By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Start by checking whether it is just you. If neighbours also have low pressure or no water, it is probably a Scottish Water problem: check their service updates or call 0800 0778 778. If it is only your home, check that your stopcock is fully open and look for leaks. Older Edinburgh flats often share a small supply pipe, so pressure can drop when neighbours are using water.
Water near electrics? Do not touch wet switches, sockets or light fittings. Switch off at the consumer unit only if you can reach it without standing in water. Water pouring in? Turn off the stopcock: find your stopcock →
What it could be and what to do
Problem in the street You may be able to fix this
Likely cause: A burst main, planned works or high demand. Scottish Water is responsible for the mains and the pipe up to its stopcock, normally at your boundary.
What to do: Ask neighbours, then check Scottish Water's service updates or call its free 24-hour helpline on 0800 0778 778.
Stopcock not fully open You may be able to fix this
Likely cause: Scottish Water says your internal stop valve should be fully open. It is often left part-closed after a repair.
What to do: Turn the stopcock under the kitchen sink anticlockwise until it is fully open. Opening and closing it a few times can clear debris. Do not force it.
Shared supply pipe Engineer needed
Likely cause: Scottish Water says older properties often have small shared pipes, so flow drops when several homes run washing machines or showers at once.
What to do: Ask other owners in the building if they notice the same thing at the same times. A plumber can advise on upgrading the shared supply.
Leak, blockage or old pipes in your home Engineer needed
Likely cause: Leaks, debris, airlocks or old and badly fitted pipework can all cut flow and pressure.
What to do: Listen for hissing and look for damp patches. Do the bottle test at the kitchen cold tap: Scottish Water says a 1 litre bottle should fill in about 7 seconds at its minimum pressure. If it is much slower, call a plumber.
Safe checks you can do first
These are the checks we suggest before a plumber arrives. Stop if anything feels unsafe.
Stop the water: use the small isolation valve on the pipe to the fitting if there is one, or the main stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink. Stopcock finder →
Electrics: keep away from anything wet and electrical. Get an electrician to check before switching back on.
Is it just you? Ask neighbours. No water or brown water in the whole street is usually Scottish Water: 0800 0778 778, free, 24 hours.
Contain it: buckets, towels and moving belongings limit the damage. In a flat, warn the neighbour below.
Photos: take photos and video before you clear up, for your insurer or landlord.
Need a plumber now? Call us any time.
Our callout is from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180) for attendance and diagnosis. Any repair and parts are agreed with you before work starts.
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every property is different. This page is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
Why is my water pressure suddenly low?
Check with neighbours first. If they are affected too, it is probably a Scottish Water issue such as a burst main. If it is just you, check your stopcock is fully open and look for leaks.
How do I check my water pressure?
Time how long it takes to fill a 1 litre bottle from the kitchen cold tap. Scottish Water says about 7 seconds matches its minimum standard of 1 bar.
Who do I call if I have no water in Edinburgh?
If neighbours have no water too, call Scottish Water free on 0800 0778 778. If it is only your home, call a plumber to check your stopcock and pipes.
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