Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Increasing water pressure seems to be very difficult for everyone. There are many reasons for weak water pressure, but there are also many very simple solutions you can take on your own. To increase the water pressure, you need to determine if the water pressure is only weak at one tap, or if the pressure is weak over a large but recent occurrence, or the problem has existed for a long time. The exact solution will depend on the actual problem.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Fix the newly emerging weak water pressure

1. 

   Solve the problem with the hot water supply. If only the hot water tap has low pressure, you should look for a problem with the water heater. These are the most common:
   • Residue blocks the water heater or hot water supply line. Rinse the tub clean, then hire a therapist if the problem is not fixed. To prevent this from happening again, you should replace the anode bar periodically and consider installing water softeners.
   • The hot water supply hose is too small. In most cases, the piping from the water heater should be at least 19mm in diameter.
   • Leaks in the valve or tank. Only repair these sites yourself if the leak is small and you have experience in doing so.

2. 

   
   
   Check for leaks. Leaks are a common cause of weak pressure. Quick check for wet locations under pipes, especially main water supply pipes. Repair any leaks found.
   • Small wet locations can be caused by condensation. Put a few sheets on a tissue and check back the next day to see if it is wet. If the paper is wet, there is a problem with the pipe.

   Note: Water supply hoses usually come in from the side of a home in temperate climates, or from a basement in a cold climate.

   
   

3. 

   Check the toilet for leaks. The reason may be that the toilet flushing device cannot interrupt the flow of water from the sink. Put a few drops of food coloring in the water bath and return after 1-2 hours to test without draining. If food coloring does run down the toilet bowl, you may need a repair. Usually, a replacement of the flip valve or a repair simply solves the problem.
   • If you can hear the continuous running water, that is probably the cause of the loss of pressure. Learn how to fix this problem.

4. 

   
   
   Check the water meter to rule out the cause of the leak. If you can't find any leaks, it's time to check your water meter to confirm or deny it. Close all water valves in the house and read the meter numbers. There are two ways to check for leaks with a watch:
   • If the dial is triangular or rotating disc, the water is flowing. Assuming all the valves are closed then the water has leaked.
   • Record the reading on the meter, wait a few hours and do not use water, then check again. If the number on the meter increases, a leak is indicated.

5. 

   Confirm that the total valve is fully open. Find the location of the total valve located near the water meter. If the total valve is partially closed, turn the valve fully open. This is rarely the cause, but it only takes a few minutes to check it out.

6. 

   Consider pressure reducing valve. Low-rise housing is usually fitted with a pressure relief valve at the point where the piping goes into the house. This valve, often shaped like a bell, helps to reduce the water pressure to a safe level for the home. With conventional valve models, you can turn the knob or screw on the top of the valve clockwise to increase the pressure. Ideally, you should only rotate a few rounds and remember the number of turns. Too much rotation can damage the water pipes in your home.
   • If the pressure relief valve adjustment is ineffective, disconnect the water supply and remove the valve. You may have to change part or all of the valve, or just clean the parts. You should seek the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Not all homes have pressure relief valves, especially if the city water is under low pressure or the building is located on a high area.

7. 

   Check your water softener. If you have a water softener in your home, try setting it to "go around" mode. If the pressure improves, have someone check the water softener. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Increase the water pressure at a given tap

1. 

   Clean the filter. Use the pliers to remove the filter head at the end of the tap. Disassemble the filter filter element and pay attention to how to reinsert it. Flush the residue with water, then turn on the running water for a few minutes to clear the pipe. If the filter elements look dirty, soak them in a mixture of white vinegar and water for three hours.
   • You can clean the shower with the same procedure.

   Advice: To avoid scratches, wrap the cloth around the filter head before pulling out.

2. 

   Remove the water tap. If the tap water is still weak, unscrew the foot nut and pull the stem of the hose straight up. You may need to remove the hose holder first.
   • When working with a tap with a handle, you will see a screw on each side, underneath the large chrome plate. Make sure the screws are tightened before pulling on the hose body.

3. 

   Fix the faucet. Check for issues based on what you see:
   • If you see the sealing ring and / or spring at the base of the hose, carefully remove them with a screwdriver. Flush the residue with sanitary water or replace if damaged.
   • If you find a more complex structure look online for disassembly instructions.

4. 

   Drain the water through the tap. Reinsert the water tap after the repair is complete. Use a cup to block the tap and turn the water on / off several times. Anything blocking the tube will be ejected. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Handling weak water pressure has been around for a long time

1. 

   Replace the old water supply hose. Locate the main water supply pipe on the side of your home, or in the basement if you live in a cold climate. If the tube is silver and metal, threaded, then it is galvanized steel. Old galvanized steel pipes often have mineral buildup or corrode, causing the water to flow slowly. Replacing this with copper or plastic pipes may solve the problem.

2. 

   Check the tube size. A dropper can cause problems if it does not meet your water needs. As a general rule of thumb, the minimum diameter of the water supply hose is 19mm, or 25mm if used for a home with 3 or more bathrooms, while a 13mm pipe can only be used for one or two extraction points. The plumber can give you more specific advice based on your water needs.

   Advice: PEX tube has very thick wall so the inside diameter will be smaller. If you are replacing metal pipes with PEX pipes, choose pipes with a larger size than metal pipes.

3. 

   Increase inlet water pressure with a booster. If the water pressure is frequently weak, you should call your water supply company to ask for “static water pressure” in your area. If they answered less than 30 psi (2.1 bar) then the city water supply was the cause. You must purchase and install a water booster to fix this problem, or go to the next step.
   • Warning: If the water hose has corroded or clogged, the increase in pressure can break the pipe.
   • A higher inlet water pressure may still not solve the problem for tall buildings or hill houses. 60 psi (4.1 bar) is sufficient pressure for these circumstances.
   • If water is supplied from a well or gravity flow system, this will need to be dealt with by a specialist.

4. 

   Self check the water inlet pressure. Look for pressure gauges that are used to attach to the tap at the total valve position. Make sure there are no water-based appliances in your home, including ice machines and toilets. Attach the meter to the tap at the total valve and read the pressure.
   • If the pressure is lower than the level declared by the water utility company, this is the cause. Talk to your city service provider and / or water authority to see if they can fix the problem.
   • If you cannot ask them to do it, install a booster device.
   • Water pressure fluctuates according to demand. Try measuring pressure at other times of day for a more accurate pressure range.
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Advice

• While repairing, try turning on the watering hose to check for changes in water pressure.

Warning

• Remember to use high quality plumbing supplies, and install and inspect your plumbing carefully. You may need to apply for a license. Leaks (either then or after corrosion) due to poor piping material quality or poor installation can expose water to mold. Installing the plumbing without permission could leave your home out of business until the problem is fixed.