Low Water Pressure in Melbourne? Here’s Why (and How to Fix It)

Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues. When your once-strong water flow suddenly drops, everyday tasks become a hassle. Filling the kitchen sink takes forever, showers turn into a trickle, and appliances like dishwashers or washing machines struggle to work properly.

At Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance, we help Melbourne homeowners diagnose and fix low water pressure problems — restoring strong, consistent water flow to your home.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

There are many reasons your water pressure may be low. Some of the most common include:

• Faulty fixtures – Blocked taps, showerheads, or old fittings restricting flow

• Leaky pipes – Hidden leaks causing pressure drops

• Corroded pipes – Older steel or galvanised pipes clogged with rust and mineral build-up

• Faulty pressure regulator – A broken valve disrupting water flow

• High water demand – Multiple taps or appliances running at once

Understanding the cause is the first step to restoring your water pressure.

Step 1: Check Your Water Supply

Before assuming the problem is inside your home, check the basics:

• Water meter valve – Make sure it’s fully open

• Main water line – Look for visible leaks or damage

• Water supplier – Sometimes pressure drops are caused by maintenance or restrictions in your area

If the supply looks fine but pressure is still low, it’s time to investigate further.

Step 2: Check Your Fixtures

Sometimes the issue isn’t the whole house — it’s just a single fixture:

• Taps – Can clog with debris or wear out

• Showerheads – Blocked with mineral deposits

• Toilets – Faulty fill valves reducing refill speed

• Dishwashers & washing machines – Clogged inlet valves or hoses

💡 In many cases, simply cleaning or replacing fixtures restores normal pressure.

Step 3: Investigate Your Pipes

If fixtures aren’t the problem, your pipework may be to blame:

• Corrosion – Old galvanised pipes corrode, restricting flow

• Sediment build-up – Minerals settling in pipes create blockages

• Wrong pipe size – Poor or DIY plumbing installs can cause bottlenecks

• Leaky pipes – Concealed leaks behind walls or floors can reduce water pressure

👉 Our plumbers can carry out CCTV drain inspections, pressure testing, and pipe replacements to resolve these issues.

Step 4: Check Your Hot Water System

Sometimes low hot water pressure isn’t a plumbing issue at all — it’s your hot water unit.

• Older storage systems have limited flow rates

• Sediment build-up inside the tank can reduce output

• Faulty valves or blockages can reduce water pressure

Upgrading to a continuous flow (instant) hot water system is often the best long-term fix.

Step 5: Faulty Pressure Regulator

A failing pressure regulator (also known as a pressure limiting valve) can cause:

• Low pressure – weak water flow throughout your home

• Excessively high pressure – which can burst pipes or damage appliances

If your regulator is faulty, our licensed plumbers can test your system and install a new PLV to restore safe, consistent pressure.

How to Test Your Water Pressure

Want to check if your water pressure is really low? Try these steps:

1. Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor tap. Normal range: 40–60 psi.

2. Check multiple taps – If only one is low, the issue is localised.

3. Test hot vs cold – If only hot water is weak, your hot water system is the culprit.

Don’t Forget: Water Supplier Issues

Sometimes, it’s not your plumbing at all — it’s your water supplier. Melbourne Water or your local council may be carrying out works that temporarily reduce supply. Always check with them before booking a plumber.

Professional Solutions for Low Water Pressure in Melbourne

At Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance, we provide expert low water pressure services, including:

• Pressure and flow testing at your meter

• Leak detection (including hidden leaks)

• Pipe flushing, relining, or replacement

• Hot water system servicing & upgrades

• Pressure regulator testing & replacement

We’re available 24/7 across Melbourne to restore strong, reliable water flow to your home.

Stop Putting Up With Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is more than an inconvenience — it can be a sign of hidden leaks, corroded pipes, or failing hot water systems. Don’t let it drag on until it becomes a costly plumbing problem.

📞 Call Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance today on 0448 535 629 for fast, reliable service. Our licensed plumbers will restore strong, consistent water pressure so you can enjoy hot showers, efficient appliances, and hassle-free plumbing again.