Best of Johannesburg

Why Your Water Pressure is Low – And What to Do About It, Johannesburg 2025

Published

3 months ago

June 6, 2025

Chiraag

low water pressure, Johannesburg plumbing, clogged pipes, leaking pipes, corroded pipes, faulty fixtures, blocked aerators, pressure regulator problems, water supply issues, municipal water, Joburg Water, shutoff valve, weak water flow, home maintenance, plumbing issues, pressure booster pump, water pressure test, household water system, water infrastructure, DIY plumbing check, Joburg ETC

Weak water pressure in your taps, showers, or garden hoses? You’re not alone, Joburg. Low water pressure has become one of the city’s most common and frustrating home headaches – and it’s not always as simple as calling the plumber.

Whether you’re living in an older suburb with ageing pipes or a high-density block that puts pressure on supply, 2025 has already seen its fair share of low-flow complaints. And while the city’s water infrastructure is under regular strain, there are also everyday household culprits worth checking.

Let’s break down what might be going wrong, how to fix it, and when it’s time to call in the pros.

Also read: Timeline of Joburg’s Biggest Water Crises – And What We’ve Learned (2025)

What’s Considered “Low” Water Pressure?

If it takes an eternity to fill a sink, or your shower turns to a sad dribble when someone flushes the toilet, you’re probably dealing with pressure below the recommended 3–5 bar for South African homes. Many households, especially in Joburg’s northern suburbs and older buildings, experience dips far below that.

The Usual Suspects: What’s Causing the Drop?

1. Clogged or Corroded Pipes

Over time, pipes can fill up with mineral deposits (especially in hard-water areas) or corrode entirely – particularly in older homes with steel or copper piping. This narrows the pathway for water and slowly strangles pressure.

Tip: Homes with galvanized pipes older than 20 years are especially vulnerable.

2. Hidden Leaks

Even a small, unnoticed leak inside a wall or underground can drain your pressure – and your wallet. If water is escaping before it reaches your taps, you’ll feel the difference in both pressure and your bill.

3. Partially Closed Valves

This might sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly common. If your main water shutoff valve or the valve at your water meter isn’t fully open, it can choke your water flow without warning. Always check these first before coming to any conclusions.

4. Faulty Fixtures or Blocked Aerators

Sometimes, it’s not your whole house – it’s just that one tap or showerhead. Mineral buildup inside fixtures can cause isolated low-pressure spots. Remove the aerator, give it a good clean, and test the flow again.

5. Municipal Supply Interruptions

Yes, Joburg Water’s ageing infrastructure and planned (or unplanned) maintenance can lower pressure across entire suburbs. Pressure can also dip during high-demand times like early mornings or after load shedding when everyone’s geyser kicks in at once.

What Joburg residents say: Social media is often flooded with complaints about “water trickling” or “barely-there showers” – particularly after load shedding or city-wide outages.

Joburg water problems, weak shower pressure, domestic water flow, pressure drop, pipe corrosion, old plumbing systems, emergency water supply, residential water troubleshooting, hard water buildup, water fixture cleaning, urban water shortages, community plumbing issues, suburban water flow, load shedding impact, South African water pressure, home pressure diagnostics, DIY home fixes, water booster solutions, pressure loss causes, utility service disruption, Joburg ETC

Image 1: iStock

6. A Failing Pressure Regulator

Some homes have a built-in water pressure regulator, especially those connected to municipal systems. When these fail, they can cause pressure to spike or drop unexpectedly. If adjusting it doesn’t help, a pro might need to replace it.

What You Can Do About It

Before you panic or call the plumber, try these steps:

Do a Leak Check: Look for visible leaks or signs of water damage. If your meter continues running when all taps are off, you’ve likely got a leak.
Clean the Fixtures: Unscrew aerators and showerheads and soak them in vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral buildup.
Open All Valves: Double-check that your main valve and meter valve are both fully open.
Test the Flow: Use a bucket and stopwatch to measure litres per minute at different taps. Anything under 10 litres/min is cause for concern.
Talk to Neighbours: If everyone’s having the same issue, it’s probably municipal – not your plumbing.

When a Booster Pump Makes Sense

If you’ve ruled out all of the above and you’re still dealing with weak flow, a pressure booster system might be your next move – especially if you live in a double-storey home, rely on rainwater tanks, or use an irrigation system.

While they’re not cheap, they’re effective for boosting pressure throughout your system. Just make sure to get one properly installed and compliant with your local bylaws.

Water Pressure in the Bigger Picture

Johannesburg’s water pressure woes aren’t just about home plumbing – they reflect a wider, city-scale challenge. Infrastructure upgrades are slow, demand is growing, and climate pressures are adding to the complexity.

Still, with the right diagnosis and a few strategic upgrades, you don’t have to live with a barely-there trickle. And in true Jozi fashion, most locals have become pros at troubleshooting their own homes before waiting on help.

Low water pressure is annoying, but it doesn’t have to ruin your mornings. From blocked pipes to sneaky leaks and city-wide issues, the trick is knowing what to check – and when to escalate.

If you’ve tried everything and still feel like your taps are whispering instead of speaking up, it’s time to call in a trusted plumber. Or better yet, speak to your community. You might just find the whole street is in the same leaky boat.