When water pressure is low throughout the whole house, the cause is usually somewhere on the main supply rather than at one tap or shower. It may be a problem with the mains, a stopcock that is not fully open, narrow or old pipework, or a leak on the supply pipe. A few simple checks can help you work out which is more likely.
Start by Checking the Mains Supply
The first question is whether the problem is just in your home. Ask a neighbour if their water seems weaker than normal. If several homes on the street are affected, the cause may be on the water company’s network, such as repair work or a burst main.
In Swindon, mains water is supplied by Thames Water. Its guidance on no water or low pressure suggests checks such as testing your cold kitchen tap, looking for frozen pipes in cold weather and checking your stop valves. If the problem seems to affect the wider area, it is worth contacting the water supplier first.
Is Your Stopcock Fully Open?
A stopcock that is only partly open is a surprisingly common cause. It may have been turned down during earlier work and never opened fully again. Check that your inside stopcock is turned fully anticlockwise, if it is safe and you know where it is.
Do not force a stiff stopcock, as old valves can break or start leaking. If it will not turn easily, or if the valve itself seems faulty, it is better to have it looked at by a plumber.
Pipework and Leaks Inside Your Boundary
If your neighbours have good pressure and your stopcock is open, the cause may be in your own pipework. Older homes may still have narrow supply pipes or older metal pipes that have built up deposits inside over time. Both can reduce how much water reaches your taps.
A leak on the underground supply pipe can also lower pressure, because some of the water escapes before it reaches the house. You might notice a damp patch on the lawn in dry weather or a meter that keeps moving when nothing is running. Kinks, partly closed isolation valves and poorly sized pipe runs added during past alterations can also play a part.
If the cause is not obvious, a plumber can trace the supply and check each section. For help with low water pressure throughout the home, a step-by-step check is often the quickest way to an answer.
Pressure That Changes During the Day
If pressure is fine at some times and weak at others, demand may be part of the reason. Early mornings and evenings are when many people shower, cook and run appliances, which can reduce pressure for a while. If this happens often and is getting worse, it may still be worth raising with your water supplier.
If your water pressure is low across the house and you cannot find the cause, Emergency Plumber Swindon can help you look into it. Give us a call on 01793 569521.