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Your water pressure
The pressure of the water coming through your taps can sometimes vary and there are a number of reasons for this. We aim to ensure that your water pressure is no less than our target of 1 bar at the boundary of your property. We have devices monitoring pressure levels throughout our mains.
Water pressure in the mains network is not always constant throughout the year, nor from hour to hour throughout the day. It changes in response to the demand for water being placed on the distribution system.
There may be some occasions when we cannot meet our target. This may be owing to high water demand during hot sunny spells when temporary loss of water pressure is unavoidable. In addition, routine maintenance and improvements to our mains network or burst mains can temporarily reduce pressure - this should disappear within a day or so unless we advise you otherwise.
- I think the water pressure in my home is a problem. What can I do?
- Although not an emergency, water pressure problems can be of concern. The following information and tips may help you decide the best way to resolve your pressure problems.
- The water flow and pressure in your home will be affected by the length of the supply pipe. On longer supply pipes, particularly those with a smaller internal diameter, we may be meeting our target water pressure at the boundary, but the pipe on premises may be too small to deliver the flow of water to your property, resulting in what appears to be low pressure.
- Some pressure problems can be caused by faulty, damaged and leaking pipes and fittings, for example ball valves and stop taps inside your home.
- If the pipes in your home are old, they may have become corroded, restricting the water flow. You may want to ask your local plumber to check this for you.
- Leaks from pipes or fittings will reduce water pressure. If you have a water meter, check for a leak by taking a meter reading just before going to bed and again in the morning. If the figures are different, you may have a leak. If you do not have a meter, listen for hissing sounds from inside pipes or look for damp patches.
- A partially closed branch stop tap inside your home could be the cause of low water pressure. Gently opening up the tap may increase the pressure. To fully open the tap, you should open and close it several times until the number of turns from open to closed is constant. Do not leave the tap fully open. Turn it back a quarter of a turn to stop it seizing up.
- If you have a concern about your water pressure, you can contact us on: 0800 389 10 11
