Low water pressure is one of those problems that starts as a minor annoyance and quickly becomes a daily frustration. Whether it’s a weak shower, a tap that barely trickles or a washing machine that takes forever to fill, there’s usually a reason for it and in most cases, it’s something that can be sorted.
Check whether it’s just one tap or the whole house
The first thing to establish is whether the low pressure is affecting every outlet in your home or just one. If it’s only one tap or shower, the problem is almost certainly local to that fitting. Blocked aerators (the small mesh screen inside the tap spout) are a very common cause and can be unscrewed, cleaned and refitted in a few minutes.
If the pressure is low throughout the whole house, the issue is further back in the system.
Common whole-house causes
If every tap in the house is affected, there are a few likely culprits:
- A partially closed stopcock. Your internal stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink. If it’s not fully open, it’ll restrict flow throughout the property. Try turning it fully anticlockwise.
- A problem with the mains supply. If your neighbours are also experiencing low pressure, it could be a temporary issue with the water main. Your water supplier can confirm this.
- Limescale buildup in older pipes. In hard water areas like Birmingham, limescale can gradually narrow the internal diameter of pipework over many years, reducing flow.
- A failing pressure reducing valve. Many properties have one fitted where the mains enters the house. If it fails, pressure can drop significantly.
When to call a plumber
If checking the stopcock doesn’t help and your neighbours aren’t affected, it’s worth having a plumber take a look. Limescale-narrowed pipes and faulty pressure reducing valves both need professional attention. Left alone, they can get worse over time and eventually cause more serious problems.
Our team carries out plumbing inspections across Birmingham and Solihull and can usually identify the cause quickly. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll talk it through before you commit to anything.
