How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home
The water source in your home can be a well or the city water. Both have different water pressure.
Two things determine water pressure in your home. The first is the volume of the pipe. Which determines the amount of water served in your home.
The other is the pressure given by the city. On average, the pressure should be between 50 and 80 psi. Anything above 80 psi is way too high.
If you are constantly rebuilding your toilet. Probably some of your faucets are dripping. At the same time, you constantly do repairs. This is the number one sign that you have high pressure.
Another issue would be that you live in an area with old main pipes. And replacing them would cause a lot of disruption. This would mean not enough water is flowing into your home.
While determining the water pressure. Use a pressure gauge that is reliable and accurate. Remember to put a washer inside, so the water doesn’t spray over you.
Ensure no water is running inside your home. For example, the washing machine, dishwasher, or someone taking a shower. For accurate readings.
You will measure the water pressure in two places. The front spigot and the back spigot from the city. The front spigot water is unregulated by the pressure-reducing valve. So it has high pressure.
While a pressure-reducing valve regulates the latter. So it has low pressure. Usually at 80psi.
However, always check up online to know what pressure you should be getting. Which can vary depending on whether you live in a flat or a high area.
The high areas have more water reservoirs. Therefore you are more likely to receive high pressure. As compared to the flat areas.
Keep in mind the pressure can fluctuate at different times of the day. Depending on the usage in the neighborhood. As well as the proximity to the main supply.
Before knowing how to increase or reduce the water pressure. Keep in mind that an old pressure-reducing valve might create a leakage. When adjusted.
Sometimes they shut down on their own so no water will pass through them.
When you want to increase the water pressure in your house. Loosen up the nut using a bolt. Then turn the valve in a clockwise direction.
When you want to decrease the water pressure. Wind the bolt in the opposite direction. Which is anticlockwise.
When you get the pressure, you want. Don’t forget to set back your lot nuts.
Nothing is more bummer than the shower’s low water pressure. Especially after a long day. Then you find the shower is not as soothing as it should be.
The problem could be the shower head. Or at the handle of the shower. Or the water pressure of the house. Therefore it is always a good idea to troubleshoot.
Begin by removing the shower head from the line. Then get a flat-based screwdriver to remove the little O ring. To get to the water pressure restrictor valve.
It is usually put partly to help customers reduce their bills. As well as to help to protect the environment.
Which slows down the flow rate of the water. Remove it, then pot the O black ring back. Then hook back the shower head.
Or opt to clean it. Through soaking it in a water-vinegar solution. If that doesn’t work. Yet you are convinced it’s the source of the problem. Replace it.
Clean the other parts as well. Use a toothbrush or something similar for this operation. Also, try cleaning each rubber nozzle. To make sure there are no blockages.
Then fill a bowl with enough vinegar. To soak the shower head overnight. Assemble everything back.
Turn on the water to see if the water pressure has changed. If that was the problem, then it should increase. If not, it will remain the same.
So now that you know the restrainer is not the issue. Go to the water spigot from the city. Then measure the pressure using the pressure gauge. It should be at par with what is recommended by the city.
If you find out that you are under pressure. And that the shower head is not the issue. Check the shower cartridge. As well as the pressure balancing valve.
Gently open up the handle. To get to the water valve. Which controls both the temperature and the volume of the water. On either side of the screws.
Back them up a little bit. In the counterclockwise direction. Turn on the shower to see if the water pressure is back on.
If the problem is not related to your plumbing. A relatively inexpensive option is to buy a shower head for low water pressure.
These are shower heads that are designed specifically to help increase water flow. In areas with low water pressure.
The other place that is affected by water pressure in the sink. The most affected side is the one that removes hot water.
Either the water doesn’t get heated up. Or takes a while before getting heated. However, be sure to determine which side is low pressed.
The cold or the hot side. This will help determine what goes to take off. While under the sink.
In case you find both hot and cold have low pressure. The common problem could be that some water rocks and sand have gotten into the aerator.
Take it off, then hit it gently against the countertop. You are more likely to see something coming out. Or soak it in vinegar.
Now go down to the sink to look at the hose. The hot is usually on the left while the cold is on the right. Each has a turn-off valve. Do turn off the one with the issue.
Be sure to turn off the water as well. Place a little container underneath the hose. Then loosen up the nut on the hose.
Ensure the hose remains straight. To avoid further damage. Since the water line is flexible. Kinks in it can prevent the flow of water.
Debris usually gets through them before getting into the aerator. Now let the water come out at the bottom of it. This is where the container comes in handy.
You will get to see if any debris comes out of it. Afterward, the hand tightens the nut on the hose before using a wrench. Don’t let it be too tight that you move the hose.
Turn the valve, so the water pressure is back on. Dry up the area to notice any leaks. And the water pressure should come back on.
In case the water pressure is low, only with hot water. The issue is more likely to be your water heater.
As discussed earlier, the clogged aerator affects two locations. The bathroom and sink.
Always check to ensure that the shut-off valve is completely open. Since it controls the flow of water in the entire house.
How do you measure the water pressure if the source is from the well? By using a hose pipe and a 5-gallon bucket. Time how long it will take for the bucket to fill up.
If it takes a minute. The water pressure is 5 gallons per minute. If it takes ½ a minute. Then the pressure equals 10gallon per minute.
Another common cause of home water pressure problems is a faulty pressure reducing valve. It controls the pressure in your plumbing system to a safe level that will not destroy your pipes.
A failing pressure regulator can cause a serious upward spike in water pressure. As well as a sudden reduction in your water pressure. It affects all the fixtures in your home.
Not to forget the water softeners. It is a good idea to become familiar with your water softener manual. To be aware of when and how to perform periodic maintenance. As well as how to troubleshoot it.
However, the water softeners are usually the last thing to cause water pressure problems. During those times, it’s usually during the conversion process from hard water to soft water.
Which is usually a slight drop. It shouldn’t even be noticeable. Even though the process requires a lot of water pressure.
Not unless you undersize it. Or have it installed incorrectly. If your water pressure did drop immediately after you installed a water softener. Then chances are you are looking at a defective water softener.
If the water pressure problem is a major issue. You might need to reconsider repiping your system.
The issue might be due to the corrosion of the steel pipes over time. Which narrows the inside diameter of the water pipes.
In conclusion, even though low water pressure is frustrating. It is quite a relief to know that you can pinpoint the cause most of the time. Then troubleshoot the issue yourself.