What are the Best Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your Home?

What are the Best Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your Home?

Are you facing the problem of low water pressure? Do you find your showers extremely unsatisfying? Are you beginning to learn to live with low pressure?  

Well, we don’t think you need to. Instead, you can attempt fixing the low water pressure running down your taps and showerheads. There are many DIY ways to fix low water pressure in your home. Giving them a try saves you a lot of time, money, and everyday frustration. If you end up not solving the issue the best way is best shower head for low water pressure

So, why live with low water pressure if there are multiple ways to enjoy healthy pressure? Here goes a list of some tried-and-tested ways to fix low water pressure on your own:

1.    Test the Water Pressure

Start by testing the water pressure in your home. As per experts and government regulations, the standard water pressure should be between 50 and 60 psi.

PSI stands for pounds per square inch. This is a common unit used to measure water pressure.

There are many tools available for homeowners to check their water pressure. All you need to do is get a test gauge that comes with a hose connection. Here’s how you can test water pressure:

• Turn off all your water faucets and any other appliances using water, such as dishwasher, washing machine, etc.
• Screw the test gauge onto a hose faucet
• Turn the tap on
• The device shows the measure of water pressure flowing through the tap

Yes, it’s as simple as that!

If the device reads 40 or 45 psi, you are experiencing low water pressure. Between 50 and 60 psi is good water pressure.

So, now that you have tested the water pressure, you can choose what steps to take next.

2.    Check all the Faucets in Your Home

If you are noticing low water pressure in one faucet, the problem might be with the faucet instead of the water pressure.

So, proceed to check all the faucets and fixtures in your home. This helps determine if the faucet or water pressure is at fault.

In case only one faucet is supplying low pressure of water, you should look for potential damages to your faucet.

However, if the case applies to all the faucets, low water pressure is affecting your entire home. You need to check the main supply line to come up with the problem.

3.    Talk to Your Neighbours

The next important thing you should do is talking to your neighbors. Usually, people shower at the same time in the morning before going to work or school. This leads to lower water pressure in every home as the main water supply line is the same.

So, if you and your neighbors have a similar water usage schedule, this is a potential reason behind low water pressure in your home.

Moreover, they might be facing the same problem. If the issue of low water pressure persists within your neighborhood, your city’s municipal water system is faulty.

Just like pipes running around your home, municipal pipes can also be experiencing leaks, clogging, corrosion, or such common problems.

If only you are facing low water pressure problems, you should focus on your home instead of the main supply line.

4.    Remove Clogging

Over time, water pipes get clogged due to sediment, debris, or mineral accumulation. Water running through your pipes contain a number of minerals and sediments. No matter how good the filtration system is, some of these particles make their way out.

This results in clogging in the pipes and on fixtures.

It is easy to clean your faucets at home to remove clogging. Here’s how:

• Remove your faucets carefully
• Soak them in a vinegar filled zip-lock bag
• Let it soak overnight
• Rinse off your soaked parts in the morning
• Fix the tap/shower head back together

In the case of light clogging, this definitely works and improves water pressure.

However, if using vinegar does not work, this indicated heavy clogging at multiple points in your waterline. Maybe not only the faucet but pipes are also clogged from entry or exit point. In this case, you need to replace your pipe.

If you do not have any prior experience, a professional can handle the replacement.

5.    Look for Signs of Corrosion in Plumbing

Low water pressure also stems from corroded or galvanized pipes. Over time, signs of corrosion appear on the pipes, resulting in the narrowed stream for water flow. Thus, the narrower the internal diameter, the lesser the water that can pass through.

If they are too corroded to allow enough water to pass through the faucet, it is time to replace your pipes. This is the only way to get a healthy flow of water.

6.    Flush the Water Heater

Expert plumbers suggest flushing your water heater at least once a year. The water heater comes attached to your water tank.

Like pipes, the inlets and outlets of the tank also experience blockage due to sediment build-up. This can be eliminated through flushing, simply known as a thorough cleaning.

To flush your water heater, close the inlet and open all the outlets. This will drain all the water from the tank. Pour 1-gallon vinegar through the anode opening. Fill the tank with hot water and let it rest for at least 24 hours.

Vinegar will dissolve all the minerals, debris, and sediments. Drain the tank again and let the fresh water fill.

7.    Adjust Water Pressure Regulator

Homes with water coming from municipal supply lines have a water pressure regulator attached next to the main water meter.

You can adjust the water pressure regulator using a wrench pipe. Turn the nut on the top of the water regulator in a clockwise direction. However, do not turn it too tightly.

Follow by testing the water pressure to see if it has improved.

Verdict

Low water pressure results from clogging, leaks, loose water pressure regulator or a problem in the main supply line. As you attempt all the DIY ways to fix low water pressure, it should solve the problem.

If none of these ways work, hire a plumber or contact your municipal supplier.