There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on the tap and getting a weak trickle, especially when you’re trying to shower, wash dishes, or run the sprinkler. For many Ipswich homeowners, low water pressure can interrupt daily routines and point to underlying issues in the plumbing system. From simple issues like a closed valve to deeper problems like corrosion or underground leaks, there are plenty of reasons water pressure can drop. Some can be fixed with a quick DIY check, while others might need a plumber’s help.
In this post, we’ll discuss 9 common causes of low water pressure in your home and what you can do to fix them.
1. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves
If your water pressure has dropped suddenly, one of the first things to check is whether any valves in your plumbing system have been left partially closed. These valves control the flow of water into different parts of your home, and even a slight turn can noticeably affect pressure.
Look for these two usual main spots:
- Main shut-off valve – Located near your main water meter outside. If the valve isn’t fully open, the pressure to your entire house can be affected.
- Isolation valve – Often found under sinks, behind toilets, or near individual fixtures. These might get knocked or left slightly closed after plumbing work or repairs.
Quick fix: Turn each valve fully open by rotating it anticlockwise until it stops. It’s a good idea to check the main valve and the individual ones at fixtures where the pressure seems low. If the problem clears up after adjusting a valve, you’ve found the culprit.
2. Faulty Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)
Some houses, especially those in areas with high mains pressure, have a pressure-reducing valve or PRV installed near the main water line. This device helps protect your plumbing system by regulating the pressure before it enters your home. When working correctly, it maintains a safe and steady flow. But if the PRV malfunctions, it can cause a significant drop in water pressure across your entire house.
A faulty PRV can sometimes be mistaken for a more serious issue because it affects all taps and fixtures at once. If your water pressure has gradually dropped over time and there are no obvious leaks or blockages, the PRV could be to blame.
Fix: PRVs are not typically a DIY job. These valves require the right tools and know-how to test, adjust, or replace. A licensed plumber in Ipswich can check whether the PRV is still working properly and install a new one if needed.
3. Plumbing Leaks
Water leaks can reduce pressure by redirecting the flow of water before it reaches your taps. Even small leaks in the system can affect performance, especially if they’re located along main supply lines. In some cases, pressure may drop at just one fixture. In others, it can impact your whole home.
Leaks aren’t always visible. You might notice signs like higher-than-normal water bills, damp spots on walls or ceilings, mould growth, or soggy areas in the yard. A quiet hissing or dripping sound when no taps are running can also be a clue.
Fix: If you suspect a leak, it’s best to have a licensed plumber carry out a proper inspection. Using specialised equipment, they can find hidden leaks and carry out repairs before more serious damage occurs.
4. Corroded or Clogged Pipes
Older homes that still have galvanised steel pipes are prone to corrosion buildup. As the internal diameter of the pipe narrows, it restricts water flow and leads to a gradual drop in pressure.
You might notice pressure issues at one tap or throughout the house, depending on how widespread the blockage is. Water may also appear discoloured or have a metallic taste, which can be another sign of internal corrosion.
Fix: A plumber can better assess the condition of your pipes using a camera inspection or pressure test. In some instances, a pipe cleaning might be enough to improve flow. But if the corrosion is severe, replacing the affected sections is usually the most reliable long-term fix.
5. Blocked Tap Aerators or Showerheads
If the water pressure is only low at one tap or shower, the problem might be right at the outlet. Tap aerators and showerheads have small mesh screens that can easily get clogged with sediment, rust flakes, or mineral buildup, especially if your home has older pipes or hard water. The flow gradually weakens over time until it becomes noticeably poor. You might also notice water spraying unevenly or coming out in strange directions.
Fix: unscrew the aerator or showerhead and check for visible buildup. Soaking the part in a vinegar solution for 15 to 30 minutes can help dissolve mineral deposits. After a quick scrub and rinse, reattach and test the flow. If cleaning doesn’t help, replacing the fitting is usually a quick and affordable fix.
6. Hard Water Buildup
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up inside pipes and fittings over time. As these minerals accumulate, they begin to narrow the flow path, leading to a gradual drop in pressure. This is common in areas with naturally hard water, including Ipswich. You might notice scale on taps, showerheads, or around the base of fixtures, all signs that mineral buildup could be affecting the flow rate and water pressure.
Fix: A plumber can flush or descale affected parts of the system, especially if the buildup is localised. For long-term prevention, consider installing a water softener or filtration system designed to reduce mineral content before it enters your plumbing.
7. Poor Plumbing Design
Not all plumbing systems are created equal. If your home has pipes that are too narrow, laid out inefficiently, or extended awkwardly, especially after renovations or home additions, it can lead to noticeable pressure loss. Long pipe runs, sharp bends, or mismatched pipe sizes all make it harder for water to flow freely.
This kind of issue often shows up in granny flats, older homes with ad hoc upgrades, or properties that have been modified without proper plumbing planning. You might find that some taps have decent pressure while others struggle like those usually farther from the main line.
Fix: If the pressure is linked to how the plumbing was installed or extended, it’s worth having a licensed plumber review the layout. They can spot design flaws that affect water flow and suggest improvements. Upgrading or rerouting certain sections of the pipe can often restore consistent pressure throughout the home.
8. Airlocks in Pipes
Air trapped in your plumbing system can block water flow and cause pressure problems, especially in hot water lines. Airlocks happen after plumbing repairs, pipe replacements, or if the water supply has been turned off and back on. When water can’t push past the trapped air, the result is low pressure or no flow at all from certain taps. This issue usually affects one tap or one side of the plumbing. You might hear gurgling sounds or get an inconsistent flow when you turn the tap on.
Fix: A common trick is to run all taps in the house for a few minutes to push air through the system. If that doesn’t help, a plumber can bleed the system properly and check for other underlying issues.
9. Water Supply Issues in Your Area
Sometimes, the problem isn’t in your home at all. Low water pressure can also be caused by external issues like burst mains, maintenance works, or unusually high demand in your neighbourhood. These types of problems often affect more than one property and can come on suddenly.
If your neighbours are experiencing the same issue, it’s a good sign that the cause is on the supply side. Local water providers, such as Urban Utilities, often post updates online when faults or planned works are affecting pressure. You can check for current issues on their service interruptions page.
Fix: There’s not much you can do until the issue is resolved, but it’s worth reporting it if nothing has been announced. If you’ve checked your plumbing and found no problems, contacting your water provider can help confirm whether external works are affecting pressure in your area.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve worked through the basics and your water pressure is still low, it’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber. Some issues, like hidden leaks, internal pipe corrosion, or faulty valves, aren’t always obvious and often need professional tools to diagnose properly. A plumber can carry out pressure tests, inspect inside the pipes using a drain camera, and pinpoint the cause much faster than guesswork.
It’s also worth getting help if the problem keeps getting worse, is affecting multiple taps or showers, or comes with other warning signs like noisy pipes, discoloured water, or damp spots on walls or ceilings. These symptoms often point to underlying issues that won’t improve on their own.
Low pressure can quickly go from frustrating to costly if it’s left too long. A professional inspection can give you clarity, protect your home, and get things flowing properly again.
Still Stuck With Low Water Pressure?
Low water pressure can interrupt your daily routine and may be a sign of something more serious going on in your plumbing system. It’s not always easy to tell whether the issue is minor or hides something bigger behind the scenes. Whether it’s one tap or the whole house, it’s important to find the cause and fix it properly before it leads to bigger problems.
If you’ve ruled out water supply issues and checked the basics, but the pressure is still low, it’s time to call in a professional. Book a plumbing inspection with us. We’ll get to the bottom of the issue and have your water flowing strong again, quickly and without a hassle.
