Tenement flats
Low water pressure in a top-floor flat: what are your options?
Top-floor tenement flats often have weak showers because water pressure drops as it climbs: roughly 1 bar for every 10 metres of height. Scottish Water aims to supply at least 1 bar at the boundary of your property, so by the top floor there may be little left. This guide explains how to check your pressure and which shower suits it.
Why is the pressure lower upstairs?
Water pressure is measured in bar, and lifting water uses it up: roughly 1 bar is lost for every 10 metres the water rises. A top-floor tenement flat can be 10 metres or more above the street, so even a good supply can arrive weak. Old, narrow or furred-up pipes inside the building make it worse.
What pressure should you get?
Scottish Water says it aims to provide water at a pressure of at least 1 bar at the boundary of your property, and properties that receive less than 1 bar after investigation can be added to its low pressure register. Pressure can also drop at busy times of day. If your pressure seems very low, contact Scottish Water first.
Which shower suits low pressure?
| Shower type | How it works | Suits low pressure? |
|---|---|---|
| Electric shower | Heats cold mains water in the unit | Often, if it meets the maker's minimum pressure |
| Mixer on a combi boiler | Mixes hot and cold mains water | Only if the mains pressure and flow are good |
| Power shower | A built-in pump boosts tank-fed water | Yes, but only with a cold water tank |
| Shower pump | Boosts water from a stored supply | Yes, on tank-fed systems |
A word on pumps
Pumps that draw water straight from the mains are restricted under the water byelaws, because they can lower the pressure for your neighbours. Most shower pumps are designed for tank-fed systems. Check with Scottish Water or your installer before fitting any pump.
How do we check your pressure?
At the free survey we check your water system, the pressure and the flow before recommending a shower. Sometimes replacing old pipework inside the flat makes the biggest difference. See our walk-in shower installation service and our tenement bathroom renovation service.
Sources
Figures from other organisations are theirs, not our prices. Check each source for the latest version.
Free survey
Talk to us about your bathroom
Have a question about your own bathroom? Send your details and we'll arrange a free survey and a fixed-price written quote.
- Free, no-obligation survey
- Fixed-price written quote
- No VAT added
Free · No obligation
Get your free bathroom quote
Tell us a little about your bathroom and we'll arrange your free, no-obligation survey.
No obligation. We never share your details.
Prefer to talk? Call 0141 280 9490 or WhatsApp us.
What is good water pressure for a shower?
Scottish Water aims to supply at least 1 bar at the boundary of your property, but many showers work better with more. Every shower has a minimum pressure and flow set by its maker, so check the product details before you buy. We measure your pressure and flow at the survey and recommend a shower that suits your system, rather than guessing.
Will an electric shower work in a top-floor flat?
Often, yes. An electric shower heats cold water from the mains, so it does not rely on a hot water tank or boiler. It still needs the minimum pressure and flow set by its maker, which we check first. It also needs its own electrical circuit, which a registered electrician we work with fits and certifies. It also suits homes without a hot water tank.
Can I fit a pump to boost my mains water?
Be careful. Pumps that draw water directly from the mains are restricted under the water byelaws, because they can reduce pressure for other people on the same supply. Most shower pumps are made for tank-fed systems. Speak to Scottish Water or your installer before buying any pump, so you do not fit something that is not allowed. We check what is allowed for your home at the survey.
How do I report low water pressure in Glasgow?
Contact Scottish Water, which supplies water across Glasgow and Renfrewshire. It can investigate the pressure at your property boundary and, if it is below 1 bar, add your home to its low pressure register. Pressure problems inside the building, such as old or narrow pipes, are usually the owner's responsibility to fix. Replacing old internal pipework during a renovation can make a big difference to your shower.