.
If you are experiencing issues with water pressure or have another general plumbing enquiry call O’Shea Plumbing on (03) 9888 2887. Call for a fast quote – we’ll come running!