How to Check Water Pressure? | Complete guide

Water pressure is a critical aspect of any plumbing system, as it directly impacts the flow of water from taps, showers, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures. In the United Kingdom, it's important to make sure that your water pressure is within the recommended limits, as this ensures that you have enough water flow to carry out daily tasks and activities.

If the water pressure in your home is too low, you may experience issues such as slow-flowing taps, weak showers, and toilets that are slow to refill after being flushed. On the other hand, if the water pressure is too high, you may experience leaks and damage to your plumbing fixtures.

We will discuss how to check the water pressure in your home and what to do if you find that it's not within the recommended limits.

Step 1: Locate the Main Stopcock

The first step in measuring the water pressure in your home is to locate the main stopcock. This is a valve that controls the flow of water into your home and is usually located near the boundary of your property. It's important to locate the main stopcock as this will allow you to turn off the water supply to your home while you're testing the pressure.

Step 2: Turn off the Main Stopcock

Once you have located the main stopcock, the next step is to turn it off. This will prevent any water from flowing into your home while you're checking the pressure. It's important to be cautious when turning off the main stopcock, as this valve can be delicate and can easily break if not handled correctly. Make sure to turn the valve slowly and evenly, to avoid damaging it.

Get plumbing and drainage cover now 

Step 3: Attach a Pressure Gauge to an Outside Tap

The next step is to attach a pressure gauge to an outside tap. A pressure gauge is a device that measures the water pressure in your home, and it can be purchased from a hardware store. To attach the gauge, simply screw it onto the end of the outside tap. Make sure the tap is fully open, as this will allow you to get an accurate reading of the water pressure.

Step 4: Read the Pressure Gauge

Once the pressure gauge is attached, you can then measure the water pressure in your home. The pressure gauge will give you a reading in bars, which is a unit of pressure used in the UK. The recommended water pressure in the UK is between 1 and 3 bars, with the ideal pressure being around 2 bars. If the pressure gauge is reading lower than 1 bar, this may indicate that you have low water pressure, while a reading of over 3 bars may indicate that you have high water pressure.

Step 5: Check for Any Leaks

If you find that the pressure gauge is reading lower than the recommended limits, it may indicate that there is a leak in your plumbing system. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged pipes, faulty valves, and corrosion. To check for any leaks, start by looking for any drips or leaks from taps, pipes, and valves. If you notice any leaks, make sure to turn off the main stopcock and call a professional plumber to carry out repairs.

Step 6: Address Low Water Pressure

If you find that you have low water pressure in your home, there are several steps you can take to improve it. Some of the most common causes of low water pressure include clogged pipes, a worn-out water pump, or a restricted water flow. If you're unable to identify the cause of the low water pressure, it's best to call a plumber near your home.

Step 7: Address High Water Pressure

If you find that you have high water pressure in your home, there are several steps you can take to bring it back within the recommended limits. Some of the most common causes of high water pressure include a faulty pressure-reducing valve, and a malfunctioning water pump.

If you have high water pressure due to a faulty pressure-reducing valve, you will need to replace the valve, which can be done by a professional plumber. If the cause of the high water pressure is a malfunctioning water pump or an overactive well pump, you will need to have these repaired or replaced by a professional plumber.

Water Meter Reading and Water Pressure:

While not directly related, water meter readings and water pressure can offer clues to each other. Here's a quick explanation:

• Water Meter Reading: This measures the total volume of water used in your home. High readings might indicate a leak (causing high water usage) that could also be affecting pressure.

• Water Pressure: This is the force behind the water flowing from your taps. Low pressure could be caused by a leak (reducing available water pressure) which might show as a lower-than-usual water meter reading compared to previous billing cycles.

The Impact of Water Pressure on Appliances:

Water pressure directly affects how well your appliances function. Here's a quick breakdown:

Low Pressure: Can cause:

• Slow-filling washing machines and dishwashers.
• Ineffective cleaning of these appliances.
• Reduced shower pressure.

High Pressure: Can cause:

• Leaky faucets and valves.
• Damage to appliance components designed for specific pressure ranges.
• Increased risk of pipe bursts.
• 
  
• 
  

FAQs:

Here are some FAQs to complement your water pressure 

1. What is the normal water pressure range for homes?

In the UK, the recommended water pressure is between 1 and 3 bars, with the ideal pressure being around 2 bars.

1. What are the signs of low water pressure?

Slow-flowing taps and showers

Toilets that are slow to refill

Difficulty running multiple water-using appliances simultaneously

1. What are the signs of high water pressure?

Leaky faucets and valves

Hissing sounds from pipes

Appliances malfunctioning due to excessive pressure

Conclusion: 

Testing the water pressure in your home is an important step in ensuring that your plumbing system is functioning optimally. By regularly checking your water pressure, you can identify any potential problems early on and take the necessary steps to address them. Whether you have low or high water pressure, it's always best to call a professional plumber to carry out any repairs or replacements, as this will help to ensure that your plumbing system is functioning safely and efficiently.

To get your future plumbing and drainage emergencies covered, explore Smart Cover

plumbing and drainage insurance plans.

Our network of highly qualified, trusted and experienced engineers work across the UK, and you can expect to have your emergency situation resolved as soon as possible. What’s more, we offer fixed prices on all of our repairs and services, meaning that there are no hidden fees and all commercials, including parts, labour, and call-out charges, that comes with our one-year guarantee.