What is a common cause of low water pressure?

A common cause of low water pressure is the flushing of water mains. This maintenance activity is performed by water utilities to remove sediment and other contaminants from the pipes, ensuring clean and safe drinking water. During the flushing process, large volumes of water are released, which can temporarily decrease the water pressure experienced by customers in the immediate area. This is particularly noticeable in distribution systems that are interconnected, as the sudden release can create pressure differences.

Understanding the implications of water main flushing is important for both consumers and utility operators. While it may lead to low water pressure during the flushing process, it is a necessary practice to maintain overall water quality and system integrity. Other factors like blocked sewer lines, excessive rainfall, and rapid temperature changes can affect the water system in different ways, but they do not directly correlate with the control measures for maintaining pressure in distribution systems as flushing does.