Common Signs Of Water Pressure Problems
It’s easy to tell when you have a problem with high or low water pressure. For example, low water pressure will cause the water from your taps to slow to a trickle. Or perhaps your shower head has gone from a peaceful, medium flow to bucketing down hard with high water pressure!
There are times, however, when it may be less obvious. That’s when things get tricky. Luckily, you’re not on your own. Mr Emergency provides plumbing solutions for your water pressure concerns. From advice to repairs, our expert plumbers are always on call to fix your home’s water pressure.
In the meantime, some clues to watch out for include:
- Your taps whistle and bang when you turn them on and off
- Appliances which use water take longer to complete their cycles (e.g. dishwashers and washing machines)
- It takes longer than usual for sinks and bathtubs to fill up
- A water pressure gauge shows unusual readings.
Can your household plumbing system pass the water pressure test? If you are experiencing any of these high or low water pressure problems, contact Mr Emergency for quick service.
We operate 24/7, every day of the year, at the same rates. That’s right, we’re available on public holidays at no extra charge.
What Causes Water Pressure to Change?
There is always a good reason as to why your water pressure is low or high. As per Australian regulations, household water pressure must sit at 500 kilopascals (kPa).
In older homes, water pressure is unlikely to have been regulated. Therefore, you could have plenty of issues caused by the improper installation of pipes and valves.
Meanwhile, you might be experiencing low or high water pressure for a number of external factors, including:
- Leaking pipes
- Old or faulty fixtures
- Blocked pipes full of debris or corrosion
- Faulty or improper valves
- Hot water system issues
- Excessive thermal expansion of heated water
Whatever the reason, Mr Emergency plumbers can promptly diagnose, service and resolve it. Our team of experts carry all the necessary tools for fast repairs. We can even be at your door within 30 minutes* of your call.
Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?
Imagine taking a shower with just a drizzle or trying to rinse your dishes with a mere trickle from the faucet. Frustrating, right? If you’re experiencing low water pressure, it can turn even the simplest daily tasks into tedious chores. But why does this happen?
Several reasons could be at play:
- Blocked pipes: Over time, mineral deposits, sediment, or even rust can accumulate inside your main water supply pipe, causing blockages that restrict water flow.
- Leaks: Even a small leak in your plumbing can result in a significant drop in water pressure. It’s like trying to drink from a straw with a tiny hole; it just doesn’t work efficiently.
- Old plumbing: Outdated systems or corroded pipes often can’t sustain a steady water flow, leading to decreased pressure.
- Valve issues: If the main shut-off valve isn’t fully open, or if there’s a problem with the pressure regulator, it can affect the water pressure in your entire house.
- High demand: How much water do you use? Sometimes, if multiple water using appliances or fixtures are in use simultaneously (like showers, washing machines, and sprinklers), the system can become overwhelmed, causing a temporary dip in pressure.
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, it’s essential to get to the root of the problem. In most cases, it can be difficult to find the cause of the problem.
Consult with a professional plumber from Mr Emergency to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your home’s water pressure and flow are at optimum level.
Is There Such Thing as Too Much Water Pressure?
You might think that when it comes to water pressure, the more, the merrier, right? After all, who doesn’t love a strong, pulsating shower? Most people want to increase water pressure.
But here’s a twist: there’s such a thing as too much water pressure, and it’s not a friend to your home.
Here’s why:
- Pipe damage: Pipes are designed to handle a specific pressure range. Exceeding this can strain them, leading to leaky pipes or even bursts over time.
- Fixture stress: Ever noticed how a tap can “spit” water aggressively? That’s an indicator of excessive pressure. Over time, this can wear out your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, leading to malfunctions or leaks.
- Appliance lifespan: Household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers aren’t built for super-high pressure. Exposing water using appliances to such conditions can shorten their lifespan and affect performance.
- Higher water bills: More pressure means more water being forced out with each use. This can inadvertently lead to increased water consumption, reflecting on your bills.
- Possible water wastage: With too much pressure, the chances of leaks and bursts rise, leading to significant water wastage.
In essence, while it’s great to have a strong water flow rate, there’s a golden mean to be sought. You may need a water pressure test. How is it measured?
If you suspect your home’s water pressure might be too high, a pressure gauge can help you confirm, and adjustments can be made accordingly. Always remember – balance is key.
Is water flow that important? Yes, it is. And you’ll be able to tell the difference with your water meter reading. It’s not just a pressure tank situation, you’ll see that any house faucet and your front garden tap will both perform better.
It won’t require booster pumps to improve pressure and flow. Whether your system is low flow or high flow, your meter reading will tell you how much water pressure you need. Remember, your water main will affect the force of your supply.
It might depend on your water source, but water supply is the key to avoiding corrosion and a substandard flow rate.
Benefits of Pressure Limiting Valves
Pressure limiting valves (PLV) monitor and reduce the pressure of water flowing through it. This means higher pressure water cannot flow into your home.
You’ll find that a PLV (sometimes called a pressure reducing valve) is often installed alongside a storage tank water system or water meter. These locations are the key water inlets for any home.
When the pressure is too high for your pipes and fixtures, you can experience loud banging, known as water hammer. This occurs when fast moving water is suddenly stopped when you turn the tap off.
If you choose to leave your high pressure unattended, at best your home will experience no consequences. Perhaps some loud banging, and your taps will need replacing sooner.
At worst, however, your home might experience a burst pipe and flooding when you least expect it. Additionally, older homes aren’t required to have pressure limiting valves installed. This puts many properties at risk.
We recommend all homes, old and new, have pressure limiting valves installed. It will safely reduce the water pressure coming from the mains water supply or your hot water system. A new PLV is the perfect solution for any home experiencing high water pressure.
Quality Water Pressure Services
Mr Emergency is proud to be the home of your emergency plumbing experts. When you call Mr Emergency to install, service or repair your plumbing, we can be at your door within 30 minutes.* It’s why so many customers keep coming back: there’s no delay for urgent repairs.
Meanwhile, our water pressure experts are available 24/7, every day of the year. We’re always on call during public holidays, at the same great rates. Forget the extra after hours or weekend charges, we deliver quality services at a consistent price.
Mr Emergency plumbers carry spare parts in fully stocked vans. Any repairs or installations can be performed on the spot with no delay.
Our professionals are fully qualified and undergo regular training to keep up with the latest plumbing techniques and technology. When you’re in need of higher water pressure or just need to replace your front garden tap, give the experts at Mr Emergency a call.
In addition, all of our work and parts come with a 12-month warranty. This means you receive the best possible service on jobs big or small.
Interest Free** Payment Plans
There’s no need to fear the bill when you call Mr Emergency. We will efficiently solve any problem with your low or high water pressure. We understand that emergencies don’t happen at convenient moments, particularly when it comes to the household budget.
That’s why we offer eligible customers a range of interest free** payment plans to help alleviate trouble with your low water pressure or excessive flow.
Simply choose a payment plan with one of our providers, Zip or Humm. You get the flexibility of weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, depending on your choice of provider. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so there’s no upfront cost.
Our water pressure specialist can take you through the easy application process and approval usually takes only a few minutes. Then Mr Emergency can get started on fixing your water flow. Most homes would welcome an improved water flow rate.
We also accept payment by cash, cheque, direct transfer and credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).
It’s the perfect way to tackle emergencies with no delay. Your plumbing system will thank you for choosing Mr Emergency.
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