7 Easy Steps to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home

There is nothing more frustrating than having low water pressure in your home. Whether you are taking a shower and can barely get the shampoo out of your hair or watering your garden with a hose that dribbles, poor water pressure can make any task difficult.

Luckily, there are many easy and inexpensive ways to improve your home’s water pressure.

1. Check the Pressure Gauge

Homeowners and plumbers can save time and money by regularly checking their plumbing pressure with a water pressure gauge. These devices can detect fluctuations in water pressure that can cause a variety of problems, including leaks and broken fixtures.

To test your water pressure, attach the pressure gauge to a faucet or hose bib. Make sure all other faucets and showerheads, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerator ice makers, and sprinklers are turned off. If any water is moving somewhere in the system, this will cause a low reading on the gauge.

2. Turn Off the Water

The water pressure in your home can affect how well you use your washing machine and shower. If the pressure is too low you’ll find that your laundry and cleaning can take longer and you may experience a weak stream in your shower.

To check if the municipal water supply is to blame, you can test it yourself by buying a cheap water-pressure gauge at any hardware store. Screw the device onto a hose faucet and turn on the tap, making sure that all other sinks and appliances are turned off.

3. Check for Leaks

Often, low water pressure is caused by a hidden leak somewhere in the house’s plumbing. It could be as simple as a valve that doesn’t close all the way or a restriction in a pipe.

Start by shutting off all the faucets in the house and checking the water meter. If the meter reads off while all of the faucets are turned off, there’s a fast leak.

It’s also a good idea to check for the sound of water “hammering” as it hits appliances and right-angle bends in pipes. This can cause damage to the pipes and lead to leaks.

4. Clean the Pipes

Water pressure is important for household plumbing, as it allows you to take showers and run appliances more easily. If you have low water pressure, there are a few steps you can take to increase your home’s flow rate.

One solution is to clean your pipes. Mineral deposits and buildup can reduce your flow rate, and clogs are common in many homes. If you are unsure how to perform this task, it is recommended that you contact a professional plumber. The plumbing system in your home is an intricate network that brings fresh water in and distributes it throughout the house. This complex system is easy to overlook until something goes wrong.

5. Install a Water Pressure Booster

Water pressure issues can cause a number of problems in your household. From showers that aren’t as satisfying to dishes taking longer to wash, low water pressure can be annoying and even dangerous.

Luckily, there are ways to remedy your water pressure problems that don’t cost you a fortune. One solution is to install a water pressure booster pump. A professional plumber can help you choose the best option for your house and install it properly. This will increase the flow of water and improve your home’s overall plumbing.

6. Replace Old Fixtures

Replacing worn-out fixtures can improve water pressure in your home. Worn-out seals and valves cause leaks that reduce water pressure. Replacing them before they fail prevents expensive emergency plumbing repairs.

Check to make sure all your water valves are open. Even a slight closure can significantly affect your home’s water pressure.

If your low water pressure is due to problems outside your home, contact your municipal water provider. They might be conducting maintenance that is affecting your service. If it’s an ongoing problem, you can install a water pressure booster pump to increase the flow of your incoming water supply.

7. Replace the Pipes

Water pipes can develop clogs or corrode and limit water flow. Replacing old pipes with new, durable ones can improve your showering experience and lower the risk of future problems.

If you get your water from a public supply, try calling the local water department to ask them to run a pressure test on the lines that serve your house. They may be able to fix the problem without you having to pay for a plumber.

If the problem persists, consider buying a water pressure booster pump that draws water from a tank and pumps it at higher speed than your household pipes. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.