Water pressure issues diagnosis in Exeter
Professional water pressure issues diagnosis services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Water pressure problems need proper diagnosis - I test systematically to find the exact cause, then advise on solutions. Fix simple issues same visit.
Low Pressure Driving You Mad?
Shower that barely trickles? Kettle taking forever to fill? Water pressure problems are frustrating, and guessing at solutions wastes time and money.
I diagnose pressure issues properly - test at different points, check valves and regulators, look for blockages and leaks. Once I know what's actually causing it, we can fix it properly.
💡 Pro tip: Before you call anyone about low pressure, check your main stopcock is fully open. Sounds obvious, but I've been called out to "pressure problems" where someone had accidentally half-closed the stopcock. Turn it fully anti-clockwise - might solve your problem for free.
What Affects Water Pressure
| Possible Cause | How to Tell | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Partially closed stopcock | Affects whole house equally | Open fully |
| Clogged filters | Sudden drop after no flow | Clean filters |
| Limescale buildup | Gradual worsening over time | Descale or replace pipes |
| Failed PRV | Sudden change | Replace valve |
| Hidden leak | Pressure drops, meter still running | Find and fix leak |
| Poor mains supply | Always been low | Pump or larger pipe needed |
What You Get
🔧 The Diagnosis Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Measure | Test pressure at mains and various taps |
| Check valves | Stopcock, isolation valves, PRV if fitted |
| Look for issues | Leaks, blockages, limescale, etc |
| Advise | Explain cause and recommend solution |
📦 You're Left With
- Clear understanding of the problem
- Pressure readings and measurements
- Advice on best solution
- Simple fixes done same visit
Pricing Guide
| Job Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple diagnosis + fix | 1 hr | £60 |
| Complex diagnosis only | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Diagnosis + larger repair work | 2+ hrs | £110+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Low pressure - poor shower, slow-filling appliances
✅ High pressure - banging pipes, leaking taps
✅ Fluctuating pressure - changes for no obvious reason
✅ One tap affected - others work fine
Why Choose Us for Water pressure issues diagnosis in Exeter?
Find exact cause of problem
Test pressure properly
Advise on solutions
Fix if straightforward
What to Expect
Step 1: Measure Properly
I test pressure at your mains stopcock and at various taps around the house. This tells me if it's whole-house or localized.
Step 2: Check All Valves
Check your stopcock is fully open, all isolation valves, and pressure reducing valve if you have one. Surprising how often something's accidentally been turned.
Step 3: Look for Problems
Check for leaks (visible or hidden), blocked filters, limescale buildup in pipes or taps, failed components. Work systematically to find the cause.
Step 4: Advise & Fix
Explain what I've found and what'll fix it. If it's simple (clean filter, open valve) I'll do it same visit. If it's bigger (new pipework, pump needed) I'll advise properly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Some pressure checks you can do yourself:
🔧 Things to check first
- Is stopcock fully open? (Turn anti-clockwise as far as it'll go)
- Are isolation valves under sinks fully open?
- When did you last descale your shower head?
- Is your header tank full? (If you have one - check loft)
💧 Quick pressure tests
- Turn on cold tap at kitchen sink (nearest to mains)
- If flow is strong here but weak elsewhere, problem is localized
- If weak everywhere, check stopcock and mains pressure
- If only hot water is weak, problem is with hot water system
🚰 Cleaning tap aerators
- Unscrew aerator from tap spout
- Rinse under water to remove debris
- Soak in vinegar if limescale buildup
- Screw back on
- Test water flow
⚠️ Don't try to fix
- Anything involving the external stop tap (water company's valve)
- Pressure reducing valves (need proper tools and knowledge)
- Suspected leaks behind walls or under floors
- Anything in the loft tank if you're not steady on a ladder
💡 Pro trick: Fill a 1-litre jug from your kitchen cold tap. Time how long it takes. Under 6 seconds = good pressure. 6-10 seconds = acceptable. Over 10 seconds = definitely low pressure. This gives you a baseline to measure against after any fixes.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Exeter's older houses: Many have original pipe work that's smaller diameter than modern standards (½" instead of ¾"). This naturally restricts flow. If you want significantly better pressure, you might need to upgrade the mains pipe - bigger job but makes a real difference.
Combi boilers and pressure: Combis need decent mains pressure to work properly (at least 1 bar). If your pressure's marginal, it affects your heating and hot water. Worth sorting.
Water meter customers: If you're on a meter and pressure has dropped suddenly, check for hidden leaks - your meter will keep running even when all taps are off. Could be costing you money as well as causing pressure problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes low water pressure?
Could be lots of things - partially closed stopcock, clogged filters, limescale in pipes, failed pressure regulator, leak somewhere, or just poor mains pressure in your area. I test systematically to find which it is, then we can fix it properly.
Is low pressure just annoying or actually a problem?
Depends. If it's always been that way and everything works, it's just annoying. But sudden pressure drop can indicate a leak somewhere (expensive if not found). Also some appliances (combi boilers, showers) need decent pressure to work properly.
Can you fix pressure problems or just diagnose them?
If it's something straightforward (closed valve, blocked filter, simple fix) I'll sort it the same visit. If it needs new pipework, a pump, or dealing with the water company, that's a bigger job - I'll diagnose and advise what's needed.
What's considered normal water pressure?
Typical UK mains pressure is 1-2 bar (15-30 psi). Below 1 bar is low - you'll notice poor shower performance and slow-filling toilets. Above 3 bar is high - can damage appliances and cause leaks. I measure it properly with a gauge.
Why is pressure only low at certain taps?
If one tap has low pressure but others are fine, it's usually local to that tap - clogged aerator, partially closed isolation valve, or blockage in that specific pipe run. Much easier to fix than whole-house low pressure.
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