Few things are more frustrating than dealing with low water pressure. Weak showers, poor toilet flushes and the inability to use multiple appliances simultaneously can ruin your mood for the day. The good news is there are several steps you can take before seeking professional assistance. If you’re looking for practical tips on how to increase home water pressure, you've come to the right place. Here are six ways to go about it.
1. Run Tests
First things first, you want to determine how low the pressure is in your home. The easiest way is to connect a test gauge to a faucet and get a reading at different times throughout the day.
Normal pressure for most homes ranges from 40-50 pounds per square inch (PSI), though 50-60 PSI may be ideal if there are several occupants. Anything below 40 PSI is too low and warrants checking.
2. Ask Your Neighbors
If you’re dealing with low home water pressure, ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing something similar. It’s a simple way to determine if the problem is with the public water system or isolated to your house, which will inform your next troubleshooting steps. Usually, if it’s a municipal issue, there isn't much you can do to increase home water pressure.
3. Check the Main Water Valve
A partially closed main water shutoff valve is a common culprit of low residential water pressure. Open your water meter box and check the valve handle, making sure it’s open all the way — it should be parallel to the water pipe.
Note that the meter box location may differ depending on the house design. For example, if your home has a crawl space, the shutoff valve is probably in the basement.
4. Clean or Replace the Outlets
If your test gauge shows a reading in the 40-60 PSI range, but the water pressure still feels low, especially in certain locations around the house, it could be a plumbing complication. Pipes can develop mineral deposits and corrosion buildup, which can cause obstructions. In some cases, the diameter of the pipe is too narrow, restricting optimal water flow.
Clean faucets, showerheads and other outlets regularly to prevent clogs. If this doesn't fully restore water pressure, consider replacing them.
5. Check for Leaks
Damaged pipes may result in leaks that cause the water pressure to drop as it travels through, leaving you with just a trickle at the tap. A simple way to look for leakage is to shut off all faucets and water-using appliances in your home, and then note the number on the meter. Return after a few hours and retake the meter reading. If the number has increased, it means there’s a leak somewhere.
Don’t feel pressured to DIY this particular fix. Repairing or replacing cracked pipes requires the skills of a professional plumber.
6. Invest in a Water Booster Pump
Installing a booster pump is an effective way to increase home water pressure, whether it's an isolated or citywide issue. This device uses a rotating impeller to push water faster and powerfully throughout the house.
Consider the pump’s size to ensure it matches your needs. For instance, a single-impeller system might suffice for homes with slightly low water pressure, while a multi-stage booster is ideal for larger, multi-story properties.
Improving Your Home’s Water Pressure is Important
Addressing low-pressure flow issues in your house offers financial, environmental and health-related benefits.
Financial Benefits
Ensuring the optimal operation of your plumbing system minimizes costlier repairs and replacements down the line. Also, low water pressure can reduce your property’s resale value, so it’s a critical consideration if you intend to put your home on the market.
Environmental Benefits
Higher water pressure lets you get more done with less water. This contributes to resource conservation, minimizes waste and lowers your utility bills.
Maintaining Health and Hygiene
Cleaning outlets and removing clog buildups in your home’s plumbing system to boost pressure improves water quality, which is essential for staying healthy. Ensuring strong water pressure is also crucial to maintaining proper hygiene, especially when toilet flushing and showering.
Increase Home Water Pressure
Maintaining optimal water pressure in your home is essential for everyday tasks and overall comfort. Regular maintenance, timely repairs and booster pump installations are key to sustaining optimal water pressure levels. By staying proactive and addressing any issues promptly, you can enjoy a consistent flow experience in your home for years to come.
