Todd Nesnick
Walking into the shower only to find a feeble trickle or waiting an age for your kitchen tap to fill a glass is the most annoying thing one can do. Low water pressure Commonly occurs in Edgware houses, but what causes it, and more importantly, how can it be corrected?
Whether the pressure is suddenly declining or gradually dropping, usually there is a cause behind it. And if you’re unsure where to start, a local plumbing specialist like Squires and Duran can help you get to the base of the problem – and have things running again in not too long.
Here is a closer look at some of the most often occurring reasons for low water pressure in Edgware houses:
A limescale or garbage build-up
Minerals and trash can accumulate inside your pipes over time, especially in hard water places like Edgware. This build-up limits water flow, which can progressively lower pressure at your shower head and taps.
If just one or two outlets seem compromised, it could be a straightforward matter of shower or tap fixture cleaning or replacement. If the problem is general, though, your piping might be blocked. In such a situation, it is advisable to contact a professional such as Squires and Duran, who can check your plumbing and perform a complete clean or descaling.
Broken or leaked pipes
Water pressure can be much affected by a minor leak in your system. If the leak is under flooring or behind walls, you will naturally experience a smaller flow when water leaks from a pipe before it reaches the tap, and you might not even notice it.
Look for unusually high water bills, mildew, or moist patches—all of which could indicate a leak. A plumbing professional can pressure test your system to find any leaks and fix them before they cause more damage.
Problems with your isolation valve or stopcock
Sometimes, the issue starts precisely at the source. Should your internal stopcock or isolation valve not be completely open, water flow into your house may be restricted, reducing the pressure across the property.
Usually found under the kitchen sink, check your stopcock to be open. One short contact with Squires and Duran will help you safely and properly sort out anything you are unclear about or worry about damage.
Boiler or combi system problems
If you have seen a pressure drop when running hot water, your boiler could be the case. In particular, combi boilers depend on the central pressure to provide hot water. The flow will suffer at low pressure or when the system malfunctions.
It can be a symptom of a more serious problem or something basic like re-pressurizing the boiler. In both cases, a Gas Safe registered engineer—like those at Squires and Duran—will be able to evaluate your boiler and recommend any required repairs.
Outside of your supply issues
Sometimes, the problem starts somewhere other than your house. Your pressure may momentarily drop if local maintenance is underway or the main water supply is compromised.
See your neighbours; if they have the same problem, it could indicate a more general one. You might also get updates from your water supplier. Should the issue continue or worsen, having a plumber check your system to rule out any internal problems is still worth doing.
Don’t put up with low pressure.
Low water pressure is unpleasant and a warning of an underlying plumbing problem likely to worsen. Getting a small remedy or something more complicated looked at sooner rather than later will save time, money, and effort.
The Squires and Duran team is here to assist with slow-filling taps, weak showers, or worrying leak indications. Having years of experience serving Edgware houses, they will promptly and professionally return your water pressure where it should be with minimum disturbance.