Getting to the Root of the Problem
Low water pressure is something that most property owners will find themselves dealing with. Here at LKG Daughters, we have seen all kinds of issues leading to low water pressure. Here are some of the most common, along with when you should take advantage of our emergency plumbing services.
A leaking pipe
A leak somewhere in your plumbing system is one of the most common causes of a drop in water pressure. When water is escaping, less of it reaches your taps and appliances, leading to weak pressure. The problem is, that leak could be anywhere! That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for things like a sudden unexplained rise in your water bill or damp patches on your walls or ceilings. Leaks can cause a lot of damage, so don’t be afraid to call us at any time of day to get it fixed.
Blocked pipes
Just like a leaking pipe, a blocked pipe can lead to a drop in water pressure, too. The cause of this is the same as when a leak occurs, only this time the lack of water comes from it not being able to pass through the pipe to your taps and appliances. Clogged pipes can be caused by anything from hard water to rust. Left alone, they can eventually corrode or burst, which will leave you with much more disruption and expense. So do get in touch with us.
Issues with a pressure reducing valve
In areas where mains pressure is naturally high, many properties have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) fitted on the mains supply. This is to regulate the pressure entering your property and protect your pipework. Most of the time, it does its job perfectly! Sometimes though, a PRV can fail or become blocked, and this leads to pressure dropping too low rather than being kept at an ideal level. So if you have a PRV in your property and your pressure has dropped recently, that could be the cause.
A partially closed stopcock
The main stopcock in your property controls the flow of water into your home. If it has been partially closed at any point, whether that was by someone carrying out prosperous work or just from being knocked accidentally, your water pressure could be affected. Your stopcock should be under the kitchen sink or where the mains supply enters the property, and it’s worth checking that it’s fully open before you take any other action. Turn it fully anticlockwise, but don’t force it if it isn’t budging.
Other causes
Other causes of low water pressure can include:
- Times of high demand
- A failing boiler (this tends to affect hot water pressure only)
- Leaking radiators
- Air trapped in the system after bleeding radiators
We’re here to help
If you notice a drop in your water pressure, give us a call right away. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we will work quickly to find out what is causing the problem.