Understanding water pressure systems in your home is vital for ensuring comfort, efficiency, and the long-term reliability of your plumbing. The type of system you have determines how water flows to your taps, showers, and appliances, affecting everything from daily convenience to the lifespan of your fixtures. By knowing your exact system, you can quickly diagnose low water pressure issues, plan suitable upgrades, and make sure your appliances operate at peak performance.
At Maintracts Services LTD, we have decades of experience tackling all kinds of water supply challenges. We specialise in creating balanced water pressure for homes and ensuring your plumbing works precisely as it should. If you’d like expert guidance or professional help, call us on 020 8682 2244 for tailored advice you can trust.
A well-functioning water pressure system transforms daily living. Get the right flow, the right balance, and the right feel in every shower, tap, or appliance.
What Is A Water Pressure System?
A water pressure system manages the flow and pressure of water throughout your property. It dictates how water travels from the mains supply or storage tanks to your taps, showers, and appliances.
The system you have affects:
- How strong do your showers feel?
- How quickly do baths fill (if applicable)?
- Can multiple outlets be used at the same time without loss of flow?
In UK homes, there are several common systems, each working differently and serving varying household needs.
Types Of Water Pressure Systems
The following are four main types of water pressure systems you are likely to find in UK homes:
1. Gravity-Fed System
A gravity-fed system is a traditional arrangement and is still present in many homes. It features a water tank in the loft (also known as a cold water tank) that feeds into a hot water cylinder, usually found in the airing cupboard.
Water flows down through pipes purely by gravity, meaning the higher the tank, the better the pressure. In most cases, pressure is lower compared to mains pressure systems, and additional measures (such as a water pressure booster pump) may be used to improve performance.
2. Mains Pressure System
A mains pressure system is fed directly from your property’s mains supply. This generally delivers a more substantial, more consistent flow without the need for loft tanks. It’s ideal for high-pressure showers and homes that use multiple outlets at once.
When designed and installed correctly, this system ensures balanced water pressure across all taps and fixtures, even when several are in use simultaneously.
3. Unvented Hot Water System
An unvented cylinder stores hot water under pressure supplied by the mains. It offers excellent flow and temperature stability. Since no tanks are required in the loft, you free up space and reduce the risk of water contamination.
This system is particularly suitable for larger households where balanced water pressure is essential for running multiple bathrooms without a noticeable drop in performance.
4. Combi Boiler Pressure System
A combi boiler heats water directly from the mains supply without storing it in a tank. It’s a compact, energy-efficient option — perfect for smaller homes or flats.
However, the performance of a combi boiler is directly dependent on your mains pressure. If your mains flow is weak, you may experience low water pressure issues, particularly when using more than one outlet at a time.