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Improving water pressure often seems like a challenging task for many. There are several reasons why water pressure might be weak, but there are also numerous straightforward solutions you can implement yourself. To boost water pressure, you need to determine whether the issue is isolated to a single faucet, widespread but recent, or a long-standing problem. The appropriate solution will depend on the specific issue at hand.
Steps
Fixing Recently Occurring Weak Water Pressure
Addressing Issues with the Hot Water Supply. If only the hot water faucet has low pressure, the problem likely lies with the water heater. Here are the most common solutions:
- Sediment buildup clogging the water heater or hot water pipes. Flush the tank, and if the issue persists, hire a professional. To prevent recurrence, replace the anode rod periodically and consider installing a water softener.
- Hot water supply pipes are too small. In most cases, the pipes leading from the water heater should have a minimum diameter of 19mm.
- Leaks in valves or the tank. Only attempt repairs yourself if the leak is minor and you have experience in such tasks.
Check for leaking pipes. Leaks are a common cause of low water pressure. Quickly inspect for damp spots beneath pipes, especially the main water supply line. Repair any leaks you find.
- Small damp areas might be due to condensation. Place a few sheets of paper towel and check the next day to see if they are wet. If the paper is wet, there is an issue with the pipe.
Note: Water supply pipes typically enter from the side of the house in temperate climates or from the basement in colder regions.
Inspect the toilet for leaks. The issue might be caused by a faulty flush mechanism that fails to stop water from flowing into the bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and check back after 1-2 hours without flushing. If the food coloring appears in the bowl, repairs are needed. Often, replacing the flapper valve or making a simple fix will resolve the issue.
- If you hear continuous water flow, this is likely the cause of pressure loss. Learn how to fix this problem.
Check the water meter to rule out leaks. If no leaks are found, it’s time to inspect the water meter to confirm or rule out this cause. Shut off all water valves in the house and read the meter. There are two ways to check for leaks using the meter:
- If the meter’s triangle or dial is spinning, water is flowing. Assuming all valves are closed, this indicates a leak.
- Record the meter reading, wait a few hours without using water, and check again. If the reading has increased, a leak is present.
Ensure the main valve is fully open. Locate the main valve near the water meter. If the valve is partially closed, turn it to fully open. This is rarely the cause, but it only takes a few minutes to check.
Inspect the pressure-reducing valve. Homes in low-lying areas often have a pressure-reducing valve installed where the main water line enters the house. This valve, typically bell-shaped, lowers water pressure to a safe level for the home. For standard models, you can turn the knob or screw on top of the valve clockwise to increase pressure. It’s best to make small adjustments and note the number of turns. Over-tightening can damage your home’s plumbing.
- If adjusting the valve doesn’t work, shut off the water supply and remove the valve. You may need to replace part or all of the valve or simply clean its components. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Not all homes have a pressure-reducing valve, especially if the city’s water pressure is low or the building is located on higher ground.
Check the water softener. If your home has a water softener, try switching it to bypass mode. If the pressure improves, have someone inspect the water softener.
Increase Water Pressure at a Specific Faucet
Clean the aerator. Use pliers to remove the aerator at the end of the faucet. Disassemble its parts, noting how they fit together. Rinse out sediment, then run the faucet for a few minutes to clear any blockages in the pipe. If the aerator parts appear dirty, soak them in a mixture of white vinegar and water for three hours.
- You can clean a showerhead using a similar process.
Tip: To avoid scratches, wrap a cloth around the aerator before unscrewing it.
Remove the faucet. If water pressure remains weak at the faucet, unscrew the nut at its base and pull the faucet straight up. You may need to remove the retaining ring holding the faucet in place first.
- When working with a single-handle faucet, you’ll find a screw on each side beneath the large chrome piece. Ensure these screws are tightened before pulling the faucet up.
Repair the faucet. Inspect for issues based on what you find:
- If you see a seal and/or spring at the base of the faucet, carefully remove them with a screwdriver. Rinse out sediment or replace them if damaged.
- If you encounter a more complex mechanism, look for disassembly instructions online.
Flush water through the faucet. Reassemble the faucet after repairs. Use a cup to block the faucet and turn the water on and off several times. This will flush out any debris clogging the pipe.
Address Long-Standing Low Water Pressure
Replace old water supply pipes. Locate the main water supply line on the side of the house or in the basement if you live in a cold climate. If the pipe is silver and metal with threaded fittings, it’s likely galvanized steel. Old galvanized steel pipes often accumulate mineral deposits or corrode, slowing water flow. Replacing them with copper or plastic pipes can resolve the issue.
Check the pipe size. Small pipes can cause issues if they don't meet your water usage needs. As a general rule, the minimum diameter for a water supply pipe is 19mm, or 25mm for homes with three or more bathrooms, while a 13mm pipe is only suitable for one or two extraction points. A plumber can provide more specific advice based on your water usage requirements.
Tip: PEX pipes have very thick walls, so the internal diameter is smaller. If you're replacing metal pipes with PEX, choose a pipe size larger than the metal one.
Increase water pressure with a booster pump. If your water pressure is consistently weak, contact your water company to inquire about the 'static water pressure' in your area. If they report less than 30 psi (2.1 bar), the city's water supply is the issue. You'll need to purchase and install a water pressure booster to address this, or consider the next step.
- Warning: If your pipes are corroded or clogged, increasing pressure could cause them to burst.
- Higher inlet water pressure may still not solve the problem for multi-story homes or homes on hills. 60 psi (4.1 bar) is sufficient pressure in these cases.
- If water is supplied from a well or a gravity-fed system, this issue requires professional attention.
Test your inlet water pressure yourself. Purchase a pressure gauge designed to attach to a faucet at the main valve. Ensure no water-using appliances are running, including ice makers and toilets. Attach the gauge to the faucet at the main valve and read the pressure.
- If the pressure is lower than what the water company claims, this is the cause. Discuss with your service provider and/or the city water authority to see if they can fix the issue.
- If they can't resolve it, consider installing a pressure booster.
- Water pressure fluctuates with usage. Test the pressure at different times of the day for a more accurate range.
Tip
- While making repairs, try turning on a garden hose to check for changes in water pressure.
Warning
- Always use high-quality plumbing materials, and ensure pipes are installed and inspected carefully. You may need a permit. Leaks (immediate or due to corrosion) caused by low-quality materials or poor installation can expose water to mold. Performing plumbing work without a permit might prevent your home from being sold until the issue is resolved.
