If you’re like most homeowners, you want to ensure that your home has good water pressure. Unfortunately, if you live in an older house or one that is not specifically designed for today’s high-demand needs, your water pressure may be less than satisfactory. Luckily, there are some things you can do to raise pressure at home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to increase water pressure at home.
4 Causes Of Low Water Pressure At Home
Below, we’ve listed the most common causes of low water pressure in the home:
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You Share Pipelines
No one likes to hear this, but shared pipelines are pipes that supply water to more than just your home. What that means is if your neighbor takes a shower or washes their car while you’re trying to do the same, your water pressure will go down. This doesn’t mean you have to pay for their water usage, but it does split the available amount of water between two or more houses.
To put it simply, when your neighbor does something that affects water pressure in your home – like running their dishwasher – you’ll notice a change just like you would if someone inside your household were using too much water.
Only you can decide how much low water pressure you can tolerate. You may find that getting creative with your timing and routine will help ease the inconvenience. As long as you are aware of when your neighbor is using their water, you should be able to use yours without issue. If you do decide that pipe replacement is the best option, we recommend hiring a professional to do the job.
Faulty Fixtures
Over time, your home’s fixtures – such as a shower head, faucets, and toilets – can become clogged with mineral deposits. This not only reduces the amount of water that comes out when you turn on the fixture, but it can also make the water pressure feel lower than usual.
If you think your fixtures might be to blame for your low water pressure, there are a few things you can try before replacing them:
-Descaling: You can use a descaling solution (which you can purchase at most hardware stores) to remove mineral deposits from your fixtures. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully, as descaling solutions can damage some types of fixtures if used improperly.
-Fixture replacement: In some cases, descaling won’t be enough to restore your fixtures to their original condition. If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace them.
If you’re not sure whether your fixtures are the problem, we recommend calling a professional plumber for an inspection. They’ll be able to tell you for sure and can even help you with descaling or fixture replacement if necessary.
Leaks In Your Pipes
If you’ve ruled out both shared pipelines and faulty fixtures, the next likely culprit is leaks in your pipes. Even small leaks can cause reduced pressure, so it’s important to check for them regularly. The most common places to find leaks are:
-Around fixtures: Check the area around your fixtures for any dampness or water pooling. This could be a sign of a leak.
-In your crawl space: Take a look in your crawl space (if you have one) for any signs of leaks. Water on the ground or pooled in an abnormal location could indicate a leak in one of the pipes.
-Under your sink: Pull out the cabinet under your sink and inspect the pipes for any leaks.
Corroded Or Clogged Pipes
If your pipes are old or poorly maintained, they may have started to corrode on the inside. This will cause them to narrow and block the flow of water, resulting in low water pressure.
You may also have clogged pipes. While this isn’t as common as it used to be – thanks to modern drain cleaners – it can still happen. Food, grease, hair, and other debris can build up in your pipes and cause a blockage. Asides from these, a severe mineral clog inside your pipes can negatively impact water pressure.
How To Increase Water Pressure At Home
Below, we’ll give you a few tips on how to increase water pressure in your home. Keep in mind that not all of these will work for everyone, as the root cause of low water pressure can vary.
Check The Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator, also called a pressure-reducing valve, is present in many homes that rely on public water. The regular controls the speed of the water running through pipes to prevent issues such as water hammer. Most regulators are located at either the meter or where the service line enters your home. A failing regulator will cause a gradual loss in velocity, which affects some or all fixtures throughout your home.
To solve the problem, reset the regulator by turning the adjusting screw counterclockwise until it stops. This will allow for more water flow and, as a result, increased pressure. If this does not work, or if you do not have a regulator, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Look For Leaks
Leaky fixtures and pipes are one of the most common causes of low water pressure. Not only do they waste water, but they can also cause your water bill to skyrocket. In addition, leaks put stress on your home’s plumbing system and can lead to more serious problems down the road.
If you suspect that there may be a leak somewhere in your home, the best course of action is to call a professional plumber to take a look. They will be able to quickly locate the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs.
Clean Your Faucets And Showerheads
If you’ve ruled out both regulators and leaks, the next step is to clean your faucets and showerheads. Over time, mineral deposits can build up and restrict water flow, resulting in low water pressure.
To clean your fixtures, remove them from the wall and soak them in a solution of vinegar and water overnight. In the morning, scrub them with a brush to remove any remaining deposits. If this doesn’t do the trick, you may need to purchase new fixtures.
Install A Water Pressure Booster Pump
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and are still not happy with your home’s water pressure, you may want to consider installing a water pressure booster pump. These pumps are designed to increase water pressure by using electricity to push water through your pipes.
While booster pumps are an effective way to increase water pressure, they can be expensive to purchase and install. Additionally, they require ongoing maintenance and may not be the best option for everyone. If you’re unsure whether or not a booster pump is right for you, we recommend talking to a professional plumber.
Conduct A Pressure Test With A Water Pressure Gauge
If you want to know for sure whether your water pressure is too low, you can test it yourself using a water pressure gauge. These gauges are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
To test your water pressure, simply attach the gauge to an outdoor faucet and turn on the water. The gauge will give you a reading of the water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). The average home should have a water pressure of at least 40 PSI. If yours is lower than that, you may need to take some steps to increase it.
Clear The Clogs
Clogs are one of the most common causes of low water pressure. If there is a clog somewhere in your plumbing, it can restrict water flow and cause your water pressure to drop.
There are several ways to clear clogs from your plumbing. You can use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog, or you can pour a solution of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. If those methods don’t work, you may need to call a professional plumber to clear the clog for you.
Check The Valves
Another potential cause of low water pressure is a problem with the valves in your home. There are two main types of valves that control the flow of water in your home: main water shut-off valves and pressure-reducing valves.
If your home has a main water shut-off valve, it is typically located near the water meter or main water line. These valves are used to turn off the flow of water to your entire home. If the valve is not completely open, it could be restricting water flow and causing your water pressure to drop.
Pressure-reducing valves are typically located near the main water line as well. These valves are used to regulate the pressure of the water coming into your home. If the valve is not working properly, it could be causing your water pressure to fluctuate or drop.
If you suspect that a problem with a valve is causing your low water pressure, you should contact a professional plumber to have it repaired or replaced.
Check Your Well Pump
If your home is served by a well, the problem could be with your well pump. Well, pumps are used to draw water from the well and send it into your home. If the pump is not working properly, it can cause your water pressure to drop.
If you think that your well pump might be the problem, we recommend calling a professional to have it checked out. Well, pumps are complex pieces of machinery, and they should only be repaired or replaced by a trained professional.
Issue From Your City’s Municipal Water System
If you’re on a municipal water system, the problem could be with the water main. The water main is the large pipe that brings water into your neighborhood from the city’s water treatment plant. If there is a problem with the water main, it could affect the water pressure for everyone in your neighborhood.
If you experience this, call your local water department and ask if there is a problem with the water main. The city should be able to send someone out to repair the problem quickly.
Summary
Low water pressure can be a nuisance. If your home has low water pressure, there are several things you can do to try to increase it. Some of the most common solutions include clearing clogs, checking valves, and testing the pressure. If those methods don’t work, you may need to install a water pressure booster pump or replace your well pump. If you’re unsure of what to do, we recommend talking to a professional plumber for help.
If you need help from a professional, make sure to contact us! We’re here to help you with all of your plumbing needs.
