What water pressure should a house have?

When you turn the tap on, you expect your water to come out at a reasonable pressure. It’s very easy to spot if your supply has suddenly dropped, and the pressure is low, or if the pressure has increased noticeably. Both a rise or a fall in your water pressure can cause problems, so let’s have a look at what might be the cause of your problems, and who to contact if your water supply isn’t doing what it’s supposed to!

What is the recommended water pressure for a household supply?

Water pressure will vary, depending on how far away your property is from the mains. On average, UK domestic water pressure supplies range between 40-80psi (pounds per square inch), so the mean average is around 60psi. 80psi is the maximum pressure for any domestic system – any higher than that and you run the risk of burst pipes. Water supplies can sometimes drop below 40psi for a variety of reasons, but if your pressure is consistently low then you may need to contact your water supplier.

Does my water supply come directly off the mains?

The simple answer is no, as mains water is under much higher pressure than your domestic plumbing system can handle. You’re also not permitted to draw your water direct from the mains as that could cause a vacuum in other properties, and result in damage to pipes or even suck back contaminated water into the supply.

Why would water pressure drop?

A drop in water pressure could be for a number of reasons. It could simply be that you’re putting higher demand on your supply (such as running a dishwasher, a washing machine, and drawing a bath at the same time), or it could be that your local water company is working on pipes in your area. If that’s the case then you’ll often receive a notification before the work starts, so you know to expect a drop in pressure for a day or so. 

If you live in an older property, you may also have smaller pipes that can restrict the flow of water to your outlets. You may often also find that your water is not as clear as it should be, which could be a sign that your pipes are not only reducing the amount of pressure and restricting your supply but are starting to degrade and contaminate your supply. If that’s the case then you need to contact a plumber who can come in and check your network. They will then be able to replace any old or corroded pipes and get your water supply flowing freely again.

Your water supply is pumped through the system via a pumping station. If you’re at the end of the line, so to speak, then your water has much further to come, so you may find that your pressure is lower than properties that are closer to the pumping station. 

What happens if the pressure is too high?

You’ll soon know if your pressure is too high, as you’ll probably get pretty wet as soon as you turn a tap on! However, abnormally high water pressure is a serious concern, as it can easily cause weak joints or pipes to split and burst.

Who do I contact if there’s a problem with my water pressure?

The first thing to do is to check your pipes to make sure you don’t have a leak in your property. If you do then turn off your mains supply at the stopcock, and contact an emergency plumber. 

If you cannot see any problems with your domestic system, then the issue may be further down the line. All water companies have an emergency contact number you can use to report a fault. This will be investigated by specialist teams using high-tech equipment to determine if there is a burst pipe somewhere within the system.

If several households in the same location report a drop in pressure, it helps the water company to identify the general area of the problem, and narrow down exactly where the fault may be, so it can be repaired as quickly as possible. 

If you’ve already received notification that your water company is carrying out repairs or maintenance work in your area, then put the kettle on, sit back and relax, and everything should be back to normal by the time you’ve made a cup of tea!

Collaborative post.