What to Do if Your Water Pressure Suddenly Drops

Why Water Pressure Matters

Good water pressure isn’t just about enjoying a strong shower — it plays a big role in how your entire plumbing system works. When pressure drops suddenly, you’ll notice it right away in daily routines: the kettle takes longer to fill, dishes take longer to rinse, and your washing machine or dishwasher may struggle to run properly.

Low pressure also puts stress on your plumbing system. Appliances like hot water units, washing machines, and dishwashers are designed to work with consistent water flow. If that flow isn’t there, parts can wear out faster or stop working altogether.

On the flip side, steady water pressure makes life easier, saves time, and helps your plumbing last longer. That’s why figuring out the cause of a sudden drop is so important — it’s not just about comfort, it’s about protecting your home.

Common Causes of Water Pressure Drops

When your water pressure suddenly drops, it usually points to something wrong within your plumbing system or the supply coming into your home. Here are some of the most common reasons homeowners experience low pressure:

• Leaking pipes – If water is escaping before it reaches your taps, pressure will drop. Sometimes leaks are obvious, but they can also be hidden in walls, under floors, or underground.
• Blocked or clogged pipes – Over time, mineral build-up, rust, or debris can collect inside your pipes, restricting flow and reducing pressure.
• Faulty fixtures or taps – Internal parts like cartridges or aerators can fail or clog up, limiting water output at a single fixture.
• Hot water system issues – Sediment build-up inside a tank or a failing component in an instant system can cause low pressure on the hot side.
• Main supply problems – Sometimes the issue isn’t in your home at all. Burst mains, scheduled SA Water works, or supply restrictions can all reduce water flow temporarily.
• Pressure regulator failure – If your home has a pressure regulator and it malfunctions, water flow can suddenly weaken across the whole property.

What to Check Before Calling a Plumber

Before you pick up the phone, there are a few simple checks you can do yourself. These quick steps can help you figure out whether the issue is something minor or a bigger problem that needs professional help:

• Test multiple taps – Try different taps around your home. If only one tap has low pressure, the problem may just be a blocked aerator or faulty fitting. If it’s throughout the whole house, it’s likely in the main plumbing system.
• Check hot vs cold water – Run both hot and cold taps. If the pressure drop is only on the hot side, your hot water system could be the culprit.
• Look for visible leaks – Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near your hot water system. Even small leaks can affect pressure and waste water.
• Contact SA Water (or your local supplier) – Sometimes water pressure drops are due to supply works or bursts in your area. A quick call or website check can confirm if that’s the case.
• Inspect the pressure regulator – If your home has one, make sure it hasn’t been adjusted accidentally or failed. A faulty regulator can reduce pressure across the whole property.

If you’ve gone through these checks and still can’t find the cause, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to get a professional plumber involved.

Call a Professional Plumber

When water pressure suddenly drops, finding the exact cause can be tricky without the right tools. At Best Plumbing Adelaide, our licensed team has more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners restore strong, consistent water flow. We offer a full range of professional solutions, including:

• Leak detection and repairs – Using specialised equipment to locate hidden leaks without tearing up walls or floors unnecessarily.
• Blocked drain services – Removing mineral build-up, rust, or debris to restore proper water flow.
• Servicing or replacing faulty fixtures – Fixing taps, showerheads, or valves that are restricting water pressure.
• Hot water system maintenance and repairs – Flushing tanks, repairing components, or replacing units when needed.
• Pressure regulator checks – Testing, adjusting, or installing regulators to keep water flow steady and protect your plumbing system.

With same-day emergency service across all Adelaide suburbs, we can quickly diagnose and fix the problem so you can get back to enjoying reliable water pressure.

Can Low Water Pressure Damage Appliances?

Yes — low water pressure can damage appliances over time. Many household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and hot water systems are designed to run with a steady flow of water. When the pressure is too low, they often work harder or take longer to complete cycles, which puts extra strain on pumps, valves, and heating elements.

For example:

Washing machines and dishwashers may not fill properly, leaving soap residue on clothes or dishes.

Hot water systems can overheat or develop sediment build-up if water isn’t flowing as it should.

Pumps and motors inside appliances may wear out faster from running longer cycles.

While a short-term drop in pressure usually isn’t harmful, ongoing low water pressure can shorten the lifespan of your appliances and increase repair or replacement costs.

How do I know if the problem is inside my home or from the mains?

To work out if low water pressure is coming from your home or the mains, start by checking with neighbours — if they have the same issue, it’s likely a supply problem. If only your property is affected, test multiple taps and compare hot and cold water. Pressure drops limited to one tap or just hot water usually point to an internal plumbing issue, while whole-house problems may need a plumber’s inspection.

Call Best Plumbing today on (08) 8261 0165 or book online to get your water pressure back to normal — quickly, professionally, and hassle-free.