The lack of water pressure in the home is annoying, inconvenient and a sign that you need to take action. The biggest issue is deciding where the problem lies. Is it inside or outside the home? Determining the location of the issue helps you decide on the next step.
If the problem is outside the home, you’ll need to leave it to your water company to sort it out. It could be something like a burst water pipe outside the house or up your street. However, if the problem lies within the home, then it's your problem to deal with. Here you’ll find quick tests and simple checks to identify the problem and the best way to resolve it.
The minimum water pressure you should have in your home
The water pressure in your home can vary due to a number of reasons, but it's important that the water supply meets the minimum requirement. Jamie Heath, plumbing expert at Build & Plumb, explains what you should be getting: “In the UK, water companies are required to maintain a pressure standard of 0.7 bar for the pipes supplying a property.” This refers to the mains support point outside the home, where the water supplier's pipework connects to your own.
Article continues belowHe adds, “This is the minimum force required to push water up to a height of 7 metres and roughly the height of a two-storey home, though suppliers often aim for 1.0 bar for better service.”
Jamie is a highly experienced manager with over 24 years of expertise in the plumbing and heating sector. He now brings his knowledge to Build & Plumb, an online retailer, supplying top-quality products for DIYers, renovators, and trade professionals alike.
Tony Wells is a retired plumber with decades of experience and is part of Bathroom Spare Parts’ technical team.
Shop these products to help test water pressure
This 0-160Psi water pressure gauge features a rubber sleeve for drop and anti-pressure protection. Includes a stainless steel braided hose to attach to taps for quick pressure testing.
This one-litre BPA-free plastic transparent measuring jug boasts easy-to-read markings from 200ml to 1000ml. Ideal for quickly testing your water pressure.
If you don't have isolation valves installed invest in these WRAS approved fittings. A set of two 15mm valves they are easy to install on standard hot and cold water pipes.
Testing your water pressure
There are several methods for testing water pressure in the home. Tony Wells from the Bathroom Spare Parts technical team explains the options.
The jug test
“This is a flow rate test and is a quick DIY method to time how long it takes to fill a 1-litre jug from your tap.” He adds, “Around six seconds equals good flow, while slower than 10 seconds could mean a potential issue.” He advises, “This measures flow rate, not true pressure, but it’s a useful indicator.”
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 tap or washing machine valve.” He adds, “Ideal pressure is 1–3 bar for most homes. Above 3 bar may require a pressure-reducing valve.”
Simple checks you can do
There are a few quick and simple checks you can do before calling in a professional or the water company.
1. Check your stopcock
Heath says, “Making sure that your stopcock is fully open is essential, as even a slight restriction can impact the pressure.” Wells adds, “Check both the internal and external if accessible.”
2. Ask the neighbours
Heath says, “I would recommend asking any neighbours if they are experiencing similar issues, as the issue may come down to the local supplier rather than your home.”
3. Look for leaks
Wells points out, “Even a small leak can significantly reduce pressure.” Heath adds, “Look for any visible leaks, such as dripping taps or damp patches.” Saunders shares, “A hidden leak is a common cause of sudden pressure loss.”
4. Inspect valves
Lee Saunders, plumbing expert at Drench, suggests, “Finally, check any accessible valves on appliances or pipework.” He adds, “If you have filters or aerators on taps, these can sometimes become blocked and reduce flow without you realising.”
Head of Trade at Drench, Lee has 20 years’ experience across the kitchens and bathrooms sector. Since joining Beyond Retail in 2016, he has led the Trade and Design teams, specialising in heating solutions, product performance, 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 in a professional to solve the problem. Heath offers some quick fixes, “Cleaning out aerators, replacing showerheads or making sure isolation valves are fully open are all simple DIY fixes you can do to improve your water pressure.” Check our guide on how to increase water pressure in a shower for help.
If the DIY fixes don’t work and water pressure in your home is still consistently poor, one solution is to install a booster pump. Wells shares why, “A booster pump is one of the most effective solutions where pressure is consistently low.”
Wells says, “Expect to pay £150–£600+ for a pump depending on type, while installation will be £200–£500.” The total for the job will be £350+. He finishes by saying, “These systems increase pressure across specific outlets or the whole property.”
To find out more about a low pressure problem you can call in a plumber for a diagnostic visit. Wells shares what they will typically do. “A plumber will typically test incoming mains pressure, check for hidden leaks or restrictions, inspect valves, pipe sizing, and system design and recommend upgrades such as pumps or system modifications.” He adds, “A diagnostic visit will typically cost between £60-£120.”
FAQ
Is water pressure the responsibility of your water company?
Yes, to a certain degree, explains Saunders, “Water companies are responsible for supplying water up to the external stopcock at your property boundary. If pressure is low at this point, it is typically an issue for the water provider to investigate.”
Beyond this point, issues with low water pressure fall to the homeowner: “If the problem is within the internal plumbing of the property, then this falls to the homeowner, such as old pipes or blockages.”
Wells adds, “If you suspect a supply issue, you can request the water company to test pressure at the mains and investigate local supply problems.”
Getting your water pressure fixed can be a good time to think about some smart new additions in your bathroom or kitchen. On a practical level you can follow our replacing a kitchen tap guide. For inspiration and ideas take a look at kitchen trends 2026 and our bathroom design suggestions.
