How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home: 8 Simple Solutions

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as dealing with low water pressure in your home. Whether it’s the shower trickling instead of cascading, or the garden hose barely reaching your flower beds, weak water pressure can disrupt your daily routines.

The good news? You don’t have to settle for subpar water flow. With a few strategic checks and adjustments, you can increase water pressure throughout your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to identify and resolve water pressure issues.

Understanding Water Pressure and Flow

Before we dive into how to increase water pressure, it’s essential to understand the basics of water pressure and flow. Water pressure is the force at which water moves through your pipes, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).

On the other hand, water flow refers to the volume of water moving through your pipes, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). While these two concepts are related, they’re not the same. You can have adequate pressure but low flow if there’s a blockage or other issue restricting water movement.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore how to diagnose and fix low water pressure problems.

1. Test Your Home’s Water Pressure

The first step to solving low water pressure is identifying if there’s an actual pressure issue. You can easily test your home’s water pressure using a water pressure gauge, which you can pick up at your local hardware store for around $10-$15.

How to Test:

• Attach the gauge to an outdoor faucet.
• Ensure all other faucets and water-using appliances in your home are turned off.
• Open the faucet fully and read the gauge.

A typical home should have water pressure between 40 and 60 PSI, with 50 PSI being ideal. If your reading is below 40 PSI, you have low water pressure and can move on to diagnosing the cause.

2. Check Your Main Water Valve

One of the most common and easily fixable causes of low water pressure is a partially closed main water valve. This valve controls the water flow from your city’s water supply or your well into your home.

What to Do:

• Locate your main water valve. It’s typically found near your water meter, either outside your home or in the basement.
• Ensure the valve is fully open. The handle should be parallel to the pipe.
• If the valve is slightly closed, open it completely and check if this improves your water pressure.

3. Inspect Your Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)

Many homes have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed on the main water line to prevent excessive water pressure from damaging your plumbing. However, over time, the PRV can malfunction or become misadjusted, leading to low water pressure.

Steps to Adjust:

• Find the PRV, usually located near your water meter.
• Loosen the locknut on the PRV and turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase pressure.
• Monitor your water pressure using your gauge as you make adjustments.
• If the PRV is old or damaged, consider replacing it with a new one.

4. Check for Leaks in Your Plumbing System

Leaks in your plumbing system can significantly reduce water pressure. Even a small leak can divert water from reaching your faucets and showerheads, leading to lower-than-expected pressure.

How to Check:

• Turn off all water fixtures and note the reading on your water meter.
• Wait a few hours, ensuring no water is used during this time.
• Recheck the meter; if the reading has changed, you likely have a leak.

Finding the leak can be tricky, especially if it’s in an underground pipe. If you suspect a leak but can’t locate it, consider hiring a professional plumber to perform a more thorough inspection.

5. Clear Clogged Pipes

Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside your pipes, reducing the diameter and slowing water flow. This issue is particularly common in older homes with steel or copper pipes.

DIY Fix:

• If you suspect a clog, you can try flushing your system with vinegar. Start by turning off the water heater and draining a few gallons of water from the tank.
• Add vinegar to the tank and let it sit overnight to help dissolve mineral buildup.
• Alternatively, remove and clean faucet aerators and showerheads by soaking them in vinegar.

If the problem persists, it may require professional intervention to clear or replace the affected pipes.

6. Speak to Your Neighbors

Sometimes, the issue may not be with your home at all. If your neighbors are experiencing similar water pressure problems, it could indicate an issue with the municipal water supply.

What to Do:

• Ask your neighbors if they’ve noticed any changes in their water pressure.
• If others are experiencing low pressure, contact your city’s water department to report the issue.
• The city may conduct a pressure test and address any problems with the public water system.

7. Consider Your Well Pump (For Well Water Users)

For homes that rely on well water, the well pump or pressure tank could be the culprit behind low water pressure. A malfunctioning pump or a pressure tank with insufficient pressure can struggle to deliver water effectively.

What to Check:

• Inspect your pressure tank to ensure it’s maintaining the correct pressure.
• If you suspect an issue with the well pump, contact a well contractor for a professional inspection.
• In some cases, adjusting the pressure switch on the pump can improve water pressure.

8. Install a Pressure Booster Pump

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still have low water pressure, you might consider installing a pressure booster pump. These pumps are designed to increase water pressure by using a motorized impeller to boost flow.

Considerations:

• A booster pump can be an expensive solution, often costing several hundred dollars plus installation fees.
• Because installation involves cutting into your main water line, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber for the job.
• A booster pump should be a last resort after exhausting other options.

Final Thoughts

Low water pressure doesn’t have to be a permanent problem in your home. By systematically testing and troubleshooting your plumbing system, you can identify the cause of the issue and take appropriate action to increase water pressure.

Whether it’s adjusting a valve, clearing a clog, or installing a booster pump, you have several options to restore strong, reliable water pressure. Remember, if you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s always wise to consult a professional plumber to avoid any potential damage to your home’s plumbing system.

With the right approach, you can enjoy a steady, satisfying water flow throughout your home once again.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.