Is your water pressure too high (or too low)?
Mains water pressure varies across Sydney, and some streets get far more than household plumbing is designed for. High pressure wears out taps, toilets, flexi hoses and hot water systems, and it's a common cause of burst hoses and floods. Low pressure has different causes. This guide covers both, from the local plumbers who test pressure every week across Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Botany and the southern Eastern Suburbs.
Signs your pressure is too high
- Banging or shuddering pipes when a tap is turned off (water hammer)
- Taps that drip again soon after being fixed
- Toilets that are noisy or slow to stop filling
- Braided flexi hoses that bulge or burst
- The hot water relief valve dripping a lot
- Spray from taps that's hard to control
The limit: the Australian plumbing standard limits pressure at the taps inside a home to 500 kPa. We measure yours with a gauge, so you know for sure.
Why high pressure matters
Flexi hoses
Wear faster and can burst, flooding the house. A burst braided hose is one of the most common causes of house floods.
Taps and toilets
Washers, cartridges and valves wear out sooner.
Hot water system
More relief valve discharge and extra strain on the tank.
Appliances
Dishwasher and washing machine valves and hoses under extra stress.
The fix: a pressure limiting valve
A pressure limiting valve (PLV) is fitted after your water meter and keeps pressure at a safe, steady level for the whole house. Every tap, toilet, hose and appliance gets a steady pressure, there's less wear and fewer repairs, it takes the bang out of water hammer, and it's usually fitted in a single visit, often while we're there for something else.
Low pressure instead?
Low pressure has different causes, and we can find them:
- Old galvanised pipes clogged inside with rust, common in older homes in Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar and Botany
- A partly closed or failing valve
- A hidden leak (see our hidden leak guide)
- A blocked filter or tap aerator
If old galvanised pipe is the problem, replacing the worst sections with new copper or PEX brings the pressure back and removes a future leak risk.
Why locals call us
- Based in Matraville, close to every southern Eastern Suburbs home
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- We measure your pressure with a gauge, not a guess
- A fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
Common questions
What is normal water pressure for a house?
The Australian plumbing standard limits pressure at the taps inside a home to 500 kPa. Many Sydney streets supply more than that, which is why a pressure limiting valve is often needed.
Why do my pipes bang when I turn off a tap?
That's water hammer, usually caused by high pressure or loose pipework. A pressure limiting valve and securing the pipes usually fixes it.
Why do my taps keep dripping after being fixed?
High water pressure wears out washers and cartridges faster. If taps keep failing, have the pressure checked.
Why is my water pressure suddenly low?
A sudden drop can mean a hidden leak, a failing valve or a blocked filter. Older galvanised pipes cause a slow drop over years.
Pressure problems? See our taps and toilets and leak detection services, or your local page: Matraville, Maroubra, Malabar, Pagewood, Eastgardens, Botany and Little Bay. More plumbing guides.