Low water pressure can be more than just a nuisance — especially when you’re trying to run a shower, fill a sink, or get the heating working properly.

Across homes from Exeter to Ivybridge, we’ve helped customers uncover some surprisingly avoidable causes. And in many cases, a little investigation can save a lot of frustration (and money).

Here are some of the most common — and often overlooked — reasons your water pressure might be underperforming.

1. Partially Closed Isolation Valves

It sounds simple, but we’ve been to homes where a stopcock or isolation valve has been only half-open after plumbing work or a previous repair.

Always check under the sink, near the boiler, and where the mains water enters the house.

2. Blocked or Scaled-Up Taps and Showerheads

Even in areas like Exeter that aren’t known for hard water, minerals and debris can build up in aerators and filters.

Try unscrewing your tap nozzle or showerhead and giving it a proper clean. You might be surprised what’s in there.

3. Faulty or Failing Pressure Reducing Valves

Some properties have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) to protect internal pipework — especially if they’re on a mains line with unusually high pressure.

If that valve fails or gets blocked, it can restrict flow far more than it should. We’ve replaced plenty of faulty ones in newer estates across South Devon.

4. Cold Feed Problems in Vented Systems

If you have a traditional gravity-fed system with tanks in the loft, low pressure is expected — but sometimes it’s made worse by:

• Airlocks in pipework

• Blocked cold feed pipes

• Kinked or undersized pipe runs

In many cases, upgrades to mains-fed or unvented systems solve these for good.

5. Undersized or Old Pipework

Some older homes — particularly Victorian terraces or flats — still have narrow internal pipework. Over time, this restricts pressure and flow, especially if multiple outlets are used at once.

Replacing key sections of pipework (like from the stopcock to kitchen or bathroom) can make a big difference.

6. Shared Supply Issues

If your water pressure drops at peak times (morning and early evening), it could be because your home shares a mains connection with neighbours.

In some cases, upgrading to an independent supply or adding a break tank and pump can stabilise things.

Final Word from EPM

You don’t have to live with poor water pressure. Whether it’s a quick fix or something more involved, we’ll help trace the cause and get things running properly again.

From Exeter to the edge of the South Hams, we sort pressure problems daily — with clear advice, fast service, and no guesswork.