Water Supply Problems and Solutions

When your water supply acts up, it can make your day whack. Whether you’re a homeowner or run a business in St. George, Inner West, or the Sutherland Shire, water supply problems can be stressful and disruptive. I’m the owner of All Needs Plumbing, and I’ve seen it all - from sudden water outages to tricky leaks. Let me walk you through the most common water supply issues and how we fix them quickly so you can return to normal with minimal fuss.

Common Water Supply Problems

Sudden Loss of Water Supply

Imagine turning on your tap and nothing comes out. This sudden loss of water can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, the main water valve might have been accidentally turned off during maintenance or by someone unaware. Other times, the local council might perform emergency repairs or scheduled maintenance that temporarily cuts the supply. 

Worse, a pipe could have burst somewhere on your property or nearby, stopping water flow completely. Knowing these causes helps you understand why water suddenly disappears and what to do next.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure means your taps and showers don’t deliver water with the usual force. This often results from clogged pipes filled with mineral deposits or rust, especially in older homes. Leaks in your plumbing system can also reduce pressure because water escapes before reaching your taps. 

Faulty pressure regulators, which control how much pressure comes into your home, can fail or wear out, causing weak flow. Low pressure affects how well appliances work and can frustrate simple tasks like washing dishes or showering.

Water Leaks and Pipe Bursts

Leaks often start as tiny drips at pipe joints, faucets, or valves. While they might seem minor, leaks waste water and can cause severe damage over time, including mould growth and structural issues. 

Pipe bursts are more severe and usually happen due to freezing temperatures, corrosion, or sudden pressure surges. Within seconds, a burst pipe can quickly flood your home, damaging the floors, walls, and other interior items. Spotting leaks early and getting them fixed saves money and stress.

Blocked or Clogged Pipes

Pipes can become blocked by debris like hair, grease, or foreign objects accidentally flushed down drains. Mineral buildup from hard water can also narrow pipes, slowing water flow. Tree roots can get into buried pipes and damage or block them. Blockages not only reduce water flow but can also cause backups, unpleasant smells, and damage to your plumbing system.

Contaminated Water Supply

Sometimes, water can become contaminated due to backflow, where dirty water flows back into your clean supply. This can happen if there’s a sudden drop in water pressure or if pipes are damaged. 

Cross-connections between potable and non-potable water sources also risk contamination. Contaminated water poses health risks, so it’s vital to prevent this with proper plumbing devices and regular inspections.

Faulty or Old Plumbing Fixtures

Old taps, valves, and pipes wear out over time. They might leak, drip, or restrict water flow. While repairs can help, sometimes replacing old fixtures is more cost-effective and improves your water system’s efficiency. Modern fixtures often save water and reduce maintenance needs.

Solutions to Water Supply Problems

What to Do When Water Stops

If your water suddenly stops, first locate your main water valve. It’s usually near your water meter or the pipe entering your property. Turn it off and on slowly to check if it was accidentally closed. If water still doesn’t flow, check if your neighbours have water. In case they don’t, it’s likely a council issue. Please call us right away if this is the case. We know what to do and have the right tools to find and fix the problem, stopping more damage quickly.

Fixing Low Water Pressure

We start by inspecting your pipes and fixtures for blockages or leaks. Cleaning aerators on taps can improve flow, and sometimes, old pipes or pressure regulators need to be replaced. We also check for hidden leaks that might be stealing your water pressure. Fixing these issues restores your water flow and protects your plumbing system from damage.

Repairing Leaks and Pipe Bursts

Using advanced leak detection equipment, we find leaks behind walls or underground without unnecessary digging. We provide emergency repairs for pipe bursts to stop flooding and then replace or repair the damaged pipe. Acting fast prevents costly water damage and restores your water supply safely.

Clearing Blocked Pipes

We use professional tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting machines to clear blockages safely and effectively. These methods remove debris and mineral buildup without damaging your pipes. Do not use strong chemical cleaners because they can damage pipes and make problems worse. Regular maintenance helps prevent future blockages.

Preventing Contamination

We install backflow prevention devices to stop dirty water from entering your clean supply. Regular inspections ensure your plumbing system meets safety standards. Proper installation and maintenance reduce contamination risks, keeping your water safe.

Upgrading Fixtures

Replacing old taps, valves, and pipes with modern, water-efficient fixtures saves water and reduces breakdowns. New fixtures also improve water pressure and overall system reliability. We’ll help you choose the best options for your home or business and install them professionally.

Pro-Tip: Run all your taps for about a minute once a week. This flushes out sediment and keeps water fresh, especially if you don’t use some taps often. It’s a simple habit that can prevent blockages and maintain water quality.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you face sudden water loss, persistent low pressure, leaks, strange tastes or smells, or suspect contamination, don’t wait. Plumbing issues often worsen if ignored and can cause expensive damage. Our team at All Needs Plumbing has the tools, experience, and local knowledge to diagnose and fix your water supply problems quickly and safely. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies and provide reliable service you can trust.

Pro-Tip: Check your water meter overnight when no water is being used. If the meter moves, you likely have a hidden leak somewhere. This early warning can save you from bigger problems and higher bills. Call us to track down and fix the leak before it causes damage.

FAQs About Water Supply Problems

Why have I suddenly got no water?

Sudden water loss can be due to your main valve being turned off, council maintenance or supply issues, or a burst pipe on your property. Start by checking your main valve. If it’s open and neighbours have water, call us to investigate and fix the problem.

What do you do when there is no running water?

First, check your main water valve and any council notices about water supply interruptions. If nothing explains the outage, contact a professional plumber. We’ll assess your system quickly and restore your water supply safely.

How can we solve the problem of water supply?

Water supply problems usually need professional diagnosis and repair. We use specialised equipment to find leaks, blockages, or faulty fixtures and fix them efficiently. Avoid DIY fixes that might cause more harm.

Where is my main water valve?

Your main water valve is typically near your water meter, at the boundary of your property, or inside your home where the water pipe enters. If you’re unsure, we can help you locate and operate it safely.

How long does it take for water to come back on?

If the issue is with the council supply, restoration can take a few hours or longer, depending on the problem. We aim to provide same-day repairs for plumbing faults on your property so you’re not left without water for long.

What if I want to know more about water supply problems?

We get it—water supply issues can be confusing and frustrating. That’s why at All Needs Plumbing, we don’t just fix problems; we make them easy and affordable for you. We offer a $0 callout fee, so you only pay for the needed work. 

Our team provides 24/7 same-day service because water emergencies can’t wait. We also give seniors a 15% discount and $150 off hot water systems when you need to replace one. We’re here to keep your water flowing smoothly and your home or business running without a hitch. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime - we’ve got your back.

Call us if you want to keep your water supply problem-free or need a quick fix. We’re ready to help!

Available 24/7 For Emergency

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