Thames water slowing water pressure

KAT78

Each year Thames water slow my water pressure in the summer- usually to such extent that my washing machine won't work. Problem when I am a front line NHS worker whose hospital does not launder our uniform for us. Previous years when I have complained Thames water may if I'm lucky take £20 off annual bill but this does not resolve my uniform washing problem - and no I can't get to a laundrette as have a 5 year old in school and I work full time!! Does anyone know how I can get Thames water to stop lowing pressure- I know they say if you have 1 bar of water downstairs then by law that is ok but my washing machine even off peak still has trouble with this!! HELP!!

jk0

Off peak is when it happens here in my experience. I daren't go and have a shower after midnight, as the pressure is often so low that the boiler cuts out.

Could you put your washing on around 6am? You'll still have a bit of cheap electricity, and maybe the water pressure will be okay by then.

Mr.Generous

Could you fit a header tank in the loft or top of airing cupboard and run some stuff off that? It will fill whenever the pressure is enough and its amazing how quickly water pressure builds with height. The height from the bottom of the tank to whatever you are drawing it from in meters multiplied by 0.1 bar will give you your available pressure. Most washing machines will work with half a bar so If you are getting 1 bar its a reasonable pressure, almost certainly enough to make a washing machine work, its the equivalent of a ten meter head of water. if your plumbing isn't causing a restriction - like a self cutting tap and a kinked supply hose then I bet your pressure is at 1 bar when they choose to measure it, and drops during heavy demand. You can get a tester for the pressure for about £10 which would be worthwhile if you think water company is not meeting its obligation (which is 1 bar min).

http://www.jtmplumbing.co.uk/tools-sundries-c438/pressure-testers-c354/rothenberger-water-pressure-test-gauge-p19423/s21775?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=rothenberger-water-pressure-test-gauge-water-pressure-test-gauge-water-pressure-test-gauge-67025&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&gclid=CjwKEAjwpqq6BRC99aKUkaSjuDsSJAC0pNTVk-29UmezhqTOJgheGyt1Pque0YLQmiYUjVEKheSoWBoCKUPw_wcB

victor2

Probably worth getting a plumber to look at the installation and see if there's something relatively simple which could be done to ensure what little pressure there is actually gets to the washing machine.
If you know somebody who can recommend a plumber, then this may be the cheapest solution.

Alter_ego

I have an electric shower direct off the mains. One day last year it failed to heat so I went to DIY store and almost bought a new unit. At the till the girl said that's the seventh today. I changed my mind and returned it to the shelf. Got home and checked with Thames Water, they had lowered the pressure due to a problem in a nearby village.