What Causes Slow Water Flow From Taps?
If the water flow from your taps has slowed down or is weaker than it should be, it's time to investigate the drop in water pressure and what could be causing this.
05/03/2021
When you notice that the water from your taps is not at the same pressure it should be, or it has turned from a pressurised flow into a trick, this drop in the water pressure could be caused by several reasons. The most obvious reason for a drop in water pressure is not what you might think and easier to fix than you expected, so read on for more information on what might cause a drop in water pressure.
Note that the solutions shown in this article are intended as a guideline only and you should consult with a plumber if you are in any way uncertain or unsure as to the cause of the problem.
getty images
BLOCKED TAP FILTER
More often than not the cause for a drop in water pressure can be attributed to a blocked tap filter. With so many problems with local water pumping stations, the water supply is turned on and off for a variety of reasons. It could be due to a fault or maintenance being undertaken on a pumping station or it could be caused by a burst water pipe along the supply line, but whatever the reason, when the water supply is switched on and off you end up with small molecules of debris in the water that will inevitably end up in the tap filter.
A blockage in a tap filter is a 2-minute job to fix and one that you should do on all the taps in the house before you call in a plumber. If a single tap has debris blocking the flow, other taps will as well, including showerheads. Read this step-by-step how to on cleaning out your tap filters.
getty images
ABOVE: Grit can accumulate in tap filters if not cleaned out regularly.
PROBLEM WITH THE GEYSER
If you have checked that all the tap filters are fine but still have low water pressure, the next culprit to consider is the geyser. There is an easy way to find out and that is to check the cold and hot water pressure. Turn on the cold water and monitor the pressure out of the tap and then repeat this with the hot water. If the pressure drops when you turn on the hot water the problem could be the geyser.
Fiddling around with the geyser is not something the average DIY enthusiast should do, but you can get into the attic to try and confirm your suspicions. Check to see if there are any visible water leaks, and if there are, have a reputable plumber or geyser installation company come out and do an inspection.
LEAKS AROUND THE PROPERTY
Any leaks in the piping can bring about a decrease in water pressure, so inspect both indoors and outdoors to see if you can see any water leaks. It pays to know where the outdoor water pipes are located to make this job easier and also to check tiled areas in the bathroom and kitchen for any signs of dampness or mould.
Another sure indication of a water leak is an increase in your monthly water bill, so be sure to check this regularly so that you can be aware of any irregularities in meter readings.
LOW WATER PRESSURE WATER FROM WATER SOURCE
A drop in water pressure might not be a local issue restricted to only your property, as sometimes there are issues with burst main water pipes that will result in a drop in water pressure to a specific area. Before you take any drastic measures, check with your local municipality either directly with them or via their Twitter account, to check for any issues.
METHODS TO INCREASE WATER PRESSURE
If you need to increase the water pressure to your property, a reputable plumber will be able to do this for you by installing a water pressure valve or booster. For those areas with low water pressure, having this installation done professionally will result in better water flow and water pressure.