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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Problems with pipes and running water https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1598471361 Message started by OldHouse on Aug 26^th, 2020, 8:49pm

Title: Problems with pipes and running water
Post by OldHouse on Aug 26^th, 2020, 8:49pm

Hi there. [smiley=wave.gif]

We bought a house 11 months ago from the council that was in much need of repair but we were told the plumbing and such were in great condition as it was council owned.

I am not sure the estate agents were being 100% truthful (shocker!!) as we have found that when the taps are running downstairs they completely stop upstairs, both hot and cold, as does the electric shower. If the outside tap is turned on all the taps in the house stop running. If the washing machine is running and water is being fed through the same problem happens and the taps loose pressure and stop completely.

Otherwise the water pressure is pretty good, the hot water heats up pretty fast and so do the radiators.

Does anyone know what the cause may be and is it possible to fix? We haven't put down flooring in the hallway and we are planning on having the bathroom redone very soon so is this a problem that might be fixed before doing this for easy access to pipes and whatnot? There is no evidence of any leaks and the pipes seems to be in a reasonable condition from what I can see.

Thank you

Title: Re: Problems with pipes and running water
Post by woodsmith on Aug 27^th, 2020, 7:31am

First thing is to make sure your stop tap, possibly under the kitchen sink, is turned fully on. Then check the water companies valve which is possibly in the pavement outside.

Title: Re: Problems with pipes and running water
Post by CWatters on Aug 27^th, 2020, 3:52pm

+1

If there is a restriction (eg due to a partly closed valves) then the static pressure can still be good while the flow rate is poor.

Also worth asking the neighbours what their pressure and flow rate is like.

Title: Re: Problems with pipes and running water
Post by thescruff on Aug 27^th, 2020, 5:34pm

not a lot to add.

Check with the neighbor is a good start.

Post how long it takes to fill a 2 Ltr bucket from the kitchen cold tap, midday, and evening. Maybe an idea to repeat at the bath if it's upstairs.

Do you have storage tanks in the loft or a combination boiler?

Do you have a water meter?