Why is my water pressure so low?

The issues you’re currently experiencing

You may notice low water pressure when using taps, showers or household appliances. The water flow might be weak at one fixture, throughout part of the property or across the entire plumbing system. Other signs can include showers losing pressure when another tap is opened, appliances taking longer to fill, or poor flow from both the hot and cold water outlets.

What’s likely causing the problem

Low water pressure can be caused by blocked tap aerators or showerheads, partially closed isolation valves, a faulty pressure-limiting valve, hidden water leaks or ageing and corroded water pipes. If only the hot water pressure is affected, the problem may relate to the hot-water system, tempering valve or associated pipework. Low pressure throughout the property may also result from an issue with the incoming water supply.

What could I do to fix it?

Start by checking whether the problem affects one fixture or the entire property. Clean blocked tap aerators and showerheads, confirm accessible isolation valves are fully open, and check for visible leaks. If the cause is unclear or the pressure remains low, MAS Plumbing Solutions can test the incoming water pressure, inspect valves and pipework, locate concealed leaks and determine whether repairs or pipe replacement are required to restore reliable water flow.

Why Is My Tap Hard to Turn?

What might you be experiencing?

Your tap handle may feel stiff, difficult to open or hard to close completely. It might squeak, grind or require excessive force to operate. The problem may gradually worsen or cause the tap to start dripping.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• A worn or dry spindle
• Mineral buildup or corrosion
• A damaged washer or O-ring
• A worn ceramic-disc cartridge
• Internal parts that have become overtightened
• An ageing or damaged tap assembly

What can you do to fix it?

Avoid forcing the handle, as this can damage the spindle, cartridge or tap body. If the tap remains stiff, a plumber can dismantle it, clean and lubricate suitable components, replace worn parts or install a new tap when repair is no longer practical.

MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect and repair stiff traditional taps and mixer taps, helping restore smooth operation and prevent further damage or water leaks.

Why Is Water Leaking From the Tap Handle?

What might you be experiencing?

Water may appear around the tap handle or spindle whenever the tap is turned on. It may run down the tap body, collect around the base or leak into the cabinet below. You might also notice that the handle feels loose, stiff or difficult to close.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• A worn O-ring or spindle seal
• A loose packing nut
• A damaged washer or cartridge
• Corroded internal components
• Excessive water pressure
• A cracked or deteriorated tap body

What can you do to fix it?

Avoid overtightening the handle, as this may cause further damage. Dry the area and check exactly where the water appears. If the leak continues, the tap may need a new O-ring, seal, washer or cartridge.

MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect the tap, replace damaged components and recommend a complete replacement if the fixture is badly worn or corroded.

Why Is My Shower Pressure Weak?

What might you be experiencing?

Your shower may have a weak or uneven flow, take longer to rinse properly or lose pressure when another tap or appliance is being used. The problem may affect only the shower or several fixtures throughout your home.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• A blocked showerhead
• Sediment or mineral buildup
• A restricted shower hose
• A faulty mixer tap or cartridge
• A partially closed isolation valve
• A pressure-reducing valve fault
• Leaking or restricted water pipes
• Low pressure from the incoming water supply
• An issue with the hot-water system

What can you do to fix it?

Remove and clean the showerhead, then compare the hot and cold water flow at other taps. If only the hot water has weak pressure, the hot-water system may be responsible. If several fixtures are affected, there could be a supply, valve or pipework problem.

MAS Plumbing Solutions can test the water pressure, locate restrictions and repair faulty valves, fixtures or pipework to help restore reliable shower flow.

Why Do My Pipes Bang When I Turn Off a Tap?

What might you be experiencing?

You may hear a loud bang, knock or shudder inside the walls when a tap, washing machine or dishwasher shuts off. This is commonly known as water hammer and may affect one fixture or occur throughout the home.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• Water pressure that is too high
• Fast-closing taps or appliance valves
• Loose or poorly secured pipework
• A faulty pressure-reducing valve
• Worn tap washers or cartridges
• Missing or ineffective water-hammer arrestors

What can you do to fix it?

Check which tap or appliance triggers the noise and avoid closing taps forcefully. Persistent banging should be inspected because repeated pipe movement can damage fittings and cause leaks.

MAS Plumbing Solutions can test your water pressure, secure loose pipework and repair or install suitable pressure-control and water-hammer devices.

Why Does My Tap Whistle or Make Noise?

What might you be experiencing?

Your tap may whistle, squeal, hum or vibrate while the water is running. The noise may occur at a particular flow rate or affect the hot water, cold water or both.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• A worn or loose tap washer
• A faulty mixer-tap cartridge
• A blocked tap aerator
• Mineral or sediment buildup
• Excessive water pressure
• A partially closed isolation valve
• Loose or restricted pipework

What can you do to fix it?

Remove and clean the tap aerator, then check whether the noise changes at different flow rates. If the sound continues, avoid forcing or overtightening the tap.

MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect the tap, test the water pressure and replace worn washers, cartridges, valves or other faulty components.

Why Is My Water Cloudy, Brown or Rusty?

What might you be experiencing?

Your water may appear milky, yellow, brown or reddish. You might also notice sediment, a metallic taste or staining around taps, fixtures and laundry.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• Air trapped in the water supply
• Sediment disturbed by nearby water-main work
• Corroded galvanised water pipes
• Rust inside a storage hot-water system
• Ageing fixtures or pipe fittings
• Water sitting in unused pipework

If only the hot water is affected, the hot-water system may be responsible. If hot and cold water are discoloured throughout the property, the issue may be coming from the main water supply.

What can you do to fix it?

Fill a clear glass and let it sit. Cloudiness that clears from the bottom upwards is usually caused by air bubbles. Check several hot and cold taps to determine how much of the property is affected.

Avoid drinking, cooking or washing clothes with discoloured water until its safety is confirmed. MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect your pipework and hot-water system or advise when the issue should be reported to your water provider.

Why Does My Water Taste or Smell Strange?

What might you be experiencing?

Your water may taste metallic, earthy or like chlorine. It may also smell musty, stagnant or similar to rotten eggs. The issue might affect one tap, the hot water only or every fixture throughout your home.

What is likely causing the problem?

Common causes include:

• Chlorine in the mains water supply
• Water sitting in unused pipework
• A dirty tap aerator
• Corroded pipes or fittings
• Bacteria or sediment in the plumbing system
• A deteriorating hot-water system
• Odours coming from the drain rather than the water

What can you do to fix it?

Check several hot and cold taps and fill a clean glass away from the sink to confirm whether the smell is coming from the water or drain. Clean the tap aerator and briefly flush water that has been sitting unused.

Avoid drinking the water if the change is sudden, strong or persistent. MAS Plumbing Solutions can inspect your fixtures, pipework and hot-water system or advise when the issue should be reported to your water provider.