Low pressure from all taps
Low pressure from every tap in your home is frustrating, but it's rarely a sign of something catastrophic. This issue typically stems from either a problem with your water supply, a blockage in your pipework, or a faulty component somewhere between the mains and your taps. It affects countless UK homes at some point—particularly older properties with mineral buildup or newer builds where commissioning hasn't been done properly. The good news is that most causes are straightforward to diagnose and often fixable without calling an engineer, though you'll want professional help if you suspect a mains issue or can't identify the culprit yourself. This guide walks you through the logical checks to pinpoint what's causing the problem, starting with the simplest possibilities first.
Not sure if this matches your problem?
Use our interactive tool — answer a few questions and get a personalised diagnosis.
Most likely cause & what to check
Check with your water supplier for a known supply issue in your area.
Ensure your stop tap under the kitchen sink is fully open.
Check the outside stop tap is also fully open.
If you have a cold water storage tank in the loft, check the ball valve isn't stuck.
Check for any visible leaks — a leak can cause whole-house pressure loss.
Prefer to have it done for you?
Find me an engineer →Was this guide helpful?
Frequently asked questions
Could low pressure mean I have a leak somewhere in my home?
Yes, absolutely. A significant leak—especially in underground pipes or hidden pipework—will reduce pressure throughout the house as water escapes before reaching your taps. Check your water meter to see if it's creeping up when nothing is running, and look for damp patches, soft ground, or unexplained puddles in your garden or under floorboards.
Why does my stop tap need to be fully open if I'm not turning the water off?
Stop taps can become partially closed over time due to corrosion, accidental bumping, or mineral deposits jamming them slightly. Even a quarter-turn closure can significantly restrict flow, so it's worth checking both your internal kitchen stop tap and the external one (usually under a cover in your garden or by the boundary).
What's a ball valve and why might it affect my water pressure?
A ball valve is the float-operated mechanism in your cold water storage tank (loft tank) that stops water flowing in when the tank is full. If it gets stuck in the closed position, your tank can't refill, which means pressure drops as you use water. You'll notice this particularly if you have an older system or haven't serviced the tank recently.
When should I call a plumber rather than investigating myself?
If you've checked the stop taps, found no obvious leaks, confirmed there's no water company issue, and still have low pressure—or if you're not confident working with stop taps and ball valves—that's the time to ring a qualified plumber. They can test your mains pressure with a gauge and identify internal blockages or faulty components you can't spot yourself.