Why is my water pressure low?

Low water pressure may be temporary demand on the mains, a partly closed internal stop tap, a restriction in the home's plumbing or a supply problem. Check whether it affects one outlet, all cold taps, or both hot and cold water before deciding who to call.

WaterSafe says mains pressure can vary with location, property height and demand, and can fall at busy times such as mornings or hot evenings. Check that the internal stop tap is fully open without forcing it. Ask a neighbour whether their supply has also changed; a shared problem points towards the network.

If only one tap or shower is weak, the cause is more likely local to that outlet or its supply. If the first cold tap is weak with every other outlet off, contact the water supplier. WaterSafe gives a rough guide of a suitable first tap filling a 4.5-litre container in 30 seconds, but a timed flow test measures flow rate rather than static pressure.

Do not adjust boiler valves or open a boiler casing in an attempt to improve hot-water flow. Use the appliance's user controls only as described in its manual, and use a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas-boiler work.

Write down when the change began and whether it is worse at particular times. Compare the kitchen cold tap with an upstairs tap, then repeat with all other water users off. A sudden whole-home change, visible street works or the same problem next door is useful information for the supplier. A long-standing difference between floors or between hot and cold outlets points instead towards the property's pipe sizes, storage arrangement or water-heating system and is better assessed by a plumber.

Sources

• What should my water pressure be? — WaterSafe, accessed 14 November 2026.
• Gas safety for home owners — HSE, accessed 14 November 2026.

On Leatmere

Use the low water pressure guide and read the difference between flow rate and head.