Struggling with weak water pressure at home? Here are the most common causes and
simple checks before calling a plumber.
Low water pressure can turn a simple shower or washing-up job into a frustrating chore. Before assuming
the worst, here are the most common causes and a few things you can check yourself.
- A partially closed stopcock It sounds obvious, but a stopcock that hasn’t been fully opened (after
maintenance work, for example) is one of the most common causes of reduced pressure. Check that your main stopcock and any isolation valves are fully open - Limescale build-up In hard water areas, limescale can gradually build up inside pipes, taps, and shower heads, narrowing the space water flows through. Unscrewing and soaking a shower head in a limescale remover is a quick way to test this.
- A fault with your water supplier Sometimes low pressure isn’t a problem with your home at all. Local supply issues, nearby works, or high demand at peak times can temporarily reduce mains pressure. It’s worth checking with your water supplier if a neighbour is affected too.
- Leaks in the system A hidden leak reduces the amount of water reaching your taps, which can show up as lower pressure. If pressure has dropped suddenly rather than gradually, a leak is worth investigating.
- Old or narrow pipework Older properties sometimes have narrower pipes than modern standards, which naturally limits flow, especially if several taps or appliances are used at once.
- Issues with a water tank or pump If your home uses a cold water storage tank, a low water level, a
faulty ball valve, or a failing pump can all lead to weak pressure, particularly upstairs. - A faulty pressure reducing valve (PRV) If your home has a PRV fitted, a fault here can cause pressure
to drop across the whole property.
When to call a plumber If you’ve checked the obvious causes and pressure is still low, especially if it’s a sudden change, it’s worth getting a plumber to test the system properly and rule out a leak or supply fault.
PipeGuard Plumbing can diagnose low water pressure issues and get your system running properly again.