How to Increase Your Water Pressure
The measure of force that moves water through water mains and into pipes through a plumbing system is known as water pressure. It is a topic that nearly every homeowner has an opinion about, but the level of your home’s water pressure isn’t something you’re stuck with forever.
Here is some information about how to increase water pressure in a home and why you might want to change the pressure of water coming out of your pipes.
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Various things can cause water pressure in a house to become low, such has having the water meter valve not fully open. Water pressure will not be adequate if the main house shutoff valve isn’t fully open or if the pressure regulator is failing.
This issue can be the result of old steel water pipes that have corroded and are restricting water flow, as well as plumbing leaks and mineral build-up in your pipes. Upon investigation, you might often find that your water pressure woes are caused by a hot water heater problem (if only your hot water has low pressure compared to the cold water) or a clogged aerator screen (if your low pressure is only coming out of one faucet but the others in the house are fine.)
How to Know If Your Home Has Low Water Pressure?
If you have lived in the same home for many years, you might be so used to your current water pressure that you don’t even notice a problem anymore. You can test your water pressure valve with an outdoor water spigot using a pressure gauge. You can find such a gauge at home supply stores or request a reading from your local water department.
The ideal range for water pressure is 45 to 55 psi. A reading less than 40 psi means you have low water pressure. On the flip side, anything over 60 psi is considered to be high water pressure and requires adjustment as well.
The Problem with Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure isn’t just a minor annoyance; it can be a sign of major issues with your shower, faucets, hoses, dishwashers, and washing machines. Plumbing issues could be causing your low water pressure, which could result in pipe breaks, clogs, and costly repairs.
Ordinary household tasks will take much longer than they should if you have low water pressure. Living in a home with low water pressure is also inefficient, which means you will be wasting household energy with your water-using appliances and not getting the most from the plumbing system you’ve invested in.
How to Increase Water Pressure in House
If you have city water, your first step might be to call your local water department to ask whether there are any issues with the flow of water between your house and the street. Ask your neighbors to see if they are experiencing water pressure issues too.
If city water isn’t the issue, it may be up to you to clear clogs in your plumbing system. Check the main water valve to ensure it hasn’t accidently gotten turned off, consider replacing the regulator, and keep and eye out for leaks. There are also water pressure booster pumps that you can buy at a home improvement store to install to address your issue of how to increase water pressure. However, be aware that these products can cost a few hundred dollars, work best with professional installation, and increase your monthly utility bills.
Is Increasing Water Pressure a DIY or a Professional Job?
Unless you have extensive personal plumbing experience, it is often advised to call a professional plumber to evaluate your plumbing system and determine the cause of low water pressure in order to safely and efficiently increase it. However, you may be able fix minor issues on your own that are causing your low water pressure, such as small leaks and clogs.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a plumbing professional, Central Plumbing Specialties has the supplies you need to get water pressure readings up to a desirable level. We are open to the trade and homeowners, and we have numerous New York locations to serve you.