Discover the Reasons for Low Water Pressure Problems

It's World Water week and we're looking at ways we can reduce our water wastage around the home. Water pressure, or a lack of it, can be a real issue. We want our showers to feel more like a waterfall than a trickle. If you’re suffering from questionable water pressure, there is normally a specific cause. Low water pressure can also be a significant issue for your boiler as certain types of boilers require high water pressure to operate correctly. So, it is important to deal with this issue if you notice it occurring in your home. We’ll be looking at the possible reasons for low water pressure problems and common causes as to why your water flow might be weak and if there is anything you can do to fix it yourself.  

Clean your Showerhead to Reduce Low Water Pressure Problems

Although it seems obvious, it could be as simple as a clogged shower head that is preventing your water pressure from being effective. They often get forgotten about. However, shower heads and taps are one of the prime spots for years of sediment and blockage build-up. So, if functionality and the amount of water flow has reduced over time, this might be the cause. Unfortunately, if you live in a high limescale area this will impact your water supply and this problem can clog hot water pipes and appliances that use hot water (such as your kettle) over time. To remove scale from the showerhead, either use a chemical scale remover or a good white vinegar soak. You can also use an (old) toothbrush to scrub into the showerhead and creases to remove extra sediment that may have built up. You may be surprised with how much is released.  

Install HomeScale Protect

Mr Central Heating recommends the HomeScale Protect for effectively preventing the corrosion and creation of limescale in your water system. HomeScale Protect has an efficiency of over 76% in reducing the limescale on internal plumbing, pipework, valves, taps, shower heads and coils within your heating system. Grab one today and you will quickly notice a significant drop in limescale deposits in your plumbing work. Watch your appliances such as your washing machine work better for longer. You may prefer to get a qualified plumber to do the work for peace of mind.    

Call Your Water Provider

If your pressure is consistently low, there could be an issue with the water flowing from the water mains outside your home. Worst still it could be a burst water main! However, this should be obvious if it is close to your property. If the pressure is low throughout your home, you can call your water provider to discuss your options. Find out if there is a known issue with the water network in your area. They may be able to send someone out and ensure that the flow into your property is the best it can be.  

Do You Have A Leak?

One cause of low water pressure can be a leak in a water pipe. If one of your pipes is releasing water, the pressure can be harder to build. Pay attention to your pipes and look out for any damp patches or drips. If you do find a leak you might be able to patch it up yourself using sealant or washers. Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to call in a plumber as you can make the issue much worse if it is tackled ineffectively. In the interim you should switch off the internal stop tap or shutoff valve on the pipe to end the flow of water and to reduce any potential damage from a water leak.   If you’re still struggling with low water pressure in your home and you can’t find out why, the best option would be to contact a plumber who should be able to tell you why and whether it’s a fixable issue. Find a local plumber with our handy Find an Installer tool. You may need to install a Grundfos shower pump to improve the water pressure.  

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