Test Your Water Pressure – A Step-by-Step Guide (UK)

Test Your Water Pressure – A Step-by-Step Guide (UK)

Knowing how to test your water pressure can help you diagnose problems with your kitchen tap flow and make better decisions about tap replacements or plumbing upgrades. Low or inconsistent pressure often stems from your home’s system type, outdated components, or blockages. This guide walks you through a simple DIY method to measure your water pressure accurately in a UK household.

Before you buy a new tap or try to improve weak flow, it’s vital to know what water pressure you’re working with. If you have a gravity-fed system, you’ll likely have lower pressure at your kitchen tap. You can learn more about system types in our guide to gravity fed plumbing systems.

What You’ll Need to Measure Water Pressure

• A measuring jug (litres or millilitres)
• A stopwatch or timer
• Access to a cold kitchen tap

Tip: It’s best to test from the kitchen cold tap as it’s usually connected directly to the mains and gives the most accurate reflection of your system pressure.

Step-by-Step: How to Test Kitchen Tap Water Pressure

1. Turn off any other taps or appliances using water (dishwashers, washing machines, showers).
2. Place the jug under the cold kitchen tap and get your timer ready.
3. Turn the tap on fully and start the timer for exactly 6 seconds.
4. Turn the tap off and measure the amount of water in litres or millilitres.
5. Multiply the amount by 10 to get the litres per minute (LPM).

Example: If you collect 0.7 litres in 6 seconds, your flow rate is 7 litres per minute.

What Do the Results Mean?

• Below 5 LPM: Very low – likely a gravity-fed system or blockage
• 5–10 LPM: Low to average – many low-pressure taps will still work
• 10–15 LPM: Good pressure – suitable for most taps
• 15+ LPM: High pressure – check if your tap is rated to handle it

If your results are under 5 LPM, take a look at our advice on fixing kitchen tap water pressure. If your pressure is high, be sure your tap model is built to handle it to avoid splashing or damage. We cover this in our guide to choosing the right kitchen tap for your pressure.

Other Ways to Measure Water Pressure

You can also purchase a pressure gauge that screws onto your tap. This will give a more exact reading in bars. Taps designed for low pressure usually require 0.1 to 0.3 bar, while high-pressure taps need 1.0 bar or more.

Want more help choosing compatible parts? Browse our range of spare parts by brand to find pressure-rated options that match your setup.

Useful Resources

• WaterSafe UK – Advice on water pressure
• Ofwat – Your rights to adequate water pressure

Conclusion

Testing your kitchen tap’s water pressure is a simple step that can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re choosing a new tap or troubleshooting flow problems, knowing your exact pressure helps you make the right decisions. For tailored advice or tap-compatible parts, contact us.