Low Cold Water Pressure? Here’s a possible explanation and the easy solution.

If the cold taps in your home suffer from low water pressure and it is over 30-35 years old, chances are that it is caused by rusty, corroded galvanised wrought iron pipes. It was common practice up to the late 1970’s to run cold water supply pipes in galvanized wrought iron pipes.

Melbourne’s water is classed as ‘soft water’. Soft water has low levels of calcium and magnesium salts which react aggressively with galvanised wrought iron pipes. Due to this process the pipe rusts from the inside out over time. This leads to lower water pressure as the inside pipe diameter is restricted more and more over time.

It is claimed by water authorities that drinking from rusty galvanised pipes does not have an effect on our health. However, water from such pipes has poor taste and is commonly discoloured. It has a tendency to block up filters and stain washing and plumbing fixtures.

The good news is that it is a problem that can be easily rectifed in most cases. Under normal circumstances the galvanised wrought iron pipe is only used for the main feed or run from the water meter to all the cold branch outlets in the house. This is usually located under ground from the water meter to the house and then suspended below the floor under the house. Branch lines from the main run to the tap connection are usually made from copper and are not affected by the corrosion in the galvanised pipe.

To fix the problem we simply replace the main run or feed from the water meter and connect to all of the copper branch lines in an alternative material such as an approved poly pipe or copper. This installation will guarantee to restore your water pressure and quality, and in most cases can be

performed in one day.

One important thing to note! Have a Licenced Electrician check if the replacement of the galvanised

pipes will affect the ‘electrical earth bond’ to the house or not. We always have this checked before we start an installation to eliminate the risk of us being electrocuted whilst performing the works, and to

ensure the safety of the home owner after the job is complete. You would be amazed to know how many houses are left without an ‘electrical earth bond’ after having this installation done.