Low water Volume

[Rmichie]

Hi , 

 

we are getting around 6 litres per minute at the kitchen tap. Does anyone have any idea what is considered “ normal “ and any suggestions as to what the issue could be ? 
 

thanks 

[Marvin]

Hi @Rmichie

 

If the flow rate is higher in the morning from your cold mains tap then it's probably to do with the mains supply. 

 

i.e. out of your control. A watwr company supply issue.

 

M.

Edited June 13, 2023 by Marvin

[Temp]

https://www.watersafe.org.uk/advice/common_plumbing_questions1/pressure/what_is_the_minimum_water_pressure_that_a_water_supplier_must_supply/

Quote

As a guide, if you have a suitable single service pipe, the first tap in the home (this is usually the kitchen tap) should be able to fill a 4.5 litre (one gallon) bucket in 30 seconds, with all other taps and appliances turned off. 

 

 

Unfortunately water companies are only obliged to provide 0.7bar measured in the pipe between the main and your boundary so the 9L/min mentioned above isn't binding.

 

Got any near neighbours? Ask them what they get. If they are in similar houses and get much better then check all the stop cocks are fully open. 

 

Some houses have pressure reducing valves to prevent taps splashing everywhere. In my experience these pressure reducers seem to need adjusting every few years as the flow reduces gradually over time. There is usually a screw sometimes hidden under a label.

 

Does the kitchen tap have an aerator or strainer or filter in the supply tails? Sometimes these scale up reducing flow rate.

 

Is it a new house? Old place with a long driveway/supply pipe?

Edited June 13, 2023 by Temp

[Rmichie]

It’s a new build - I believe most of

My neighbours are complaining of a similar issue. 

[ADLIan]

Flow restrictors? Under Approved Document G to reduce water use - been part of the Building Reg for may years. Depending upon the type of tap it may be possible to remove the restrictor - otherwise its new tap time.

[Rmichie]

I find that if I have a tap on and say the sprinkler on outside as well - the flow is even more reduced. 
again is that normal? I’ve never experienced that before in a house. 

[Temp]

Perhaps gang up with the neighbours and write a joint letter of complaint to the water co. Ask them to investigate.

 

Does the house have a big cold tank in the loft and possibly pumps to boost the pressure for other outlets?

 

Combi boiler or stored hot water tank? 

 

[Rmichie]

I don’t think we do have a cold water tank - we have a stored hot water tank. 
 

[Temp]

23 hours ago, Rmichie said:

I don’t think we do have a cold water tank - we have a stored hot water tank. 
 

 

Try turning off the incoming main an see if other cold taps and shower continue working (more than just emptying pipes).  If they also stop working they are also fed direct off the mains so what's their flow rate like?