Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of issues, both inside your home and from external factors. Here are some common reasons your water pressure is low and what you can do about it.

Clogged Pipes: Over time, mineral deposits or debris can build up in your pipes, restricting water flow.

You may need to clean or replace sections of your plumbing. Calling your friendly neighbourhood  plumbers at Jett Plumbing for professional cleaning may be necessary in severe cases.

Partially Closed Valves: The main water shutoff valve or other local valves may not be fully open.

To fix this, you’ll want to check that all shutoff valves are fully open. Sometimes after repairs, valves are left partially closed, reducing pressure.

Leaking Pipes: A water leak in your plumbing can reduce water pressure throughout your home.

When you suspect there’s a leak somewhere, inspect your home for signs of water leaks (e.g., damp patches or unusual water bills.) If you find a leak, turn off the water and call your local Inner West plumber, Jett Plumbing.

Pressure Regulator Issues: A faulty water pressure regulator can cause pressure to be too low.

If you suspect your pressure regulator is malfunctioning, a plumber can test and replace it.

Municipal Water Supply Problems: Sometimes, the issue isn’t inside your home but rather lies with the local water supply.

If that is the case, contact your local water provider to ask if there are any issues in your area or planned maintenance that could be affecting pressure.

Corroded Pipes: In older homes, galvanised steel pipes can become corroded, leading to low water pressure.

Replacing old, corroded pipes with copper or PEX piping is the long-term solution. Ask your Jett plumber about what they would recommend in your case.

A dripping faucet is not only annoying but can also waste a significant amount of water. The most common causes of a dripping tap are related to worn-out or damaged components. Here’s a breakdown of the causes and how to fix them:

Worn Out Washer: Over time, the washer that seals the tap can wear down or become damaged, allowing water to leak through.

To rectify this, you’ll want to turn off the water supply and replace the washer inside the tap. This is one of the most common and simplest fixes for a dripping tap.

Damaged O-Ring: The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps seal the tap handle to prevent leaks. If it’s damaged or loose, it can cause a drip near the base of the tap.

To fix this issue, you’ll want to turn off the water, disassemble the tap, and replace the O-ring. These rings are inexpensive and available at your local Bunnings or Mitre 10.

Faulty Cartridge (for Mixer Taps): In mixer taps, which control both hot and cold water, a faulty or worn-out cartridge can cause dripping.

If your mixer tap has a leaking cartridge, it may need replacing. You’ll need to remove the tap handle and replace the cartridge with a new one.

Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat connects the tap to the spout. Corrosion or sediment build-up can prevent a proper seal, leading to leaks.

To solve this issue, clean or replace the valve seat if it’s corroded. This may require professional help if the corrosion is severe.

Water Pressure Issues: If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can cause taps to leak, especially at night when demand is lower.

To fix this, check your water pressure. If it’s too high, you may need to adjust the pressure regulator or call a plumber to install one if it’s not already in place.

If your water heater keeps turning off unexpectedly, it could be due to several common issues.

Identifying the cause can help you fix the problem and ensure a steady supply of hot water. Here are the typical reasons and solutions:

Pilot Light Issues (for Gas Water Heaters): If the pilot light keeps going out, the water heater won’t stay on.

In such instances, check that the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, try relighting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it won’t stay lit, the issue could be a faulty thermocouple (the device that senses whether the pilot light is on). In this case, you may need to replace the thermocouple or call a professional for help.

Faulty Thermocouple (for Gas Water Heaters): A broken or dirty thermocouple can cause the gas supply to shut off, leading to the heater turning off.

In this case, you’ll want to clean the thermocouple with fine sandpaper to remove dirt and grime, or replace it if it’s damaged.

Overheating: If the water heater overheats, it will automatically shut off to prevent damage.

Check the thermostat settings and make sure they aren’t set too high. A common setting is between 120-140°F (49-60°C). If the heater is still overheating, the thermostat may be faulty and require replacement.

Sediment Build-up: Sediment build-up in the tank, especially in older water heaters, can cause the system to overheat or shut off frequently.

When that happens, you’ll need to drain and flush the water heater tank to remove the sediment. This should be done annually to prevent further issues. If the problem persists, the tank may need professional cleaning.

Faulty Heating Element (for Electric Water Heaters): Electric water heaters use heating elements to heat the water. If one of the elements is damaged or burnt out, it could cause the heater to turn off.

For those water heaters, check the heating elements for signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary. This may require help from an electrician or plumber.

Ventilation Problems (for Gas Water Heaters): Inadequate ventilation can cause a gas water heater to shut off for safety reasons.

When faced with ventilation problems, make sure the ventilation system is clear of blockages and properly installed. A plumber or HVAC technician can inspect and fix ventilation issues if needed.

Electrical Issues (for Electric Water Heaters): If your water heater is tripping the breaker or shutting off, there could be an electrical problem.

