Your fixer upper might have steel pipes that are good at handling extreme hot and cold temperatures, but these often become corroded on the inside and this can restrict the flow. You might also notice that the water from the taps is not very pleasant to drink.

Fix it:  Call your plumber! Depending on the location of the pipes, they can cut and replace the section of corroded pipe, or if required, replace them entirely with copper or polymer materials instead.

 

 

Plumbing valves help regulate the flow of water to every water-based appliance in our homes. That means everything from our washing machines to our toilets to the main water supply use these fixtures to allow or block water from passing through our pipes. Valves can become partially blocked with a lime build up over time which can cause low pressure. Lime deposits are what cause that white, chalky, filmy residue that you see on spouts, shower heads and tiles.

Fix it:  Take off the shower head and soak it in white vinegar overnight, or at least for several hour (do a spot check first – this may not suit depending on materials). Then, scrub it with an old toothbrush, rinse with water and reinstall it. If the problem persists, it might be an issue with a blockage in your pipes – in that case, call a plumber

Sometimes debris coming through the line and going to your shower head can cause low water pressure.

Fix it:  Clean shower heads and any removable parts of debris and mineral deposits. You can soak removable overnight in a white vinegar (do a spot check first – this may not suit depending on materials) to thoroughly clean it. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it may be something bigger and best to have a professional diagnose the issue.

Usually your meter will be located close to the front of the property, often just inside the front fence near a garden tap. Enthusiastic kids playing around with the water can adjust the water meter because it is just another tap at the front of your house.

Fix it: Call your plumber! They can test your water meter, contact the local council if it is a mains issue, confirm the shut off valve is open and offer solutions to any other issue.