Low Water Pressure in Your Home? Here’s Why (and How to Fix It)
Struggling with low water pressure in your Melbourne home? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common plumbing problems we see. From showers that trickle instead of flow to taps that take forever to fill the sink, weak water pressure makes daily life frustrating.
At Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance, we help Melbourne homeowners diagnose and repair low water pressure problems — restoring strong, consistent flow throughout your home.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can affect showers, taps, toilets, and even hot water systems. Some of the most common causes include:
Faulty fixtures – Clogged taps or showerheads restrict water flow.
Leaking pipes – Hidden leaks underground or in walls can dramatically reduce pressure.
Corroded pipes – Older galvanised or steel pipes rust and build up minerals.
Faulty pressure regulator – A broken valve reduces pressure across the whole house.
High demand – Running multiple outlets at once can strain your system.
How to Check for Water Supply Issues
Before assuming it’s an internal plumbing problem, check these basics:
Water meter valve – Make sure it’s fully open.
Main water line – Look for visible leaks or damage.
Local supplier – Sometimes low pressure is caused by maintenance or water restrictions.
If the supply looks fine but pressure is still weak, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
Could It Just Be Your Fixtures?
Not all low-pressure problems mean major pipe repairs. Sometimes it’s just your fixtures:
Taps & showerheads – Mineral deposits often block flow.
Toilets – Faulty fill valves reduce refill speed.
Appliances – Dishwashers or washing machines can have clogged inlet valves.
Cleaning or upgrading fixtures is often an easy fix.
Pipe-Related Problems
If the supply and fixtures aren’t the issue, the problem could be inside your pipes:
Corrosion – Common in older homes with galvanised steel pipes.
Sediment build-up – Minerals slowly narrow pipes.
Wrong pipe size – DIY or poor-quality work can create bottlenecks.
Hidden leaks – Water escaping underground or in walls reduces pressure.
A licensed plumber can inspect your system, perform a CCTV inspection, or recommend pipe replacement if needed.
Hot Water System Issues
Low hot water pressure often comes from the system itself, not your pipes. Common causes include:
Older storage systems with low flow rates
Faults or blockages in the hot water unit
Systems too small for household demand
💡 Upgrading to a continuous flow or high-capacity hot water system can restore strong pressure.
Faulty Water Pressure Regulator
A broken regulator can cause both low pressure and dangerously high pressure (which damages pipes and fixtures). Replacing it with a modern pressure-limiting valve restores safe, consistent flow.
How to Test Your Water Pressure
You can do a quick DIY test before calling a plumber:
Use a pressure gauge – Attach it to an outdoor tap. Normal pressure is 40–60 psi.
Check multiple taps – If it’s just one tap, the fixture may be faulty.
Test hot vs cold – If only hot water is low, your hot water system is likely the issue.
When to Call Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance
If you’ve checked the basics and still have weak water flow, our licensed plumbers can help. We’ll:
Conduct pressure & flow tests at your water meter
Detect & repair hidden leaks in walls, floors, or underground
Flush or replace blocked or corroded pipes
Service or upgrade your hot water system
Replace faulty pressure regulators
We service homes across Melbourne and are available 24/7 for urgent plumbing repairs.
Stop Putting Up With Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure isn’t just annoying — it can signal serious plumbing issues. Don’t wait until leaks or damage cause bigger problems.
📞 Call Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance on 0448 535 629 for fast, reliable plumbing service. Our licensed plumbers will restore strong, consistent water pressure so you can enjoy your showers, taps, and appliances again.