Low pressure is often caused by a simple internal issue — check your stop valve first before calling your water company.
Low water pressure is not a health risk but can indicate issues that need attention. Start with the simple checks below.
Stop valve not fully open. The internal stop valve (usually located under the kitchen sink) controls the flow of water into your property. If partially closed — perhaps after a repair — it will restrict pressure throughout the house.
Limescale buildup. In hard water areas, limescale progressively blocks tap aerators, shower heads, and supply pipes. This is gradual and often unnoticed until flow becomes noticeably restricted.
Burst or leaking pipe nearby. A leak on the local distribution network can cause a sudden drop in pressure across a street or area. Check with neighbours.
Peak demand times. 7–9am and 5–7pm are peak periods. Some drop in pressure is normal during these times as everyone in the area uses water simultaneously.
Supplier maintenance. Water companies carry out planned and emergency maintenance which temporarily reduces pressure in the affected area.
Property is on a gravity-fed system. Some older properties are fed from a cold water storage tank in the loft rather than directly from the mains. These systems have lower pressure by design — typically 0.5–1 bar.
Low water pressure is not a health risk. However, sustained low pressure can affect boiler and shower performance, reduce the effectiveness of washing machines and dishwashers, and indicate a potential leak.
You can measure your pressure with a gauge fitted to an outdoor tap. Below 1 bar (10m head) at your property boundary is below the minimum the company is required to maintain.
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Frequently asked questions
UK water companies are required to maintain a minimum pressure of 1 bar (10 metres head) at the boundary of your property. Most homes receive 1.5–3 bar. Above 3 bar can cause its own issues. You can buy a simple pressure gauge (around £5) that fits to an outdoor tap to measure yours.
Low pressure during peak demand times (7–9am and 5–7pm) is normal and reflects high simultaneous use across the local supply network. If it is significantly worse than usual at these times, contact your water company.
Yes, in hard water areas. Limescale progressively restricts the bore of pipes, especially shower heads, tap aerators, and washing machine inlet valves. Descaling these regularly restores flow in hard water areas.
Yes, if the low pressure is sudden, affects cold taps only (not internal pipework), neighbours have the same issue, or you suspect a leak. Your water company has a legal obligation to maintain minimum pressure and can investigate if it falls below 1 bar.
Other common problems
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