Low water pressure — common causes
Low pressure can come from a partially closed stopcock, a fault with the water company's supply, scale build-up in old pipework, or (for a shower specifically) the type of shower valve fitted. A plumber can usually diagnose which of these it is by checking pressure at more than one fixture, rather than assuming it's the mains supply.
Combi vs system vs conventional boilers
A combi boiler heats water on demand with no separate tank, suits smaller properties with one bathroom. A system boiler uses a hot water cylinder but no cold water tank, better for higher demand. A conventional (regular) boiler uses both a cylinder and a tank, common in older properties and useful where mains pressure is poor.
Plumbing in a washing machine or dishwasher
Both need a cold water supply, a drain connection, and in most cases their own isolation valves so they can be disconnected without turning off water to the whole property. Using a shared valve with another appliance is a common shortcut that makes future repairs more disruptive than it needs to be.
Boiler pressure and heating faults
Most combi boilers run best between 1 and 1.5 bar of pressure — too low and the heating cuts out, too high and the pressure relief valve can discharge. A plumber checking a heating fault will usually look at pressure, check for trapped air in radiators (bleeding), and check the pump and diverter valve before assuming a full boiler fault.
Plumbing regulations, FAQ
Do I need a certificate for a new bathroom? There's no single certificate like Part P for electrics, but any work must comply with Water Fittings Regulations, and gas-connected work needs a Gas Safe engineer. Can I do my own plumbing? Straightforward repairs, yes; anything affecting the public water supply (like a new connection) should go through a WaterSafe-approved plumber.
Plumbing work and home insurance
Escape of water is one of the most common home insurance claims in the UK, and insurers sometimes ask whether recent plumbing work was carried out by a registered professional when assessing a claim. Keep receipts and any commissioning paperwork for significant work, not just for the boiler.
Plumbing responsibilities for landlords
Landlords are responsible for keeping water and heating systems in safe working order, and if there's a gas boiler, a valid annual Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement, not optional. A burst pipe or heating failure in a rented property is generally treated as an emergency repair the landlord must address promptly.
Understanding the labour vs materials split
Materials — pipework, fittings, a new boiler or bathroom suite — are often a smaller share of a plumbing quote than labour, particularly for jobs involving lifting floors or chasing walls. If a quote looks unusually cheap, check whether it specifies the same brand/quality of fittings as a competing quote, not just a lower labour rate.