Fix High Water Pressure

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

High water pressure in a home might sound like a good thing, but it can actually cause several problems. If your taps are banging, your pipes are leaking, or your appliances are wearing out quickly, your water pressure might be too high. This is a common issue in many UK households, especially in properties close to the mains supply or in newer developments.

Fixing high water pressure is important to protect your plumbing system and make sure your water-using appliances work efficiently and last longer. A plumber can assess the pressure and install the right device — usually a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) — to bring it down to a safe, comfortable level.

🔧 What the job involves

When a plumber comes to fix high water pressure, the process generally includes:

Testing your water pressure: They use a gauge to measure the pressure at your mains supply or at key points inside your home. UK domestic pressure is usually around 3–4 bar; anything above 5.5 bar is considered high and might cause damage.
Locating the right place to fit a PRV: This is normally near the mains stopcock or where the water pipe enters your home.
Installing a pressure-reducing valve: This device controls the pressure coming into your plumbing, lowering it to a safer level. It usually requires some pipework adjustments.
Checking your entire system: Once installed, the plumber will ensure the pressure is stable elsewhere in the house and check for any leaks or issues caused by the previous high pressure.
Testing appliances and taps: They might advise or check if any appliances have been affected and recommend servicing or repairs.

Pressure regulation helps prevent bursts, leaks, noisy pipes, and premature wear on boilers, washing machines, and dishwashers.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Enquiry: Contact a Gas Safe-registered plumber (if dealing with gas appliances) or a qualified plumber to discuss your problem and organise a visit.
Survey and quote: The plumber visits your home to measure water pressure, inspect pipework and plumbing, then provides a written quote.
Booking the work: Agree on a date for installation, ensuring they have all parts needed.
Day of the works: The plumber isolates your water supply, fits the pressure-reducing valve, modifies pipework if necessary, and tests the system.
Completion and advice: They check flow rates, make sure everything works properly, provide advice on maintenance, and issue any relevant paperwork (e.g. invoice and compliance notes).
Aftercare: You might need to arrange periodic servicing or checks to keep the pressure system working well.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typically £100–£150 per hour, dependent on the plumber’s experience and your location.
Parts and materials: PRV valves cost around £40–£100; additional pipework, fittings, and valves around £20–£60.
Disposal: Usually a small charge if old parts need disposing of safely (£10–£20).
Certification: No mandatory certification is required to install a PRV in most domestic settings, but you’ll get a work completion receipt.
Extras: If your property requires more complex pipe access (e.g., chasing walls), expect higher labour or specialist charges.

Example: Basic job – fitting a PRV near the stopcock with minimal pipework:

Labour (2 hours): £250
Parts (PRV valve + fittings): £80
Disposal: £15
Total approx: £345 (excluding VAT)

📊 What affects the price

Ease of access: Ground floor stopcock vs. upstairs or buried pipes.
Complexity of pipework: Straight swap or need to reroute or trim pipes.
Requirement for additional repairs: Fixing leaks or corrosion first.
Local water pressure variations: Some areas require more specialised equipment.
Regulations: Compliance with Building Regulations where relevant (e.g. hot water systems).
Location and time: Tradespeople may charge more in London or remote areas, or for emergency/short-notice work.
Type and brand of PRV: Higher-quality, adjustable valves generally cost more.

⏱ How long does it take?

Simple installation: Around 1.5 to 3 hours; this usually includes pressure testing, fitting the valve, and basic checks.
Complex jobs: Up to a full day if new pipework is needed, walls must be opened, or significant remedial work is required.
Additional visits: Some plumbers may require a follow-up visit to fine-tune pressure settings or check appliance compatibility.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Fixing high water pressure is not a straightforward DIY job. Although a PRV is a simple device, installing one involves working on your main water supply pipe, which can be tricky and messy.

Important points:

It requires isolating the mains water supply safely.
Improper fitting can cause leaks or pressure issues elsewhere.
No special certification is typically required, but workmanship must comply with Building Regulations.
If you are unsure about working on water pipes, it’s safer and more reliable to hire a qualified plumber.

💰 Typical UK price range

The average cost to fix high water pressure ranges from £300 to £600 for standard jobs, including parts and labour. More complex setups or hard-to-access installations can push costs higher. Always ask for a clear written quote.

Note: Prices usually exclude VAT at 20%; check with your tradesperson.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Prepare access: Clear space around your stopcock and pipes for the plumber to work.
Know your supplier: Have details of your water company handy, as some may provide pressure checks or advice.
Ask for a quote: Always get a written estimate before committing.
Check warranties: Confirm guarantees on parts and workmanship.
Keep paperwork: Save any invoices, receipts, or advice notes for future reference or resale.
Regular checks: Consider annual pressure testing, especially if your home is older or you notice issues.
Maintenance: A PRV can fail or need adjustment over time; arrange servicing if recommended.

Taking these steps ensures you get safe, reliable pressure protection that keeps your plumbing and appliances in good shape.