Understanding your pressure
Low Pressure vs
High Pressure — What's Normal?
In Adelaide, SA Water supplies mains water at a pressure that should deliver between 150 and 500 kilopascals (kPa) at the boundary of your property. What you experience inside depends on your internal plumbing. Both extremes cause problems:
Low Pressure
Weak Flow & Trickles
Partially closed isolation valve or water meter valve
Scale and sediment build-up inside older pipes reducing bore
Undersized supply pipe for the property's demand
Hidden leak drawing pressure from the supply line
Faulty or incorrectly set PRV (pressure reducing valve)
SA Water supply pressure issue in your street
Ideal range: 200–350 kPa at fixtures for comfortable flow
High Pressure
Banging Pipes & Surges
No PRV installed on a high-pressure supply
Failed or incorrectly set pressure reducing valve
Water hammer — pressure surges when taps are closed quickly
Thermal expansion pressure in a closed hot water system
Risk above 500 kPa: accelerated tap wear, appliance damage, pipe stress and burst risk
What we fix
Water Pressure Repairs
We Carry Out
PRV Installation & Repair
Install a new pressure reducing valve or service a faulty one to bring mains pressure within safe limits.
Water Hammer Repair
Install arrestors or expansion chambers to eliminate banging pipes caused by hydraulic shock.
Pressure Testing
Measure actual pressure at key points throughout the property to accurately diagnose the issue.
Scale & Sediment Flushing
Clear mineral scale from restricted pipes and fittings to restore full bore flow.
Expansion Vessel Fitting
Install thermal expansion vessels on closed hot water systems to control pressure build-up during heating.
Supply Pipe Upgrade
Replace undersized supply pipework to deliver adequate flow to properties with high demand.
Our process
How We Diagnose &
Fix Pressure Issues
1
Pressure Measurement
We test the actual water pressure at your meter, at the PRV (if fitted) and at key fixtures throughout the property. This gives us a clear picture of where pressure is being gained, lost or fluctuating.
2
Root Cause Identification
Based on the pressure readings, we determine whether the problem is in the mains supply, your PRV, internal pipework, a hidden leak, or scale restriction — because different causes require different solutions.
3
Upfront Quote
We explain the cause and the recommended fix, then provide a clear upfront price before any work begins. No guesswork, no surprises.
4
Repair or Installation
We carry out the repair — whether that's installing or adjusting a PRV, fitting water hammer arrestors, replacing a section of scaled pipe, or addressing a hidden leak that's reducing your pressure.
5
Verify & Sign Off
We re-test pressure throughout the property to confirm the issue is resolved and all readings are within the correct range before we leave.
Common questions
Water Pressure FAQs
If pressure is low at a single fixture but fine everywhere else, the problem is almost always local to that fitting — a blocked aerator screen, a partially closed isolation valve under the sink, or a kinked flexi hose. These are quick, inexpensive fixes. If multiple fixtures on the same line are affected, there may be scale restriction in that branch of pipework.
Yes — this is called water hammer, and it's caused by the kinetic energy of moving water being brought to a sudden stop when a tap or valve closes quickly. It's more pronounced at high supply pressure. Left untreated, repeated water hammer can stress pipe joints and fittings over time. The fix is typically a water hammer arrestor or pressure reduction if your supply pressure is above the recommended range.
Yes — high pressure above 500 kPa accelerates wear on tap washers, O-rings and cartridges (causing more frequent leaks), increases water consumption, stresses pipe joints and fittings, and can void warranties on dishwashers and washing machines that specify a maximum inlet pressure. It's also a contributing factor in burst pipes. A PRV is an inexpensive and effective solution.
A sudden unexplained drop in pressure throughout the whole property is a red flag for a significant leak or burst pipe somewhere in your supply line. Check your water meter — if it's registering flow with everything turned off, you have an active leak. Call us immediately on 0468 280 017.
A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a device installed on your main water supply that automatically reduces the mains pressure to a safe, consistent level for use inside your property. In South Australia, properties must have a PRV installed where the supply pressure exceeds 500 kPa. Many Adelaide properties — particularly those in elevated supply zones — benefit from one even below this threshold.
Yes — we carry out water pressure repairs across all Adelaide metro suburbs. See our service areas page or call 0468 280 017 to confirm your location.
Also available