🚿 Is Low Water Pressure Ruining Your Home Comfort? Here’s What You Need to Know
At RARE Plumbing London, we regularly help homeowners across Mayfair, Knightsbridge, St John’s Wood, and beyond solve mysterious water issues.
But one of the most common questions we hear is:
“What’s the difference between water pressure and water flow?”
Let’s break it down simply — and help you figure out if your plumbing system might need attention.
💧 Water Pressure vs. Water Flow — What’s the Difference?
Most people assume pressure and flow are the same. They’re not.
- Water Pressure is the force pushing water through your pipes. It’s measured in bar.
- Water Flow is the volume of water coming out — like how many litres per minute your tap delivers.
Think of it like this:
Pressure = strength
Flow = amount
You can have:
- High pressure but poor flow (e.g. due to narrow or blocked pipes)
- Low pressure and good flow (e.g. in gravity-fed systems)
Understanding this helps diagnose whether your issue is a pressure problem, a flow issue — or both.
🔧 Signs You May Have a Water Pressure Problem
- Slow-filling baths or toilets
- Weak shower sprays (especially upstairs)
- Washing machine taking forever to fill
- Inconsistent hot water delivery
- “Dead” taps when multiple outlets are used
If you’re experiencing these, your system might need:
- A pressure booster
- Pipework upgrade
- Unblocking or descaling
- New pressure-reducing valves (if it’s too high)
🏠 Why Pressure Problems Happen in London Homes
In areas like St John’s Wood or Belsize Park, many homes still use older, gravity-fed plumbing systems. These can struggle to provide strong water pressure — especially on upper floors.
In modern apartments (e.g. around Knightsbridge), poorly designed or incorrectly balanced pipework can also affect performance.
And in luxury homes with multiple bathrooms, unbalanced demand can cause drop-offs during peak use — leaving one shower powerful, and another nearly useless.
🔍 How We Diagnose and Fix Water Pressure Issues
At RARE Plumbing, we:
- Check your incoming main pressure
- Test flow rates at different points in your home
- Inspect for restrictions or leaks in the system
- Recommend and install pressure-boosting solutions — such as accumulator tanks, mains pumps, or upgraded pipework
🔁 Related Services You May Need
- Plumbing Repairs in Mayfair
- Plumbing Repairs in Knightsbridge
- Central Heating Services in St John’s Wood
- Cold Water Storage Tank Cleaning & Maintenance
🛠️ Expert Tip: Don’t Just Install a Pump
Many companies will suggest a pump as a quick fix. But without checking why the pressure is low, you could be masking a more serious issue — or even damaging your system over time.
We always assess the full picture before offering a solution.
📞 Concerned About Water Pressure in Your Home?
Whether you’re in a period property or a modern flat, our team of qualified London plumbers will help you fix poor water pressure — the right way.
✅ No guesswork
✅ No quick fixes
✅ Just solid, professional solutions tailored to your home
✉️ Email - hello@rareplumbing.london
🖱️ Request a Pressure Check Online
