It can be a nightmare trying to carry out tasks when the water pressure is low in your home. But before you call a plumber, you should first try to narrow down the possible causes of the problem.
How do you know if your house has low water pressure? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Everyday tasks such as watering the plants, showering, washing dishes, cooking and cleaning are affected by the amount of water coming from the taps, be it in the garden, kitchen, or bathroom.
- There’s a drop in water pressure when you have two different points of water turned on.
- The water pressure is low from all taps, equally, regardless of whether one or more water fixtures are turned on at the same time.
The standard for residential water pressure in Malaysia is between 45 and 55 psi. Any lower and it’s not ideal; any higher and you risk having burst pipes.
So, what could be causing your low water pressure?
1. Low supply
Homes in Malaysia, especially in Selangor, have faced many water disruptions due to various reasons – from pipes bursting to the contamination of supply. These issues often result in low pressure or even no water for hours, if not days.
Low water pressure can also be due to water theft. In 2020, it was estimated that 30% of water in commercial areas was being illegally siphoned.
If you’re facing a dip in water pressure for no reason, check your local water supplier’s website for updates, or ask your neighbours to see if they are facing similar issues.
2. Multiple taps turned on
If everyone at home is using water at the same time, the pressure will go down, especially if it is in the lower range of psi or your water pump isn’t strong.
3. Main valve not fully open
If your whole house experiences low water pressure, not just when two or more faucets are turned on, check if the main valve has been opened all the way.
The best way to identify whether it’s an issue with the valve is by starting with the kitchen sink, as the mains will supply water to the kitchen first.
The main shut-off valve will be where the meter is, located in, outside, or near the edge of your property. If the valve is partially or fully turned off for some reason, it will cause low water pressure.
4. Clogged pipes
Mineral or dirt buildup in pipes will eventually lead to clogged pipes that slow down water pressure. However, it’s not easy to pinpoint exactly where the clogged pipes are or how bad the damage could be.
A good indicator if clogged pipes are the problem is to turn on a tap and observe if the water pressure is at first normal before it noticeably lowers. If this is the case, get in touch with a plumber.
5. Corroded piping
If your home is an older build, it likely has galvanised steel pipes that corrode faster than the ones used today. Your water pressure issues might be owing to piping running inside the walls of your home that have corroded to the point where water can’t flow properly.
Corrosion is a much more serious issue than clogging as it means the entire system might need to be replaced.
6. Leaks
Look for wet spots on the ceiling or the walls, which would indicate a crack in your piping that is causing water to leak. Once you’ve located the area, call a plumber.
In a landed property, you should also check that the pipes are not leaking water into your garden, which is harder to spot. Turn off all your taps and see if your water meter keeps turning. This could indicate a leak somewhere.
7. Faulty fixtures
The fixtures for sinks, bidets, or shower heads might be the problem – the seal around your kitchen faucet could have worn out, for instance, or your shower mixer might be incorrectly installed.
If you observe low water pressure from only one or two faucets, then faulty fixtures could very well be the cause.
8. Storage heater woes
A water heater with a storage tank is usually installed in the ceiling above the bathroom or kitchen. It has a limited capacity, such as 50 or 80 litres and, if connected to multiple taps, you might get low water pressure.
Some ways to solve this would be to:
- connect some of the hot water taps to an instant water heater instead;
- get instant water heaters that come with a built-in pump; or
- get another storage tank water heater to which certain taps could be connected.
Whither water pump?
One effective solution to fix low water woes would be to install a quality high-pressure water pump, which essentially boosts pressure by using compressed air to distribute the flow of water evenly into your plumbing system.
The pump automatically turns off once it hits a certain pressure limit.
Pressure pumps are installed either at the source of water, which is usually the main water line, or where you want the water to flow from, such as the tank. A good pump will typically cost between RM1,000 and RM3,000, or even higher depending on its power.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.