When you have limited water pressure in your home that affects your ability to take a relaxing shower or wash dishes, it can be a frustrating situation. How can you increase water pressure in your house without having to replace the plumbing? Plumbers in Bainbridge, GA, have several techniques they might suggest to increase water pressure while minimizing cost.
Recognizing Signs That You Have Low Water Pressure
Water pressure problems occur when the water moving through your supply pipes isn’t strong enough to meet your needs. Bathtubs might fill slowly, or water exiting your kitchen faucet might not knock food particles off the plates when you’re rinsing dishes. Inconsistent water flow from your faucets also indicates problems.
If you suspect that you have low pressure, ask a plumber to measure it for you. The measurement occurs in pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. The proper range for residential use is 40 to 60 PSI.
Even though low pressure is frustrating, you don’t want pressure that’s too high, either, as it could damage your plumbing and fixtures. Plumbers will aim to set your water pressure at about 50 PSI.
Steps Professionals Take for Improving Water Pressure
So, how can you increase your house’s water pressure? Figuring out the source of the problem is the first step. Pay attention to the signs you’re seeing, as this information helps a professional plumber determine what is happening.
Testing the Home’s Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator is a device that controls the water flow’s pressure as it enters your home. Inspecting and adjusting the regulator might improve the water pressure you’re receiving.
Most properties have a pressure regulator installed at the point where the municipal water supply enters the home. The regulator’s primary purpose is to reduce excess or inconsistent pressure from the main supply, protecting the pipes inside the house.
A plumber can test the regulator’s performance and ensure it’s operating as intended. The plumber can also replace a broken regulator.
Measuring the Pressure From the Municipal Supply
Plumbers can measure the pressure of the water that’s entering your house from the municipal supply. If the pressure is naturally lower than it should be, you might need to consider installing a water pressure booster pump.
Inspecting the System’s Valves
So, how can you increase water pressure in your house through a system inspection? Checking the main shut-off valves for flow consistency is a good place to start. If the valve is only partially open, it will restrict water flow and could explain the pressure problems.
Your plumbing system may have other shut-off valves located inside the house. If you aren’t sure whether all your system’s valves are wide open, ask a plumber to perform an inspection of all the valves.
Removing Clogs From Faucets or Shower Heads
When water is trickling from the showerhead, it reduces water pressure and your shower enjoyment. Cleaning mineral deposits from shower heads is a common way to boost water flow.
Shower heads and faucets may have small screens inside them that create a softer water stream. However, these screens can accumulate debris and mineral deposits over time, restricting flow and pressure. Try removing and cleaning the screen.
Shower heads with mineral deposits in the nozzle holes often restrict water flow. You may be able to loosen and clean these deposits by soaking the shower head in vinegar. Otherwise, you might need to replace it.
Replacing Fixtures That Have Flow Regulators
Some of the faucets and fixtures in your house have flow regulators installed. These components are designed to conserve water by reducing the volume used.
However, some regulators may restrict the flow to the point that you don’t have enough pressure to perform the fixture’s required functions. You may be able to remove the flow regulator from the fixture to correct the issue. Otherwise, you might have to replace the fixture with a design that doesn’t use a flow regulator.
Looking for Leaky Pipe Connectors
You might experience reduced water pressure in your home if your water pipes are leaking. The leaks reduce the amount of water flowing through the pipes.
A leak might occur at a point where pipes connect or at a fixture. When plumbers find leaks in these areas, they can often fix the connection without replacing entire sections of pipe.
Fixing a Constantly Running Toilet
If you have a toilet that constantly runs unless you jiggle the handle, this may be contributing to your water pressure issues. How can you increase water pressure in your house by fixing the toilet? If a toilet is constantly drawing from the home’s water supply, it reduces the amount of water available to other fixtures. If you’re using a few other fixtures and the toilet is running at the same time, you might notice pressure problems throughout the house.
Looking for Sediment Buildup in a Water Heater
If you have an older tank water heater, it might have a buildup of sediment inside the tank. Over time, this buildup might restrict the flow of hot water out of the tank and through your home’s plumbing.
If you notice that the water pressure problems occur only when using hot water, you need a water heater inspection. Plumbers can determine whether it needs repairs or replacement.
Trust Cooper’s Plumbing & Air for Tips That Improve Your Home’s Water Pressure
So, how can you increase your house’s water pressure without breaking your budget? Our plumbing experts at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air offer multiple options to help you achieve the desired results. If you also have problems with slow drains or odd smells from toilets, we can clear the main sewer line for you.
Troubleshooting low water pressure at home doesn’t have to be a major headache. Our experts will figure out what is happening and make the necessary adjustments to your plumbing, giving you the peace of mind you deserve. For an appointment, call us today at (866) 464-7132.