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.
Identify Your Home’s Water Pressure System
Knowing which system you have is the first step in solving or preventing performance issues. Here’s how to check:
- Look in the loft: If you see a water tank in the loft, you likely have a gravity-fed system.
- Check for cylinders: An unvented hot water system will have a sealed hot water cylinder, usually white or stainless steel, with safety valves and controls.
- Look at your boiler type: A combi boiler doesn’t require tanks or cylinders and heats water only when needed.
- Search for system components: A pressure reducing valve controls overly high pressure, while a water pressure booster pump increases pressure in low-flow setups.
Still unsure why your water pressure is low? We can help you check the water pressure in your property and identify your exact system type. Contact us today!
How To Improve Water Pressure In Your Home?
When you understand your system, you can choose solutions tailored to it. Here’s how to address low water pressure issues effectively:
- Gravity-fed systems: The most common fix is installing a water pressure booster pump. Raising the height of your tank can help marginally, but pumps are far more effective.
- Unvented systems: Ensure correct maintenance and check all safety valves are functioning. Blocked filters can also restrict flow.
- Combi boilers: Check mains supply pressure. If it’s too low, contact your water supplier or consider fitting a booster pump.
Always check for underlying issues such as leaks or blockages in your supply lines. In many cases, resolving the cause is more effective than applying a quick fix.
We’ve created practical guides on common causes of low water pressure and how to increase water pressure in your shower to help homeowners make informed decisions.
Balanced Water Pressure: Why It Matters
Balanced water pressure prevents annoying changes in flow or temperature, particularly in showers when another tap is turned on elsewhere. It also:
- Reduces strain on your plumbing,
- Prevents noise and water hammer,
- Extends the life of taps, showers, and appliances.
In some homes, a pressure-reducing valve keeps potentially damaging high pressure under control. In others, a well-sized booster pump protects against frustration caused by low pressure.
Conclusion: Take Action For Better Water Pressure
The type of water pressure system in your home has a direct impact on comfort, appliance performance, and energy efficiency. By understanding your system and making the right improvements, you can achieve balanced, reliable water flow throughout your property — ensuring showers are powerful, taps run smoothly, and appliances work at their best.
If you’ve noticed weak flow or inconsistent performance, don’t ignore it. The longer you leave low pressure unresolved, the more it can affect your plumbing and day-to-day convenience.
Take control of your home’s water supply today. Call us on 020 8682 2244 for expert diagnostics and tailored solutions that restore the performance and efficiency your home deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of water pressure systems in UK homes?
The most common types of water pressure systems in UK homes are gravity-fed systems, mains pressure systems, unvented hot water systems, and combi boiler systems.
How do I know what water pressure system I have?
Check for loft tanks, cylinders, or direct mains supply. Boilers, pumps, and specific valves can indicate your system type.
What is the difference between gravity-fed and mains pressure systems?
The key difference between gravity-fed and mains pressure systems is how water pressure is generated and delivered. Gravity-fed systems use a loft water tank and gravity, giving lower, variable pressure. In contrast, mains pressure systems connect directly to mains, offering higher, steadier flow. Booster pumps can enhance gravity systems, but aren’t permitted on mains.
Can I increase my home’s water pressure safely?
Yes. Boosters, valve checks, cleaning filters, or pipe upgrades can all help — but get a professional to assess your setup first.
Is low water pressure a sign of plumbing problems?
It can be due to blockages, leaks, faulty valves, or supply issues. An inspection identifies the root cause so it can be fixed effectively.
What water pressure system is best for high-performance showers?
Unvented hot water systems or mains pressure systems deliver consistent, strong flow, especially when paired with a booster pump.
How does an unvented water system work?
It stores mains-supplied water under pressure inside a sealed cylinder, delivering a strong flow to all outlets without any loft tanks.