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Plumbing

Low water pressure: what may be causing it and what to check

Low water pressure can come from something small, such as a clogged tap outlet or a partly closed valve. It can also come from the supply to the property, a pump or a hidden leak. Finding out whether it affects one tap or the whole property is the most useful first check.

How this usually shows up

  • A weak trickle from the shower
  • Taps that run slowly
  • Pressure that has dropped over time
  • Low pressure on hot water only
  • Pressure that changes through the day

What may be happening

These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. Someone needs to see the problem to know which applies.

A blocked tap or shower head
Limescale or debris can block a tap outlet or shower head. Only that fitting is affected.
A partly closed valve
The main stop valve or an isolation valve may not be fully open, for example after earlier work.
The supply to the property
Pressure may be low in the area or building at certain times, or when the property is fed from a storage tank.
A pump or pressure system problem
If the property has a pump, booster set or pressure vessel, a fault can reduce pressure across the property.
Scaled or damaged pipework
Older pipes can build up scale or corrode inside and restrict flow.
A hidden leak
A leak in the pipework can reduce the pressure reaching the taps.

What you can safely check

  1. Check whether the problem affects one tap or the whole property, and hot water, cold water or both.
  2. If only one tap or shower is weak, and it unscrews easily by hand, look for limescale or debris and rinse it under running water. Do not force it.
  3. Look at whether the main stop valve, usually near the meter or where the pipe enters the property, looks fully open. If it is easy to reach and turns freely, you can check it; never force it.
  4. Find out whether neighbours or other flats in the building have the same problem.
  5. If you have a storage tank, check whether it has water in it. If you have a pump, notice whether it runs, and whether it sounds different.
  6. Note when the pressure is low, for example only in the morning or only when several taps are open.
Please do not
  • Do not adjust or dismantle a pump, pressure vessel or pressure-reducing valve.
  • Do not force stuck valves or fittings.
  • Do not use strong chemicals on pipework or fittings.

When to get professional help

  • The whole property has low pressure and the main valve is fully open.
  • There are damp patches, stains or the sound of running water when everything is off.
  • A pump runs constantly, cycles on and off, or is making unusual noises.
  • Pressure has dropped suddenly, or the water is discoloured.
  • The problem returns after you have cleaned the tap outlets.

How BB Cyprus can help

Send BB Cyprus a request telling us where the pressure is low and whether the property has a tank or pump. We review it, phone you back and tell you the appropriate next step. You get a written quote before any work starts.

This is part of our plumbing work.

BB Cyprus, also known as Bits&Bobs Cyprus, handles home repairs and property maintenance in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca. You do not need to know which trade you need.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every property is different, and electrical, refrigerant and pressurised-system work should be done by a qualified professional.