By Kerry Hale

The Ultimate Guide to Water Pressure

  • Wednesday 2 October 2024
  • 7 minute read

Good water pressure can transform the way you use your bathroom, from enjoying powerful showers to running quick baths. If the water pressure in your home leaves something to be desired, read our guide for everything you need to know about how you can improve it.

Our ultimate guide walks you through the basics, from the difference between water pressure and water flow to understanding how water pressure is measured. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about how to check and increase the water pressure in your home so you can maximise your bathroom time.

What is water pressure?

Water pressure is the force that pushes water through pipes. It determines how fast or slow the water comes out of your taps, measured in bars. There are a few factors that can affect water pressure, including your area and your plumbing.

What’s the difference between water pressure and water flow?

Water flow is the volume of water moving through a particular point in a specific timeframe, so water pressure determines water flow.

  • Water pressure – a measure of force, e.g., the force of water through pipes

  • Water flow – a measure of volume, e.g., the volume of water that comes out of a tap, measured in litres per minute (LPM)

How is water pressure measured?

Water pressure is measured in bars. One bar represents the force needed to push water up to a height of 10 metres. In the UK, every regional water pressure company must provide a minimum amount of water pressure to each home.

Taps and showers are rated with minimum pressure ratings, so you can check how much water pressure is needed for new fixtures to work properly.

How do I know if my water is low or high pressure?

Water systems operate at different pressure levels depending on a few factors. The best way to check is to run a quick water pressure test, as outlined below.

What’s the water pressure in my area?

Normal water pressure is around 1-1.5 bar, but it can depend on your property’s water system and your location. Pressure is different from home to home. The simple test below is the easiest way to find out the water pressure in your area.

You can learn more about the water in your area, including the differences between hard and soft water, in our guide.

How to check your water pressure

To test your water pressure, you need a 1-litre measuring jug and a timer:

  1. Put the jug under the tap

  2. Turn on the tap

  3. Time 6 seconds

  4. Turn the tap off

 

If it takes more than 6 seconds to fill the jug, you have low water pressure. You can also use the following calculation for a more accurate understanding of your water pressure:

  • Litres measured x 10

The figure is your water flow rate in litres per minute (LPM). 

What is the ideal water pressure?

When you use the jug method to test your water pressure, multiply the amount of water that comes from your tap in 6 seconds by 10 to find your water flow rate in litres per minute.

  • < 10 LPM = low water pressure

  • 10-15 LPM = good but can be improved

  • > 15 LPM = good

Why is my water pressure low?

There are a few reasons why the water pressure in your home might be low, including how far you live from the source, how hilly the surrounding area is and how much water your neighbours use. Here are a few more reasons your water pressure might be low:

  • Elevation – the height of your water source in relation to your home can affect the water pressure

  • Demand – how much water others are using in your area can impact water pressure, e.g., demand might reduce water pressure at peak times

  • Blocked pipes or showerheads – often the result of limescale buildup, obstructing water flow and causing reduced pressure over time

 

If you suddenly experience unusually low pressure from your taps and showerheads, you likely have a plumbing problem. In that case, it’s best to call in a professional to check the system.

How to increase water pressure

Low water pressure can spoil your showering experience. From limescale buildup to water supply issues, understanding the cause of your low water pressure is the first step in fixing it.

Check that all water isolators are turned on. If you’ve had recent plumbing work carried out, the mains stopcock valve could be partially closed, slowing water pressure.

How to increase shower pressure

First, clean your showerhead thoroughly, ensure the hose isn’t damaged and check the filter. This might require taking your shower apart, so ask a professional for help if you aren’t sure.

If your shower pressure is still low, it might be time to consider some alternatives:

  • Replacing your showerhead – if limescale buildup has clogged your showerhead hose beyond repair, it might be time for a new showerhead. Showerheads with fewer, finer holes can produce stronger water flow.

  • Installing a water pump – in some cases, you can install a water pump or pressurised cylinder into your existing system, boosting water flow. Not all shower installations can accommodate water pumps, so check with a professional if you aren’t sure.

  • Investing in a power shower – power showers use an electrically-driven pump to transport water from your supply, designed to operate efficiently on low-pressure systems.

What’s the best shower head for low water pressure?

The best showers for low water pressure are electric, mixer and digital showers. Showerheads with fewer, smaller holes generally produce more powerful water flow. 

Electric showers provide hot water whenever you need it, and the amount of water produced depends on the shower’s power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW). Generally, the higher the kW rating, the better the water flow.

Mixer and digital showers are another popular choice for low-water-pressure households, as they can be fitted to mains or gravity-fed systems. Mains pressure from combi boilers usually provides enough water flow, while gravity-fed systems may need pumps to deliver sufficient water pressure.

You can learn more about choosing the best shower for your bathroom in our guide.

What’s the best shower pump for increasing water pressure?

A shower pump can boost your water flow, giving you better water pressure and a more satisfying showering experience. The best shower pump to improve water pressure depends on the type of central heating and hot water system in your home and the kind of shower you have. 

If you have a combi boiler or an unvented boiler system, you shouldn’t need a water pump. These boilers provide a high-pressure water supply with a generous flow. Gravity-fed systems are the most likely to experience low water pressure, which can be resolved using shower pumps.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best shower pump for your home:

  • Whether you have a positive or negative head system – positive head systems need positive head shower pumps, and negative head systems need negative head shower pumps.

  • Whether you have a twin or single shower pump – twin pumps are designed for both hot and cold water supplies, boosting both at the same level. Single shower pumps can only raise the water pressure of the hot or cold water supply and are usually used to boost hot water.

  • The bar rating – 1 bar is ideal for smaller shower heads, 2 is best for multiple showers, taps or appliances, and 3 bar pumps are best for power showers and large shower heads.

At Mira, our electric showers feature revolutionary Mira Clearscale technology to reduce limescale buildup for longer-lasting water pressure performance and Mira Airboost technology, increasing water flow by up to 30%. Explore our stylish range to elevate your showering experience.

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