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13/05/2008, 20:10 Helen Joined on 07/01/2007 61 & Reading Posts 51 Loss of water pressure - any ideas? We have had a phone call to say that there is virtually no water pressure in the taps in our house in France - apparently it's just coming out in a dribble.  The meter has been checked over night and was unchanged so we don't think it's due to water leak and our neighbours apparently have no problem.  It's been identified because we've got some builders in trying to do some repointing and they can't use the outside tap, but we understand it's the same inside. I am going to have to phone the water company tomorrow but before I do, does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be causing the problem? Thanks    Report

13/05/2008, 20:24 Cathy Joined on 07/03/2006 Mostly near Bordeaux; Sometimes near Bristol Posts 1,684 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? Have the builders checked the stop tap?  If your neighbours' supply is fine, it sounds like a blockage. P. S. On another thread recently, someone was worried that there had been theft of their water supply but as your meter reading is the same, it won't be that. Cathy ----- Your children won't remember you ironing their pyjamas but they will remember you reading them a bedside story.    Report

13/05/2008, 21:38 Helen Joined on 07/01/2007 61 & Reading Posts 51 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? Thanks for the reply.  Yes, I had seen the post about water theft and it made me think about our own security arrangements.  But as you say, that doesn't seem to be a problem here. The stoptap has been checked too so it isn't that either.  I agree it's probably a blockage - though am not sure how we would set about finding and fixing it. I guess the first thing is to call Veolia and check that the pressure is OK going into the meter.      Report

13/05/2008, 21:50 woolybanana'sbrother Joined on 18/01/2008 Posts 963 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? Stupid I know, but is the water tap underground full on?    Report

14/05/2008, 6:53 Nick Trollope Joined on 23/08/2004 Broons, Dept 22 Posts 2,448 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas?  Helen wrote: The stoptap has been checked too so it isn't that either.  I agree it's probably a blockage - though am not sure how we would set about finding and fixing it. I guess the first thing is to call Veolia and check that the pressure is OK going into the meter.   As the water companies interest ends at he meter, wouldn't you be better calling a plumber? He can check the pressure, which is likely to be alright if your neighbours water is OK.   Nick www.aplaceinfrance.com    Report

14/05/2008, 7:24 woolybanana'sbrother Joined on 18/01/2008 Posts 963 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? A water leak would not necessarily reduce the pressure unless it was pretty big, so a failure of the meter or tap is just possible. Have your builders done anything to disturb the water inlet pipes to the house, after the meter, such as trenching, laying drives, digging down round the foundations, laying terraces, all of which might disturb and externally block the pipe?    Report

14/05/2008, 8:36 Ron Avery Joined on 29/11/2004 Aveyron 12 Posts 3,095 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? You have paid the bill haven't you........... Ron in the Avey-ron    Report

14/05/2008, 9:22 Helen Joined on 07/01/2007 61 & Reading Posts 51 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? Many thanks for the comments - very supportive, not least as my other half is away at the moment and I'm having to deal with this on my own! We paid a bill in January for the 1st semestre 2008 - which I assume means 6 months?  So I don't think it will be that though I will check with Veolia that they think I've paid too!  ( However, I now find that the phone number on the water bill doesn't appear to work from the UK - it's an 0811 number which may be why - and the website to contact them by email seems to be on a go-slow. Life's never easy!) I've been wondering about damage to the pipe to the outdoor tap in the back garden, though they haven't been working at the front (where the meter is) and our friends think that the pressure is down in the house too.  It may be a plumber is what is needed.  I'll let you know how I get on!    Report

14/05/2008, 17:17 ams Joined on 07/08/2007 Posts 273 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? Check with veolia before getting a plumber. Your problem sounds very much like veolia has turned down the pressure so that you only get a tricle. We ask them to reduce the pressure when we are between tenants, we still have to pay the standing charge, however the loss of water through theft or by external damage is substantially reduced.   ams    Report

15/05/2008, 8:40 Helen Joined on 07/01/2007 61 & Reading Posts 51 Re: Loss of water pressure - any ideas? So, the conclusion (well nearly!)  After lengthy conversations yesterday between our builder, an English friend in France and myself we have come to the following conclusion: The water pressure throughout the house and garden is roughly the same as UK water pressure and is therefore unchanged from what we have had ever since we moved in a year ago.  So no sudden new problem.  However, apparently this level of water pressure is substantially less than French people expect.  Our builder therefore assumed we had a problem (I think he wanted to use the hose to jet wash the repointing he has done for us). So it is a matter of different expectations - we thought it was fine, the French think we have a problem.  At least there is no need for me to rush over to France tonight (rats - I was looking forward to a day or two in the garden!) but we will get Veolia in when we are next over.  As the house was empty for a year before we bought it, the pressure may well have been reduced as you suggested. Many thanks for all the comments and advice.    Report

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France Forum » Moving » Finding/Owning ... » Loss of water pressure - any ideas?

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