Check if the circuit breaker has tripped and reset it if necessary. If it trips repeatedly, there could be a wiring issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.

If any of the above sounds like a daunting challenge, don’t hesitate to call on the qualified professionals at Jett Plumbing, Sydney’s best Inner West plumbers!

A banging noise in your pipes, often referred to as water hammer, is a common issue that can be caused by several factors. Here’s a look at the typical causes and how to stop the noise:

1. Water Hammer

Water hammer occurs when the flow of water is suddenly stopped or changes direction, causing a shockwave through the pipes. This creates a loud banging or thudding noise, typically when turning off a faucet or valve quickly.

• How to Fix:
  • Install Water Hammer Arrestors: A water hammer arrestor absorbs the shockwave caused by water suddenly stopping. These devices can be installed by a plumber in key locations in your plumbing system.
  • Check for Loose Pipes: If the pipes are not securely fastened, they can move around when water flows through them, exacerbating the water hammer. Secure any loose pipes using pipe straps or clamps to minimise movement.
  • Use Air Chambers: Some homes have air chambers installed near faucets to cushion the water’s sudden stop. Over time, these chambers can fill with water and stop functioning. Drain the plumbing system to allow the air chambers to refill with air.

2. High Water Pressure

If the water pressure in your home is too high, it can cause the pipes to rattle or bang when water is turned on or off.

• How to Fix:
  • Check the Water Pressure: Ideal water pressure in a home is between 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch). If your water pressure is higher than this, install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to regulate the pressure. This is something a plumber can do, and it will help protect both your pipes and appliances.

3. Loose or Unsecured Pipes

Pipes that are not properly secured can bang against walls, floors, or other structures when water is flowing through them.

• How to Fix:
  • Secure Loose Pipes: Use pipe straps, clips, or clamps to fasten loose pipes to walls or beams. This will prevent them from moving when water flows through them, reducing the banging noise.

4. Faulty Valves or Faucets

Sometimes, the banging noise is caused by loose or faulty valves in your faucets or appliances.

• How to Fix:
  • Check and Tighten Valves: Inspect the shutoff valves under sinks, behind toilets, and for appliances like washing machines. If these are loose or worn, they can cause a rattling or banging noise. Tighten or replace them as necessary.

5. Expanding and Contracting Pipes

When hot water flows through cold pipes, the pipes can expand and contract, which may cause them to knock against each other or the surrounding structure.

• How to Fix:
  • Insulate the Pipes: Wrapping pipes with foam pipe insulation can reduce the expansion and contraction that leads to noise. It also prevents the pipes from knocking into nearby surfaces.

When to Call Jett Plumbing

If the banging noise persists after trying these fixes, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, like worn-out plumbing or faulty equipment. In that case, it’s best to consult your local Jett plumber to inspect your system and recommend a solution.

By identifying the cause and applying the appropriate fix, you can eliminate the annoying banging noise and protect your plumbing system.

If your washing machine overflows, acting quickly can prevent water damage and address the underlying issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Turn Off the Washing Machine
   Immediately stop the washing machine to prevent more water from flooding the area. If the washer has a “pause” or “cancel” function, use it, or unplug the machine entirely if you can’t access the controls.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply
   Locate the water supply valves behind the washing machine and turn them off. This will stop any further water from flowing into the washer. There are usually two valves: one for hot water and one for cold.

3. Remove Excess Water
   Use towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum to soak up as much water as possible to minimise damage. Be sure to dry the area around the machine to avoid slipping or further water damage to floors and walls.

4. Check the Drain Hose
   Inspect the drain hose at the back of the washing machine to ensure it is securely connected to the drain pipe. If the hose is loose or clogged, it can cause the machine to overflow.

   • How to Fix: Secure the hose tightly in the drain or clear any blockages in the hose or drain pipe.

5. Clear the Drain Pump Filter
   Some washing machines have a drain pump filter that can become clogged with debris, causing water to back up.

   • How to Fix: Locate the filter (usually near the front bottom of the machine), open it, and clean out any lint, coins, or small items that might be blocking the water flow.

6. Inspect the Detergent Usage
   Overusing detergent or using the wrong type of detergent (like non-HE detergent in an HE machine) can create excess suds, leading to an overflow.

   • How to Fix: Ensure you’re using the correct amount and type of detergent recommended by the manufacturer. Reduce detergent usage if excess suds are the problem.

7. Check the Water Level Sensor
   If the machine’s water level sensor is faulty, it may not stop the water from filling beyond capacity.

   • How to Fix: You may need to call a professional to inspect or replace the sensor if you suspect this is the issue.

8. Restart the Machine
   Once you’ve addressed the overflow, reconnect the water supply, and restart the machine. Monitor it during the next wash cycle to ensure the problem is resolved.

9. Call a Jett Plumbing
   If the washing machine continues to overflow despite these steps, it’s best to call your friendly local Jett plumber to diagnose and fix the issue.