Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure?

Are you experiencing low water pressure? If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home or office it can be very frustrating. Before you go running for your credit card and opting for the first offered solution it might be worth reading through our reasons why you might be experiencing low water pressure and our Troubleshooter to determine where the problem lies. This can save you money in the long run by making sure you don’t buy a solution that won’t work. We spend a lot of time replacing boosting systems that were miss-sold or where people bought the cheapest option without reading into whether it will actually work for their system. By understanding why you have low water pressure you should be armed with your specific situation requirements.

Your water authority collects, treats and supplies water from the reservoir to your home. It sets and maintains a guaranteed water pressure, though pressure levels do vary across the day.

Low Water Pressure Troubleshooter:

1. Do you have low water pressure at all your water outlets?
   Check all the outlets in your home. Are all your outlets suffering from low pressure, or just one? If it is an isolated outlet then you need to check your faucet or shower head. A simple clean or de-scale might solve the problem.

2. Is it hot water, cold water or both that are affected by low pressure?
   The main water supply normally enters your home in the cold kitchen or utility room tap. If water comes out of this tap but not elsewhere (such as your shower or bathroom tap) the problem is with your internal plumbing.

3. If only your hot water has low pressure then inspect your water heater.
   Verify the shut-off valve is not shut off. For safety each water heater includes a shut-off valve to use in case of emergencies. If the valve becomes turned slightly it can reduce your water pressure.  Blockages can also occur and plumbers have efficient ways of checking if this is the case.

4. Look at the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV).
   The PRV (shaped like a bell) is usually located on the pipe where it enters your home or office. Adjust this to see if it affects your overall water pressure. Replacement may be necessary if the valve has failed or broken.

5. Check the shut-off valve (stopcock stop valve)
   This valve can influence water pressure, especially if it has been turned slightly. Your inside stop valve needs to be fully open. It’s usually located under the kitchen sink, in the airing cupboard or under the floorboards by the front door. If the valve is closed, turn it anti-clockwise to ensure that it is fully open. Your outside stop valve also needs to be fully open. Some properties share their water supply with their neighbours so check with your neighbours to see if they have recently used the outside stop valve.

Hopefully after going through the checks you have managed to sort out your problem. If you have gone through the checks and are still experiencing low water pressure problems, at least now you should now be armed with a wealth of knowledge about the pressure problems in your home which should enable you to make an informed decision about the right solution. Here are a few other things you will need to know before making your decision. It might be worth making a list of all the problems you are experiencing, and the information about your property.

What can cause low water pressure?

1. Poor Mains Pressure:
   Generally due to water companies reducing the supply pressure.
2. Height of the Property:
   The taller the height of the building, the greater the pressure required to fill header/break tanks.
3. Multiple Water Outlets:
   The more pressure outlets (taps/showers/utility feeds) there are in your property then more pressure is required to get water to all of them.
4. Daily Timing:
   During peak times of the day the demand for water is high, putting a strain on your water system and reducing pressure, for example in the morning when everyone gets up.
5. Living in a High Area:
   If you live in a hilly area (above the reservoir or pumping station) there is a greater pressure needed to get the water up the hill to your property. High pressure is common in low lying areas and low pressure is common in higher lying areas.
6. Inadequate Pumps:
   If you already have pumps installed, it may be they are not up to the job.
7. Over Use:
   During dry spells when hosepipes and sprinklers are being used is just one example of extraordinary use.

Before looking at pressure boosting solutions you will need to know:

1. What type of heating system do you have?
   Is it Gravity Fed System or Combi Boiler or Pressurised Hot Water Tank
2. What type of property is it?
   Is it a House, Flat, Bungalow, Hotel, Warehouse, Village Hall etc. Also how many stories does it have?
3. How many showers at the property?
   Also baths, toilets, & kitchens does it have?
4. The number of people living at the property?
   And do you intend adding any bathrooms or extensions in the future?
5. What is your mains incoming flow rate?
   You can simply fill a 1 litre jug & time how long it takes. ie. 5 seconds would equal 12 litres a minute flow rate.

If you would like to discuss your system or require help in selecting the best pump,

please call us on 01633 244777 to discuss the options,

or e-mail us using enquiries@pumpexpress.co.uk