Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Increase the pressure of one tap
• Method 2 of 3: Fix a recent low water pressure problem
• Method 3 of 3: Solving long-term problems with low water pressure
• Tips
• Warnings

Increasing the water pressure often seems like a daunting task. There are many causes of low water pressure, but also many surprisingly simple solutions that you can implement yourself. To increase the water pressure, you need to determine whether you need to increase the pressure at just one tap, solve a larger but recent problem, or if you need a solution to a long history of water pressure problems. The solution depends on the situation you are dealing with.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Increase the pressure of one tap

1. Clean the aerator. Unscrew the aerator at the end of the faucet with pliers. Take it apart, but remember how to put it back together. Rinse off any dirt or grime, then run the faucet for a few minutes to loosen any deposits in the water line. If the aerator still seems dirty, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water (1: 1) for 3 hours.
   • To avoid scratches, you can wrap a cloth around the aerator before twisting it off.
   • You can clean shower heads in the same way.
2. Disassemble the faucet. If the faucet still has low water pressure, unscrew the entire faucet and remove it from the connection.
   • With a single lever faucet, there is a screw on each side of the faucet, under the large chrome part. Make sure these screws are both properly tightened before removing the faucet.
3. Repair the faucet. Check the faucet for problems based on what you see:
   • If you see a washer and / or spring in the base, carefully take it out with a screwdriver. Wash off any dirt and deposits, or replace them if they are broken.
   • If you see a more complex mechanism, find out how to clean such a faucet.
4. Flush the tap. After making any repairs, reassemble the faucet. Block the tap and open and close the tap a few times. This should flush out any blockages.

Method 2 of 3: Fix a recent low water pressure problem

1. Check the hot water supply. If only the hot water taps have a low water pressure, look for the problem with your boiler or water heater. These are the most common problems:
   • Deposits in the boiler / boiler or in the hot water pipe. Flush the water tank. If this doesn't work, call a plumber. Replace the anode regularly to prevent the problem from recurring, also consider installing a water softener.
   • Too small pipes for the hot water. In many cases, the water pipe for hot water coming out of your boiler / water heater should be at least ¾ ”(19mm) in diameter.
   • Leaks in the valves or in the tank. Only try to fix leaks yourself if they are minor leaks and you have some experience as a plumber.
2. Check for leaking pipes. Leaks are a common problem of low water pressure. Check for damp spots under pipes, especially near the main pipe. Repair any leaking pipes you come across.
   • The mains, in areas with a mild climate, is usually on the side of a house or, in areas with a colder climate, in the floor of the basement.
   • Small damp spots can be caused by condensation. Lay out some paper towels and check if they are wet the next day. If they are wet, you have a problem.
3. Check your toilet for leaks. A leaking toilet mechanism does not block the flow of water from the water bowl to the toilet bowl. Put a few drops of food coloring in the water bowl and do not flush for an hour or two. if the dye has gotten into the toilet bowl after that time, your toilet will need to be repaired. Usually it happened like this, with a new flap or other easy solution.
   • If you can hear your toilet running all the time, it will definitely reduce the water pressure. Learn how to fix this.
4. Check the water meter to check for leaks as a possibility. If you haven't found any leaks, it's good to check your water meter to confirm. Turn off all taps in the house and read the meter. You can then check for leaks in two ways:
   • When the small triangular or round counter on the meter is running, water is running somewhere. Assuming all taps are closed, this indicates you have a leak somewhere.
   • Write down the value, wait a few hours without using water, and then check the value again. If you see a value other than the initial value, then you have a leak somewhere.
5. Check that the main valve is fully open. You will usually find this valve near your water meter. If it is partially closed, open it fully again. Most of the time, this isn't the root of the problem, but it's worth checking.
6. Inspect the pressure valve. Low-lying houses often have a pressure valve on the main line where it enters the house. This valve is usually bell-shaped and reduces the pressure in such a way that it is safe for the building. With a normal model, you can usually turn the knob or screw on top of the valve clockwise to increase the pressure. Turn it just a few times and keep track of how many times you turn it. Too much pressure can damage your pipes.
   • If adjusting the pressure valve does not make any difference, shut off the water supply and disassemble the valve. You may need to replace some part or the entire valve. It is recommended that you look up the manufacturer's instructions before getting started.
   • Not all homes have a pressure valve, especially if the water pressure from the city's water supply is already low, or if the building is on elevated ground.
7. Check your water softener. If your home has a water softener installed, set it to "bypass." If the pressure improves, have your water softener checked for problems.

Method 3 of 3: Solving long-term problems with low water pressure

1. Replace old pipes. Find the mains on the side of your house, or in the basement if you live in a cold climate. If it is silver colored and magnetic, with threaded connections, then it is made of galvanized steel. Old galvanized pipes often become clogged with deposits or corrosion, limiting water flow. Replacing these pipes with copper or plastic pipes can solve your problem.
2. Check the size of the pipe. Too small a pipe can cause problems if it cannot meet the water demand. Normally the main pipe should be at least ¾ "(19mm), or 1" (25mm) for a house with 3+ bathrooms. ½ ”(13 mm) pipes are designed for only 1 or 2 water points. A plumber can give you more specific advice based on your water usage.
   • PEX pipes have particularly thick walls, and therefore a smaller inner diameter. If you are replacing a metal pipe with a PEX pipe, use a larger size than the original pipe.
3. If the city supply has low water pressure, you can use a booster. If you have always had low water pressure, contact your water supply company to get the static water pressure for your neighborhood. If this pressure is below 30 psi (2.1 bar), then the city utility may be the culprit. Buy and install a booster to resolve this issue or proceed to the next step.
   • Warning: if you have corroded or clogged pipes, increasing the water pressure can damage or break your pipes.
   • Higher water pressure may not be sufficient for a multi-story home or a house on a hill. 60 psi (4.1 bar) should be sufficient even in these situations.
   • If your water supply is from a well or a gravity system, pressure adjustments should be left to a professional.
4. Check the delivered pressure yourself. Purchase a pressure gauge that connects to a pipe from your DIY store. Make sure nothing in your home is consuming water at the time, including ice makers and running toilets. Connect the gauge to the line to read the pressure.
   • If the pressure is lower than it should be according to the city facility, there may be a problem with the main line. Contact the water supply company and / or local water authority to see if they can fix the problem.
   • If they don't want to fix the problem, you can install a booster.
   • Water pressure differs based on consumption. Check the pressure at different times of the day to get an accurate idea of ​​the water pressure.

Tips

• While you are working, you can turn on a garden sprinkler to easily see changes in water pressure.

Warnings

• Make sure you use quality materials, that the work is done properly and is monitored. A permit is usually required. Leaks (direct or indirect, due to corrosion) caused by the use of poor quality materials or poorly performed work can lead to water damage and exposure to mold. Unlicensed work can get in the way of selling your home until problems are resolved.