Low water pressure is frustrating, but the cause is often simple. Start by working out whether the problem is in your house or in the supply.
Is it the whole house or one tap?
- One tap or shower only: the problem is almost certainly at that fitting. Unscrew the aerator on the tap or the shower head and clean out sand and scale.
- Only the hot water: look at the geyser side: a partly closed geyser isolating valve, a failing pressure control valve, or a geyser that's scaling up.
- The whole house: check the supply and your main pipes (below).
Check the supply first
- Ask a neighbour whether their pressure is also low. If it is, it's probably the municipal supply. Check for planned maintenance or report it to the City of Ekurhuleni.
- Make sure the main stopcock at your meter is fully open. It's sometimes left half-closed after work on the property.
Common causes inside the property
- A hidden leak: water escaping underground or inside a wall lowers the pressure. Do the water meter test to check.
- Old galvanised pipes: common in older Benoni homes. They corrode on the inside and slowly narrow until little water gets through. Replacing them with copper or PEX is the long-term fix.
- A faulty pressure reducing valve at the meter or geyser.
- Sand or debris after municipal repairs, which can block tap filters and valves.
When to call a plumber
Call a plumber if the whole house is affected and the supply is fine, if you suspect a leak, or if your pipes are old galvanised steel. Ask for a written quote, especially for pipe replacement, and ask whether a pressure test is included. See how much a plumber costs in Benoni.