How to Increase Your Homes Water Pressure
- If you are in your shower and noticing low water flow, you may have low water pressure. Increasing water pressure in your home is often an easy fix. Here are a few tips for addressing the low water pressure in your home:
Assess your water pressure
Check your water pressure by purchasing a water pressure gauge from a local hardware store and screwing it onto the threads of one of your outdoor hose bibs. Turn on the water and the needle will move around the dial to reveal your water pressure. Check with your local water company to find out how much pressure you should have in your home. If your number is significantly lower, you may need to have the city or local plumber help to boost your pressure.
Check the water heater
Sometime a pressure problem is an easier fix than you might think. If you are experiencing low pressure but only when you are using hot water, you should inspect your water heater. Your water heater’s output valve may not be open all the way.
Repair a blockage
Sometimes the reason for low water pressure in your home can be a blockage in your pipes or plumbing fixtures. Older homes are often equipped with galvanized iron water supply pipes. The galvanized water pipes have a lead coating that can wear out over time while exposing the iron. The pipes will begin to rust and the iron will gradually narrow the opening of the pipes, obstructing water flow. Often, the most cost effective solution is to replace the iron pipes with new copper or PEX water lines.
Clean faucet taps and showerheads
With time, faucets can get sediment buildup in the aerator screen, obstructing water flow. The first step to increased water flow is to take off the aerator and clean any debris from the screen. If the aerator is clear, you might have debris inside your faucet.
Carefully disassemble your faucets and showerheads, soak the parts in a solution made of equal parts vinegar and water for about 3 hours. After soaking, clean off the fixtures (while replacing any part that is broken) and put the taps and showerheads back together. Once you turn on your faucet or showerhead, you should notice a difference in water pressure. If you do not notice a difference in water pressure you might need a new fixture.
