If your water pressure is too low, a pressure booster pump is usually the most effective fix, but the right solution depends on the cause. Here is how to diagnose the problem and resolve it.
Low water pressure can affect your entire plumbing system, including your boiler. A water heater that struggles to heat water is a common sign, often visible as a weaker flow from the hot tap compared to the cold.
The cause can be as simple as limescale buildup in the pipes, or it can point to a deeper issue such as a faulty or missing pump in the building.
Below, we cover the most common causes and explain what you can do to increase water pressure in your home.
Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
This is one of the most common household questions, and the answers vary widely. The most frequent causes of low water pressure are:
- limescale deposits in pipes, showerheads, and tap filters;
- blockages in the pipes, often caused by building or renovation work;
- leaks in the plumbing system;
- main shutoff valve not fully open;
- no pressure tank installed;
- electric pump that is defective, damaged, or missing;
- boiler malfunction;
- very low temperatures causing pipes to freeze.
Each cause has a solution. Some are straightforward DIY fixes, while others require a qualified technician.
Here is how to go about it.
What to Do When Water Pressure Is Low
Start by working out whether the problem affects the whole house or just one or two outlets.
If water pressure is low at only one tap, the most likely culprit is a limescale-clogged filter. Cleaning or replacing it is usually enough to resolve it.
We recommend reading our article "How to Remove Limescale from Water" for practical guidance on this.
If the issue only occurs with hot water, have your boiler inspected to locate the root cause, which is often the heat exchanger. In some cases, adjusting the boiler pressure via the pressure gauge is all it takes. If the problem continues, call a technician.
If low water pressure affects the entire house, check the main connection to the water supply. There you will usually find a shutoff valve and a pressure gauge showing the current reading.
The ideal water pressure is between 1.5 and 3 bar. If it falls below that range (sometimes even below 2 bar), you will need a pressure booster pump to bring it back up.
How to Increase Water Pressure with an Electric Pump
A pressure booster pump is a device designed specifically to raise the water pressure in your home.
It is typically installed at the main entry point of the building, where it draws water from the supply network and delivers it to the house at a higher pressure.
Modern models are electrically powered and come in two main types: submersible pumps and surface pumps, available in centrifugal and self-priming centrifugal configurations.
Take a look at the models available in our online store by visiting the Pumps and Electric Pumps section.
In some situations, you may also need water storage tanks connected to an electric pump, commonly known as pressure vessels (autoclave systems). These store drinking water at atmospheric pressure and then deliver it at the required pressure. This setup is particularly useful in multi-storey buildings, ensuring that residents on upper floors receive adequate water pressure.
A qualified technician will identify the most effective solution for your specific situation, so you always have the right water pressure throughout your home.