Our water mains systems appear to be letting us down. A UK-wide problem that’s a result of outdated pipes, inadequate pumping facilities and reduced network pressure caused by leaks. Legislation is in place in the UK to ensure that the water company provides you with a minimum pressure of 7 meters head (0.7 bar) to the boundary stop tap. However, this can fluctuate dramatically due to changes in daily demand and the following issues which affect every UK water company.
Obsolete pipework
The UK’s water mains are crumbling, with some sources suggesting that it will take 700 years to replace ageing pipes at current rates. In fact, older infrastructure is, according to a 2025 National Audit Office report*, actually deteriorating faster than it can be replaced. This situation has been caused by lack of investment which means that leaks and bursts are becoming commonplace, with low mains pressure an unavoidable consequence until costly and disruptive repairs take place.
Loss through leaks
Around one-fifth of water running through UK pipes is lost to leakage. Recently, some of the worst-performing utilities companies in the UK were losing around 500 million litres a day through burst pipes. Leaks can drastically lower pressure in homes downstream from the breach.
Bursts are common
Thousands of water main bursts occur yearly across Britain, causing large amounts of damage and reducing pressure in the water mains system. These tend to happen in colder months due to freezing conditions. Water mains under busy roads are also very vulnerable to damage caused by the weight and vibration of traffic just feet above the pipes, with ground movement identified as a major cause of burst water mains. When it does happen, a burst will at best cause pressure to drop – and at worst stop the flow of water altogether, cutting off supply to households and businesses.
Talk to Stuart Turner about boosting water pressure. Call us on 0800 31 969 80 and our pump specialists can help guide you.
