How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home: 9 Effective Tips

Were you aware that although residential water pressure should be around 40 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi), the minimum pressure some area codes require can be as low as 20 psi? A water pressure that low can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks around the house like gardening or even taking a shower.

If you have noticed your home’s water pressure is low, it is important to know there are effective ways to increase water pressure.

Read on for tips on how to accomplish it.

1. Test the Home Water Pressure

Before you do anything else, you want to test the water pressure yourself to know how low it is. You can do this easily with a test gauge with a hose connection.

Attach the connection to a faucet and turn on the water. To get an accurate reading, make sure that all other faucets are off and that any appliances that use water, like a dishwasher or washing machine, are not running.

If you get a reading of 80 psi, the water pressure is too high. 60 psi is a great reading, while 40 to 50 psi is on the low side. Anything below that is too low.

2. Speak with Neighbors

If you get low readings, you want to ask neighbors if they are experiencing the same thing. If they are, then the problem is with the city’s municipal water.

You will want to get accurate readings of the pressure throughout the day so that you can reach out to the appropriate municipal entities.

3. Check for Clogs

If you do get a reading in the range of 60 psi, it can mean that the low water pressure you experience may be the fault of a clog and not of municipal water.

Pipes can develop a mineral deposit buildup and this can cause obstructions. There are cases when the diameter of the pipe constricts enough to create clogs.

Keep in mind that extreme cases of clogging may require that you replace the entire section of pipe, but usually, it can be a simple process to get rid of clogs around the exit points. Showerheads and faucets are where to focus.

An effective way of removing mineral buildup is to place a zip-lock bag filled with vinegar over the faucet head or showerhead. Tie it in place with string and leave it to soak overnight. This will dissolve the mineral buildup.

If you still have low water pressure, the clog may be farther down the pipe and you will need to reach out to experts.

4. Valve Inspection

Home plumbing systems function with a main water valve. It is usually near the water meter and it controls the flow of water into your home’s pipes.

You want to find the valve and make sure that it is fully open. Lots of times during repairs or maintenance, the valve has to be shut off and it may not have been opened again fully. This reduces the water flow and water pressure.

It is an easy fix, however. All you need to do is completely open the valve.

5. Look for Leaks

Leaks are another cause of low water pressure. If there are cracked or otherwise damaged pipes, you could be losing water.

You want to check if there is a leak in the main pipe first. Turn off all of the faucets in your home and outside and then turn off the water valve. Record the number that appears on the meter. Come back in two or three hours and take another reading.

If the reading is higher, you have a leak. The best thing you can do is call professionals.

6. Regulator Replacements

If your home depends on city water, you are bound to have a regulator near the water meter or where the service line comes into the house. A regular ensures that water does not rush through the pipes.

Regulators can malfunction and this can cause a drop in water pressure that gets gradually worse. You can replace or repair the regulator. If you are not sure how to do this, reach out to residential plumbing companies for help.

7. Increase Water Pressure with a Booster Pump

Sometimes, the area where you live may just not have great water pressure. If the water supply has to travel a long distance, uphill, from the municipal source of water, it will not have the best pressure.

You can install a water pressure booster pump to help with this issue. These powerful pumps cut into the water supply line and charge the incoming pressure so that it reaches the desired level.

Do keep in mind that this will have an impact on your energy bill.

8. Call the Water Department

For homes connected to city water, it can be a good idea to reach out to the municipal water department so they can run a test on the water arriving at your home.

They will conduct a pressure test for free to make sure that the average water pressure reaching your home from the street is adequate. If they do not find any anomalies or issues, then the problem is in your home.

9. Expansion Tanks

If your home gets water from a well, you will want to check the water pump that draws from the well and you will also want to make sure the expansion tanks are not leaking.

The pump and expansion tank are what pressurize the water that you use in your home, so if there is an issue with either, it can cause a sudden drop in water pressure.

Call technicians to help you with this issue.

Get the Water Pressure You Need

If you want to increase water pressure in your home or get expert advice on other plumbing issues, it is important to have the right professionals helping you.

Contact us today for all of your plumbing needs!