Is the problem mains pressure or internal pressure?
First, work out whether the problem is with the mains supply or your own pipes. Check the cold tap in the kitchen, since it often takes water straight from the mains. If that is weak, the issue may be outside or in the supply pipe.
If the kitchen tap is fine but other taps are weak, the fault is likely inside the house, since the supply is working. Ask neighbours if they have the same problem. If they do, call your water company.
Many homes have a stopcock near the kitchen sink and another outside. Check that each one is fully open, because a half-closed valve is a common cause. Turn the handle slowly and test the taps.
Common causes of low water pressure
Common causes include a partly closed stopcock or valve, because a turn of the handle can cut flow. Scale or debris can also block taps, shower heads and pipes. A leak in the supply pipe lowers pressure too.
Old steel pipes may rust and narrow inside. Meanwhile, high demand in your area at busy times can lower pressure. Some homes also have a pressure-reducing valve that has failed.
In homes with a tank in the loft, low pressure at the upper floor taps can be normal, since gravity drives the flow. A pump can help, but ask a plumber first because the wrong pump can harm the system.
Measuring water pressure
A pressure gauge can screw onto an outside tap. It shows the pressure in bar. A plumber can use one to check your supply.
Compare the reading to your water company’s stated standard. Ask them what the normal level is for your area. If it is low, report it.
When to call a plumber
Call a plumber if you cannot find the cause, since several faults feel alike. Call one too if you suspect a leak or if pipes are old and corroded. A plumber can test the supply and check valves.
If the problem is in the street, your water company is responsible, so report it to them. Ring them and report it. You can also ask for a free quote on our site if you need a plumber.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read New Bathroom or En-Suite: A Complete Drainage Planning Guide. You can also read Lead Pipes: Health Risks, How to Spot Them and Replacement and Noisy Pipes: Water Hammer, Banging and What Causes It, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: How to Read Your Water Meter and Use It to Spot Leaks, 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When a Pipe Bursts at Home, How to Find a Reliable Plumber: 10 Things You Should Check, 5 Plumbing Checks to Do Before You Leave on Holiday Trips and Hot Water Not Working: A Diagnosis Guide for UK Homes. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our plumbing help page first, or see Plumbing Repairs in Caernarfon and Plumbing Repairs in Caerphilly. You can also see Leak Detection in Eccles, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
