Water Pressure Guide | Choosing Bathroom Taps & Showers

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Water Pressure

Water pressure is measured in Bar (not to be confused with PSI). The higher the bar rating, the stronger the water flow. Different taps and showers are designed to work within specific pressure ranges.

Understanding Water Pressure

Low Pressure 0.1-1 bar

Common in older homes or properties with gravity-fed systems Best suited to low pressure taps and showers. Sometimes require pumps.

Medium pressure 1.0 - 3.0 Bar

Good steady water flow. Normally from combi boilers, wide range of taps and showers perform well

High Pressure 3.0+ Bar

Strong water flow common in homes with unvented systems, ideal for high pressure taps and showers

Choosing The Correct Taps And Showers For Your Boiler

An example situation: You want to install a waterfall-style bath tap that requires:
• Minimum pressure: 1.0 bar
• Recommended pressure: 2.0 bar for best flow

If you have:
A. Combi Boiler (1.0 – 2.5 bar)
Compatible – This tap will work fine.
B. System Boiler (2.0 – 3.0+ bar)
Perfect – The tap will perform at full capacity.
C. Gravity-Fed System (0.1 – 0.3 bar)
Not compatible – The water won’t flow properly.
Solution: Use a low-pressure tap (0.1 – 0.2 bar) or install a booster pump.

Tips For Best Performancee

Correct installation. Ensure taps and showers are installed correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Clean Regularly. Limescale can effect the flow rate, clean aerators and showerheads regularly for best results.

Need help? Unsure about your pressure and what to buy for your home? Contact our team, we are here to help.

FAQs

Do all bathroom taps require the same water pressure?

No. Every basin tap, bath tap and shower has its own minimum operating pressure. Always check the product specification to ensure it is compatible with your home's water system.

What is water pressure?

Water pressure is the force that pushes water through your pipes and out of your taps and showers. It is usually measured in bar, and choosing products that match your home's water pressure helps ensure the best performance.

Does water pressure affect shower performance?

Yes. Low water pressure can reduce flow, while higher water pressure generally provides a stronger, more consistent shower. Some rainfall shower heads require higher pressure for optimum performance.

What is the difference between water pressure and water flow?

Water pressure measures the force behind the water, while water flow refers to the amount of water delivered. Both play an important role in how well your taps and showers perform.