How to Increase Water Pressure In Your Home

Jun 1 2023

Low water pressure is a surefire way to delay your daily routine.

Now, if you think we’re exaggerating, just imagine how much more time you would spend taking a shower, washing dishes, cleaning your car, and watering your plants with a mere trickle of water.

In a nutshell, low water pressure can take a high toll on your lifestyle. That’s why we’re here to help you learn how to increase water pressure in your household.

When the water pressure is low, you can count on these tips to make it flow!

Table of Contents:

• How to Detect Low Water Pressure
• How to Increase Water Pressure In Your Household:

★ Look for Leaks
★ Open the Main Water Valve
★ Check for Clogs
★ Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump
★ Ask Your Neighbours

• When Under Pressure, Call a Professional

How to Detect Low Water Pressure

If you want to be extra sure that you are experiencing low water pressure, there’s a simple test to confirm your theory. All you need is a water pressure gauge and an outdoor faucet.

If you receive your water supply from a municipal source, pick an outdoor faucet nearby the main water line. On the other hand, if your home’s water system runs by means of a water well, choose a faucet close to the pressure tank.

The first step is to attach and fasten the pressure gauge to the faucet. For an accurate reading, make sure that no water is being used anywhere else in the household.

Open the faucet entirely and read the water pressure from the dial on the gauge. Normal home water pressure levels should range between 40 to 50 psi. If the number falls below this, you have official confirmation that your house has low water pressure.

How to Increase Water Pressure In Your Household

1. Look for Leaks

Let’s start with the basics: leaks.

Damaged pipes usually result in water leaks that siphon off water while it travels toward your home’s taps. To find out whether your pipes are suffering from a leak, shut off all indoor and outdoor faucets. Once that’s crossed off your list, switch off the water valve and take note of the number displayed on your water meter.

After a two to three-hour waiting game, take another water meter reading. If the number has increased, your next move should be to call a professional plumber to have the leaks repaired.

2. Open the Main Water Valve

You will most likely find the house’s main water valve near the water meter. Inspect to see if the valve is only halfway open or shut entirely.

This usually happens by mistake during routine maintenance checks. So, if this is the case, all you have to do is open the valve to an optimal level. It’s the easiest and fastest way to increase your home’s water pressure.

3. Check for Clogs

If you have hard water running through the pipes of your home, there could be a mineral deposit accumulation in play.

In cases of extreme mineral buildup, the diameter of the pipes shrinks until they become clogged. This issue prevents water from flowing freely, ultimately reducing water pressure to a trickle.

If you suspect that a clog is the problem, call a professional plumber to work their magic.

Pro tip: Hard water tends to lead to clogs, is harsh on your water heater, makes laundry brittle, corrodes appliances, and causes dry hair and skin. In order to prevent these nuisances, it would be best to install a water softener or simply boil your water before usage.

4. Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump

Some people live in an area where the municipal water supply tends to be weak. In this case, your best bet at increasing water pressure is to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install a water pressure booster pump.

A water pressure booster pump is a powerful, electric device that targets incoming pressure and raises it to the optimal level.

Ask your plumber which size and style of water pressure booster pump best suits your household’s needs.

5. Ask Your Neighbours

Another solution you could take a swing at is contacting your neighbours to see if they are experiencing a similar predicament.

Misery loves company, so if you and your neighbours are in the same boat, you can row your way to the city’s municipal water system. Citywide water systems can also be subject to corrosion, mineral build-up, clogs, and leaks.

When Under Pressure, Call a Professional

We’re sure that you are perfectly capable of identifying the causes of low water pressure at home. However, there are some technical problems that only an expert can tackle successfully.

With the help of 1st Rooter, you won’t ever have to wonder about how to increase water pressure. Our team has over 25 years of effective plumbing expertise under their belts, so you can rest assured that we’ve got you covered. From low water pressure to clogged sinks and other plumbing emergencies, you know who to call in the cities of Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington!

Book a quote today!