Water Pressure Explained

Understanding water pressure is key to keeping your home’s plumbing system running smoothly. Whether you’re dealing with a weak shower or slow-filling appliances, knowing how water pressure works can help you get to the root of the issue—and solve it. At Maintracts, we’re committed to helping you maintain efficient, safe, and reliable plumbing across your home or business. 

If you have questions about your water pressure or need urgent assistance, call us on 020 8682 2244 or email us at info@maintracts.co.uk. 

 

 

What Is Water Pressure?

Water pressure is the force that pushes water through your pipes. It’s measured in bar units, where 1 bar is roughly equivalent to the pressure created by a 10-metre-high column of water. In everyday terms, higher pressure means stronger, faster water flow from your taps and appliances. 

This pressure comes from the supply mains, typically controlled by your water authority supply. Homes with a gravity-fed supply or tanks in the loft may rely more on height (also known as pressure head) rather than mains pressure. 

 

Water Pressure Vs Flow – What’s The Difference?

While the two are often confused, water pressure and flow rate are not the same. 

• Water pressure is about force (measured in bars). 
• Flow rate measures the volume of water moving through your system (typically in litres per minute). 

You can have high pressure with a poor flow rate if your pipes are narrow or obstructed—this is known as pressure loss in pipework. Similarly, wide pipes with low pressure can still deliver a decent flow. Both need to be balanced for optimal plumbing performance. 

 

What Is Normal Household Water Pressure In The UK?

Most UK homes receive between 1 and 3 bars of mains water pressure, which is usually sufficient for everyday tasks. As a guideline: 

• 1 bar: Fills 10 litres per minute 
• 2 bar: Fills 20 litres per minute 
• 3 bar: Fills 30 litres per minute 

Anything below 1 bar is typically considered low water pressure and may affect showers, dishwashers, or heating systems. 

If you’re dealing with persistent low pressure, check out our guide - common causes of low water pressure in Fulham homes. 

 

Low Water Pressure Causes

There are several reasons you might experience low water pressure: 

• Partially closed valves at your water meter connection 
• Blockages or corrosion in old pipework 
• Faulty fixtures or appliances 
• Leaks within your plumbing system 
• Shared mains supply during peak usage times 
• Naturally low atmospheric pressure in elevated areas 

Sometimes, it could be down to an issue with the water authority supply—in which case, it's worth contacting them directly. 

If you're wondering why my water pressure is low, we’ve outlined helpful tips on our blog. 

 

Water Pressure UK Regulations And Standards

UK water regulations don’t set a legal minimum for household pressure, but the general expectation is around 1 bar at the boundary stop tap. Anything less than this could indicate a supply issue or internal fault. In flats or taller buildings, booster pumps are often installed to meet demand.

To protect internal pipework, some homes are fitted with a pressure regulator or pressure reducer, which prevents pressure from rising too high. Too much pressure can be just as harmful as too little, leading to appliance failures or burst pipes.

 

How To Measure Water Pressure In Your Home

Want to test it yourself? Here’s how to use a pressure gauge: 

• Turn off all taps and appliances. 
• Attach the gauge to an outdoor tap or washing machine outlet. 
• Turn the tap on thoroughly and read the dial. 

The number you see is your pressure in bar units. For more tips, read how to check the water pressure in your property. 

 

Water Pressure Fluctuations And Peak Hour Drops

It’s not unusual to experience pressure fluctuations during busy periods—early mornings or evenings—when water usage across your neighbourhood is highest. This is especially common in properties connected to shared supply mains.

Long-term issues can sometimes point to underlying problems like internal leaks or inadequate system design. A pressure drop can even occur due to airlocks or faulty fittings.

 

Water Pressure Solutions For London Homes

We’ve helped countless homeowners manage and improve their central water pressure through simple adjustments or complete system upgrades. Some solutions include: 

• Replacing old or narrow pipes 
• Installing booster pumps to enhance flow 
• Fitting a pressure regulator to manage high pressure 
• Reducing pressure loss in pipework with proper re-routing 

Need a better shower experience? Don’t miss our tips on five ways to increase water pressure in your shower. 

 

When To Call The Professionals

If you’ve tried the basics and still notice poor water pressure, it may be time to bring in a certified plumber. We’ll inspect your supply, test pressure accurately, and advise on cost-effective solutions. 

We can install new pipework, configure booster systems, and liaise with your local water authority supply if needed. And because we’re local, we respond quickly when you need us most.