Low flow cold water system - Disaster

[davespade]

Hi,

I have a significant plumbing problem with a new property I purchased.

I'm experiencing low flow on my cold water system. There is not enough flow for more than any one tap/outlet to run at any one time.

I've changed the stop cock and proved the supply into my property is of very high pressure and high flow. This confirms the problem is internal to my flat.

Pressure is there when any one tap is turned on however it quickly drops to a low flow rate. If you leave for 3-5 mins the pressure builds up again. This leads me to believe that there is a flow restriction somewhere within the property on the supply (beyond the stop cock).

I'm confident there is no leak as I can't hear any water flowing through the main pipe when all outlets are closed.

I've had a plumber round who suspects there may be a pressure reduction valve somewhere in the system however it's not accessible (probably behind a wall). I'm at the bottom of a block of flats (30 meters + to the top) hence the pressure should be high.

Without the cold water I'm unable to run my combi boiler system so we have no heating.

How do I find out if there is a pressure reduction valve without cutting into walls randomly?

Can anyone offer any help? Please!![/b]

 

[Boilerman2]

Any Pressure Reducing valve SHOULD have been fitted so as to be accesible for maintenance, if it isn't under the sink or next to the stop-cock it may be near to your Water Meter, I have seen modern blocks of flats, where the water main is boosted by a Booster set in the care of the landlord, it is possible that all the water meters are grouped together in a plant room or void (under the control of the landlord/managing agent)
I would advise you to contact your management agent to enquire if and where any PRV's are fitted