Lack of water pressure at home is annoying, inconvenient and a sign that you need to take action. The biggest issue is determining where the problem is. Is it indoors or outdoors? Locating the problem helps you determine the next step.
If the problem is outside the home, you’ll need to leave it up to your water company to fix it. It could be something like that A burst water pipe outside the house Or up your street. However, if the problem is indoors, it is your problem to deal with. Here you will find quick tests and simple checks to identify the problem and the best way to solve it.
Your home should have minimum water pressure
Water pressure in your home can fluctuate for a number of reasons, but it’s important that the water supply meets the minimum requirement. Jamie Heath, Plumbing Specialist build and plumb, Explains what you should get: “In the UK, water companies are required to maintain a pressure standard of 0.7 bar for pipes supplying properties.” This refers to the main support point outside the home, where the water supplier’s pipework connects to your own.
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“This is the minimum force required to push water up to a height of 7 meters and roughly the height of a two-storey house, although suppliers often aim for 1.0 bar for good service,” he adds.
Jamie is a highly experienced manager with over 24 years of experience in the plumbing and heating sector. He now brings his knowledge to Build & Plumb, an online retailer that supplies high-quality products for DIYers, renovators and trade professionals alike.
Tony Wells is a retired plumber with decades of experience and is part of the technical team at Bathroom Spare Parts.
Purchase these products to help check water pressure
Ergobuoy water pressure gauge
This 0-160Psi water pressure gauge has a rubber sleeve for drop and anti-pressure protection. Includes stainless steel braided hose to connect to faucet for quick pressure testing.
Chef’s Aid 1 liter plastic measuring jug
This one-liter BPA-free plastic transparent measuring jug has easy-to-read markings from 200ml to 1000ml. Ideal for quickly testing your water pressure.
If you don’t have an isolation valve installed then invest in these WRAS approved fittings. A set of two 15mm valves, they are easy to install on standard hot and cold water pipes.
Test your water pressure
There are several methods for testing water pressure at home. From Tony Wells Bathroom Spare Parts The technical team explains the options.
The jug test
“This is a flow rate test and a quick DIY method to time how long it takes to fill a 1-liter jug from your faucet.” “About six seconds equals good flow, while anything slower than 10 seconds could mean a potential problem,” he adds. “This measures flow rate, not true pressure, but it’s a useful indicator,” he advises.
Add a pressure gauge
For a more accurate reading, a pressure gauge is a better choice, advises Wells, “You can attach a pressure gauge to an outside faucet or washing machine valve.” He adds, “The ideal pressure for most homes is 1-3 bar. Above 3 bar a pressure reducing valve may be required.”
Simple checks you can do
There are a few quick and easy checks you can do before calling a professional or water company.
1. Check your stopcock
“It’s important to make sure your stopcock is fully open, as even the slightest restriction can affect pressure,” says Heath. “Check both the interior and exterior if accessible,” Wells adds.
2. Ask the neighbors
“I would recommend asking any neighbors if they are experiencing similar problems, as the problem may be with the local supplier rather than your home,” says Heath.
3. Look for leaks
“Even a small leak can reduce the pressure significantly,” Wells points out. “Look for any visible leaks, such as dripping faucets or wet patches,” adds Heath. “Hidden leaks are a common cause of sudden pressure drops,” shares Saunders.
4. Check the valve
At Lee Saunders, Plumbing Specialist soak, suggests, “Finally, check any accessible valves on appliances or pipework.” “If you have a filter or aerator on the faucet, it can sometimes become blocked and reduce flow without you realizing it,” he adds.
Head of Trading at Drench, Lee has 20 years of experience in the kitchen and bathroom sector. Since joining Beyond Retail in 2016, he has led trade and design teams specializing in heating solutions, product demonstrations, supporting both trade professionals and homeowners to make confident decisions.
Ways to increase your water pressure
There are a few simple solutions to try before you need to progress to calling a professional to fix the problem. Heath offers some quick fixes, “Cleaning the aerator, replacing showerheads, or making sure the isolation valve is fully open are all simple DIY fixes you can do to improve your water pressure.” Check out our guide How to increase water pressure in the shower for help.
If DIY fixes don’t work and the water pressure in your home is still consistently weak, one solution is to install a booster pump. “A booster pump is one of the most effective solutions where pressure is consistently low,” Wells shares why.
“Expect to pay £150–£600+ for a pump depending on the type, while installation will be £200–£500,” says Wells. The total for the job will be £350+. He concludes by saying, “These systems increase pressure at specific outlets or the entire property.”
You can call a plumber for a diagnostic visit to learn more about the low pressure problem. Wells shares what they would normally do. “A plumber will usually test incoming mains pressure, check for hidden leaks or restrictions, inspect valves, pipe sizes and system design, and recommend upgrades such as pump or system changes.” “A diagnostic visit will usually cost between £60-£120,” he adds.
FAQ
Is water pressure a responsibility of your water company?
Yes, to some extent, Saunders explains, “Water companies are responsible for delivering water to an external stopcock at your property boundary. If the pressure is low at this point, that’s usually a problem for the water provider to investigate.”
Beyond this point, low water pressure problems fall on the homeowner: “If the problem is with the property’s internal plumbing, it falls on the homeowner, such as old pipes or blockages.”
“If you suspect a supply problem, you can request the water company to pressure test the mains and check for local supply problems,” Wells adds.
Fixing your water pressure might be a good time to think about some smart new additions to your bathroom or kitchen. At the practical level you can follow us By replacing the kitchen faucet Take a look at the guide for inspiration and ideas Kitchen trends 2026 And ours Bathroom design suggestions
