How You Can Improve Your Home’s Water Pressure
1. Check water pressure in your house
In normal conditions, Auckland council provides a standard minimum water pressure of 200kPa and a water flow rate of at least 25 litres per minute. To find out if your water pressure is being reduced, you need to check if it meets these measurements first. This process requires a pressure gauge, but if you don’t have one you can call in the experts, or simply move on to see if you can spot issues that could be causing the problem.
2. Maintain showerhead often
The showerhead is easy to forget about because it’s usually above us! This makes it a common culprit for blockages. Often, it’s limescale and sediment build-up on a showerhead that is causing a blockage, rather than anything in the pipes. Make sure you are giving your showerhead a deep clean every three months or so, in order to be sure that it’s not the issue.
3. Water pressure booster
In some homes, pipes are significantly far from the water tank, and in this case the pressure will be affected as water requires a longer period of time to be delivered. A water pressure booster can help give the water a boost as it flows from the water tank to the faucet. These are easy to install if you have access to your water tank, but if you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
4. Fix the pipe if it’s leaking
Another major culprit is leaky pipes. If a leak doesn’t enter your home, it’s almost impossible for you to notice it until it becomes a major problem. In fact, reduced water pressure is one of the only ways you can find out about an underground pipe that may be leaking water into the surrounding soil. Pipe repair isn’t easy, but it’s important to keep your pipes well-maintained, as underground leaks can attract tree roots that will further damage the pipe. If you’re worried about a leak, it’s best to call the experts right away.
5. Avoid peak hour shower
First thing in the morning and later in the evening are the two peak periods of water usage. The water system in your local community may not be able to support vast water consumption at the same time. If you always shower during peak times, try showering an hour before 7 am or after 8 pm, and see if it makes a difference!
Need a professional to help?
We understand how worrying sudden changes in water pressure can be. Here at Pipeline, we’re experts in all kinds of plumbing, across a wide range of areas in Auckland. Whether you need a leak fixed in the CBD or plumbing and drainage in the North Shore, we can help. Talk to us today.