Is your shower letting you down again? After a long day, is that too much to ask for? When your water pressure drops, it can be a real buzzkill.
And while the annoyance of a weak shower might seem minor, it can also point to bigger issues. In fact, household leaks and pipe problems waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water each year across the country—something we can’t afford to ignore.
If this low water pressure is a regular occurrence, it’s time to dig a bit deeper and find out what’s going wrong. With a little troubleshooting, you can identify the root cause and take some simple steps to fix it. Here’s an overview of common water pressure issues and how to effectively address them.
Getting Started with Troubleshooting
Before you call in a professional or rush to the nearest home improvement store, take a moment to try these straightforward troubleshooting tips to identify the potential cause of your water pressure problems.
-
Assess Your Flow Rate
The flow rate is the volume of water delivered through your pipes per minute. If your water supply can’t keep up with demand, it will feel like low water pressure.
A healthy household flow rate hovers between 6 and 12 GPM gallons per minute. To check yours, simply capture water in buckets for 60 seconds—ideally, you should fill 1-2 buckets.
-
Inspect Your Pipes
Low water pressure might indicate a leak somewhere in your home. The most common culprits include:
– Toilets
– Sink faucets or underneath sink pipes
– Shower faucets
– Dishwashers
– Washing machines
Keep an eye out for water spots, stains on walls or ceilings, pooling water, or an unexpectedly high water bill. To pinpoint leaks, try a “food coloring test” to see where the water is coming from.
A spike in your water meter reading is another telltale sign of a leak. Test by turning off all faucets and the water valve for two hours. If the reading goes up when you check again, there’s likely a leak in your plumbing.
If you really want to invest in your home, consider replacing old galvanized steel pipes with newer plastic or copper ones. Fresh piping can improve both your water pressure and quality by eliminating contaminants. Just remember, this is a task best left to experienced professionals.
-
Consult Neighbors and Your Local Water Department
If your water comes from a municipal supply, check if your neighbors are experiencing similar low pressure. The city may be supplying water at a pressure below the standard 40 psi (pound-force per square inch), while the ideal range is closer to 50 psi.
If your neighborhood or city has water pressure dipping below 50 psi, it might be time to consider installing a pressure booster pump for noticeable improvement.
-
Test the Pressure
Unsure if your water pressure is low? Grab a pressure gauge and check it yourself. Just screw the gauge onto a faucet and turn it on all the way.
Once the water flows, take a look at the gauge. If the reading is below 40 PSI, your home is experiencing low water pressure.
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home
After confirming your water pressure is indeed low, here are some DIY fixes to try. If these don’t work, it may be time to reach out to a professional.
-
Use a Water Pressure Booster Pump
A booster pump can elevate your water pressure using electricity and a pressure tank. Installation is straightforward; set your desired pressure on the dial. If you don’t have a 3/4 inch copper or plastic water main, consider calling onlineplumber for help.
-
Adjust the Pressure-Reducer Valve
Located on the main water-supply line, the pressure-reducing valve can be adjusted to increase pressure. Loosen the locking nut and turn the bolt clockwise. Check your progress with the pressure gauge until you hit the ideal psi.
-
Clean Out Pipe Buildup
Mineral deposits from hard water can hinder water flow, particularly in your shower head. If it’s clogged, soak it in white vinegar for a few hours or secure a plastic bag filled with vinegar around it to dissolve the blockage.
-
Replace the Regulator
A water regulator prevents excessive flow through your pipes, and many homes connected to city water have one. If your regulator is aging, it could lead to decreased water pressure impacting your appliances. If you think there’s an issue with your regulator, it’s wise to consult professionals like onlineplumber.
