Opening a tap and seeing the water flow slowly can quickly become frustrating, especially when there are many tasks to do. This inconvenience, often called a “water pressure problem”, can occur in any home, whether it is a city apartment or a country house. Understanding the origin of this phenomenon not only makes it possible to remedy it effectively, but also to prevent greater damage in the long term.
What is a water pressure problem?
A water pressure problem results in a lower than normal water flow in domestic installations. This can concern all the water points in the house or only some. This phenomenon is different from a total water cut: here, the water continues to flow, but insufficiently. It can be an irregular, low continuously, or fluctuating pressure depending on the time of day.
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Is this a worrying situation?
The severity of a pressure problem depends on its cause. Sometimes it is a simple temporary disfunction without major consequences. Other times, a low pressure may indicate a more serious concern, such as an invisible leak or a gradual deterioration of the plumbing network. In some cases, abnormally low pressure can also affect the efficiency of household appliances or cause overconsumption of energy (especially for water heating). We recommend that you do not ignore this type of problem.
What are the different causes of a water pressure problem?
There are many reasons for low pressure:
1. Clogged or tandled pipes
Over time, limescale or rust deposits can accumulate inside the pipes, reducing their diameter and slowing the flow of water.
2. A water leak in the network
A drilled pipe or poorly sealed connection can lead to a loss of pressure, even if water continues to arrive in certain places.
3. A defective pressure reducer
This device, installed to protect the installations in the event of excessive pressure, can be deregulated. This excessively limits the flow of water.
4. A problem with the public network or work/maintenance
If several homes are affected in the same area, the origin may be an intervention or failure on the municipal water supply network.
A temporary decline can also be linked to work on public infrastructure, causing a voluntary and occasional drop in pressure.
How can you test the water pressure in your home?
To check the water pressure, a pressure gauge can be used. This device is usually screwed to an external tap or a washing machine-type socket. It allows you to measure the pressure in bars. In France, the recommended domestic water pressure is between 3 and 5 bars. Below 2 bar, it is considered that there is a lack of pressure. Some plumbers also offer more advanced tests to identify a drop in internal pressure or invisible losses.
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