Many people can become quite frustrated with low water pressure coming through the pipes. Particularly if the pressure is so low, that the flow of water reduces down to a trickle. This usually happens if you are using two different plumbing fixtures at the same time, such as the kitchen tap and the shower. Although you may notice that your water pressure works fine when you are using one of the appliances, you will notice a significant drop in pressure once you start using the second appliance.

In most cases, you will notice that the low water pressure occurs in other areas around the house. However, if you notice that the problem is only occurring in the use of your shower, than it will be advisable to get the shower checked for any obstructions that may be causing the low water pressure.

So what causes it?

There could be various factors involved in experiencing low water pressure. The most common factors usually involve damaged or leaking pipes. Sometimes the pipes can have aged so much that they corrode. It is best to first identify what the main cause of the low water pressure is, before you commence the repair proceedings.

Other reasons for low water pressure can include:

Improper design or installation

Water leaks

Service pipes being blocked

Temporary reductions in pressure due to maintenance works of water mains

It may seem unusual, however the location of your property makes a difference to the water pressure levels. Being based at the top of the hill, for example, is likely to result in low water pressure in comparison to living at the bottom of the hill.

The time of day can also affect your water pressure. For instance the demand for water supply is usually quite high during the day which can affect the water pressure levels. The water pressure may be higher the rest of the day when the demand is lower.

The older houses, or the ones with galvanized iron pipes, are most likely to deal with mineral deposits building up. Hot water and horizontal pipes are an additional contributing factor to this. If you would like some advice on whether this is causing the problem, it is best to call a professional plumber who will check for you the repair work you may need to do.

What is the obligation of the water companies?

The water companies have to keep us supplied with water constantly, and the pressure needs to be enough so that the water can reach the upper floors of the house. However, this does not apply to buildings which use commercial pumped systems, such as blocks of flats.

If you are finding your low water pressure extremely frustrating, the smaller things you can check yourself. However, if the problems are on a much wider scale, such as leaking pipes, or pipe corrosion, your best bet will be to call a plumber. Your plumber will be able to identify what the cause of the problem is and stop the problem from getting any bigger.