We can take a constant supply of clean water for granted. At no time is this more obvious than when you go to turn on the shower, fill up the kettle or wash up some plates, and instead of a steady stream, you get a weak trickle at best.
A sudden drop in your water pressure is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems out there. It doesn’t only disrupt your day’s flow; it also usually hints at a deeper problem in your home’s water system.
But not every drop in pressure requires an emergency plumber. Sometimes the cause of the drop can be a quick fix. If you’re dealing with unreliable water pressure, here’s what could be causing it, what you should do next, and some guidance on when it is time to call in an expert.
Your water supplier is carrying out maintenance
One of the most common reasons for a sudden drop in your water pressure is that the water supplier has reduced it. They sometimes do this when carrying out planned maintenance or repair work.
Reducing the pressure eases the stress on the water system, prevents burst pipes and keeps the workers safe when completing necessary repairs. When this happens, you must simply remain patient and wait for them to increase the pressure again.
Talking to your neighbours and checking websites or social pages will usually help you find out if this is the case. If everyone is dealing with the same problem at the same time, the issue is likely external - and out of your control.
A hidden leak
A reduction of pressure could also suggest a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing system. Even if it only looks like a small leak, over time this will significantly reduce the amount of water reaching your taps.
Because your plumbing system is probably hidden behind walls and under flooring, it can be difficult to spot a leak before the damage is obvious. To help you identify a fault in your pipes, keep an eye out for:
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Water stains
- Mould growth
- Unusually high water bills
- The sound of running water when all taps are switched off
If you do think your system has a leak, calling a professional to carry out an inspection prevents any damage from worsening.
Blocked taps or showerheads
Hard water can cause limescale to build up over time, clogging your taps and showerheads. This results in a restricted water flow. If the pressure drop is only affecting one tap or shower, this could be the case.
Luckily, this is an easy fix. Remove the fitting and soak it in white vinegar or a descaling solution before rinsing. If after a thorough cleaning, the water still doesn’t return to normal, then more investigation may be needed.
For some helpful guidance on dealing with blocked pipes, check out our blog on ‘How to unblock a sink’.
Faulty pressure reducing valve
In areas where the mains supply is naturally high, some homes in the UK are fitted with a pressure reducing valve, or a PRV. Should this valve develop a fault, the water pressure can suddenly drop in your water system.
Any inspection, repair and replacement of a faulty PRV should be left to a qualified plumber.
Problems with your boiler
If your hot water taps are experiencing low pressure, while your cold water taps remain normal, the drop in pressure may be down to your boiler or hot water system. Possible causes of a boiler-related pressure problem include:
- Low boiler pressure
- A faulty diverter valve
- Blocked pipework
- Issues with the hot water cylinder (if you have one)
Any issues with your boiler must legally be dealt with by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Frozen pipes
In the UK, we’re familiar with a spell of cold weather. Prolonged freezing temperatures in winter can cause your pipes to freeze, hindering or completely blocking water flow.
If your water pressure is continuously dropping in freezing temperatures, check any exposed pipework in attics, garages or outside walls.
Never use a naked flame to thaw pipes. Instead, placing warm towels over the pipes can give temporary relief.
For more information on getting your plumbing through the colder months, check out our previous blog, ‘Preparing Your Heating, Plumbing and Drainage for a Drop-In Temperatures’.
Corroded pipework
Especially in older properties, aged pipework can become blocked or corroded. This usually happens gradually, but occasionally a pipe can burst, or some debris can cause a blockage that immediately limits water supply.
Replacing old pipework is necessary once it begins to affect your water pressure. If this happens, call a plumber right away to get your household’s water system working again.
When should you call a plumber?
It’s important to know when things should be left to the professionals to avoid causing more harm. Contact a qualified plumber if:
- Water pressure has suddenly dropped throughout your entire property
- You suspect a hidden leak
- Your boiler pressure keeps falling
- You notice damp patches or water damage
- The problem continues after checking with your water supplier
- Multiple fixtures are affected and cleaning hasn't resolved the issue
How to prevent future pressure problems
Regular maintenance on your home’s plumbing system reduces the risk of future, unexpected pressure problems. Take care to:
- Clean tap aerators and showerheads regularly
- Check for visible leaks around your home
- Monitor your boiler pressure
- Insulate exposed pipes before winter
- Arrange intermittent plumbing inspections, particularly if you live in an older property
Final thoughts
A sudden drop in your home’s water pressure is typically a sign that something else isn’t right. The cause can range from a simple blockage to a complex plumbing fault that requires professional attention.
If your water pressure is struggling to stay consistent don’t ignore the warning, get in touch with one of our friendly plumbing experts. Whether you need some help investigating a problem or fixing faulty plumbing, give us a call today!
