Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing complaints we see in Calpe, Benissa, Moraira and across the Costa Blanca. It can show up as a weak shower, taps that take ages to fill a sink, or appliances (like washing machines and boilers) struggling to run properly.
According to the team at 100% Plumbing (Calpe), pressure issues locally are usually caused by a mix of hard water (limescale), ageing pipework, pressure regulation problems, or hidden leaks—and the right fix depends on where the pressure drop is happening.
Step 1: Is the problem at one tap, or the whole home?
A quick way to narrow down the cause is to check multiple fixtures:
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Only one tap/shower is weak: the issue is often local (a blocked aerator, shower head, or a small valve).
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Every tap is weak: it’s likely a supply/pressure regulation issue, a restriction in the system, or a leak.
If you’re not sure, this is exactly the type of troubleshooting we cover during a General Plumbing visit, where we test and diagnose the system properly.
Common causes of low water pressure in Costa Blanca homes (and safe fixes)
1) Limescale buildup in pipes and fittings (very common here)
Hard water leaves mineral deposits inside pipes, shut-off valves, tap cartridges, and shower heads. Over time, this restricts flow and slowly reduces pressure.
What you’ll notice:
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Gradual pressure loss over months/years
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White residue on taps/shower heads
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Hot water flow often worse than cold (due to scale + heat)
What to do:
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Clean/replace aerators and shower heads
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If the issue is widespread, it may require professional treatment related to Blocked Pipes and Scale.
If you’re dealing with repeated scale problems, it’s worth exploring a long-term solution like Water Treatment to protect pipework and appliances.
2) A pressure reducing valve (PRV) set too low or failing
Many properties have a PRV installed to protect appliances. If it’s misadjusted or worn, pressure can drop suddenly across the home.
What you’ll notice:
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Sudden pressure change everywhere
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No obvious leak or damp
What to do:
PRVs should be checked and calibrated by a professional—this often falls under Domestic Water Supply diagnostics, especially when the issue affects the whole property.
3) Partially closed stopcock or isolation valves
This happens a lot after maintenance work. A valve left half-closed can reduce pressure to an entire bathroom, kitchen, or even the whole home.
What you’ll notice:
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Pressure drop right after plumbing work
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One area of the home is worse than others
What to do:
You can check valves are open, but don’t force old/stiff valves—if it feels stuck, book a Plumbing Services visit to avoid snapping a valve stem or causing a leak.
4) Hidden leaks (can become urgent)
A leak in a wall, under a floor, or on an underground line can reduce pressure while wasting water.
Red flags:
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Pressure drops suddenly
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Damp patches, mould, musty smells
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Water meter moving when everything is off
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Higher-than-normal water bills
What to do:
Stop “testing” and get it checked—hidden leaks can cause structural damage quickly. If you suspect a leak, contact us via Contact Us (or use your emergency line if needed).
5) Area-wide supply issues (especially in peak season)
Sometimes the issue isn’t inside your property. Local maintenance or incidents can temporarily reduce pressure in specific areas.
What you’ll notice:
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Pressure worse at certain times of day
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Neighbours experiencing the same issue
What to do (external check):
If you’re in a Hidraqua-served area, you can check service interruptions and maintenance notices on their official page: Hidraqua service notices (“Avisos”).
Safe DIY checks (before you call)
You can safely:
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Compare pressure at multiple taps (kitchen + bathroom)
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Clean tap aerators and shower heads
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Confirm stopcocks/isolation valves are open (without forcing)
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Ask neighbours if they have the same issue
If pressure loss is sudden, severe, or you see damp—skip DIY and call a professional.
When you should call a plumber right away
Contact a plumber urgently if:
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Pressure drops suddenly throughout the property
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You suspect a hidden leak
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Water pressure affects hot water/heating performance
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There are signs of water damage
This is where a proper system test (not guesswork) saves time and prevents bigger repairs—book via General Plumbing or Contact Us.
Need help with low water pressure in Calpe or the Costa Blanca?
At 100% Plumbing, we diagnose water pressure issues by checking the full chain: supply, valves, PRV, pipe restrictions, and signs of leakage—then we fix the real cause with clear recommendations and reliable workmanship. We’re based in Calpe and cover the Costa Blanca, with 24/7 emergency support available.
Next step: schedule an inspection through Contact Us.
FAQs: Water Pressure Problems in Costa Blanca Homes
1) Why is my water pressure suddenly low in my home?
A sudden drop in water pressure usually means a valve has been partially closed, a pressure reducing valve (PRV) is failing, there’s a restriction, or there may be a hidden leak. If every tap is affected and the change is sudden, it’s worth getting a professional check quickly.
2) Why is only one tap or shower low pressure?
If only one fixture has low pressure, the most common causes are a blocked aerator, a clogged shower head, or a small local valve that isn’t fully open. Cleaning the aerator/shower head often helps, but persistent issues may indicate scale deeper in the line.
3) Can limescale cause low water pressure in Spain?
Yes. Hard water can create limescale buildup inside pipes and fittings, gradually restricting flow. If the issue has worsened over time (rather than suddenly), scale is a very common cause—especially in Costa Blanca homes.
4) How can I tell if low water pressure is caused by a leak?
Common leak indicators include a water meter that moves when all taps are off, damp patches, mould, musty smells, or a higher-than-normal water bill. If you notice these along with low pressure, treat it as a priority and contact a plumber.
5) Is low water pressure an emergency?
It can be. Low pressure becomes urgent if it’s sudden, affects the whole property, or comes with signs of leaking, damp, or flooding. In those cases, it’s best to stop troubleshooting and call a professional.
6) Why is my hot water pressure lower than cold water?
Hot water lines are more likely to accumulate limescale because heat speeds up mineral deposition. If hot pressure is noticeably worse, it may point to scale in the hot line, the water heater circuit, or related components.
7) Should I use chemical descalers to fix low pressure?
For taps and shower heads, mild descaling can help, but using aggressive chemicals in the system can cause damage if misused. If you suspect scale in the pipework, it’s safer to have a professional assess it and recommend a long-term solution like Water Treatment.
8) How do plumbers diagnose water pressure problems?
A plumber typically checks the incoming supply, tests pressure at key points, inspects stopcocks and isolation valves, assesses the PRV, looks for restrictions caused by scale, and checks for leak indicators. This is often done during a system assessment like Domestic Water Supply or General Plumbing.
9) What’s the best long-term fix for recurring low pressure from hard water?
If hard water is the underlying cause, long-term protection usually involves reducing scale formation and protecting appliances—typically through a properly selected solution from Water Treatment plus maintenance of affected components.
10) Who should I call for low water pressure in Calpe or nearby?
If you’re in Calpe, Benissa, Moraira or surrounding Costa Blanca areas, you can contact 100% Plumbing for diagnosis and repair. Book through Contact Us or use the emergency line if the situation is urgent.
