How To Increase Water Pressure In My House

Adjusting Your Home's Water Pressure

It's been a long day. You get home expecting to take that shower that hits your body at precisely the right pressure. Or perhaps, you just want to finish your task quickly. But there is low water pressure from the shower head or faucet. This post will help you uncover how to increase water pressure in your house.

This article will discuss how to identify low water pressure, the causes of low household water pressure, and the steps to adjust the water pressure. In addition, you will learn how to flush your water heater, clean faucets, and fix low water pressure issues in your showers/tubs.

Finally, you will learn more about water pressure booster pumps, how to calculate water flow rates, how to optimise plumbing systems, and how licensed plumbers can help.

How To Identify Low Water Pressure

Your home water pressure should typically measure 50 psi as a standard. Here, PSI is the abbreviated term for pounds per square inch. This unit is used to measure water pressure.

Signs of low water pressure in your household can vary. First, it could be due to sudden and constant changes in water temperature. Second, you may have difficulty using multiple water faucets and outlets at the same time. In other words, you cannot shower while someone else is watering the garden.

Another possible reason is that you have varying water pressure in your faucets. You may find that water pressure is better at some taps or fixtures and terrible at others. This could be caused by the close proximity to the mains' water supply. Low water pressure can be fixed using a water pressure booster pump.

Causes Of Low Household Water Pressure

Here are some possible causes of low household water pressure:

Distance from the water source

This can be a primary reason for low water pressure. Homes that are distant from a water pipeline tend to have an inadequate water supply.

Pipe sizes

A small pipe size can be a direct cause of low water pressure in your home.

Gravity and high altitudes

Homes at higher altitudes are known to experience slow water flows due to low water pressure. For example, tall buildings and two-story households can experience this problem. You need a booster pump installed to re-pressurise water before it enters your home.

Extensive water systems

Automated irrigation systems cause your water pressure to drop. However, if you want to improve the performance of these systems, a pump and pressure booster can help pressurise your water supply.

Municipal water system supply issues

As you start to trace where the low water flows are coming from, make sure to do so carefully. Check with your neighbours if there's a problem with the primary source of water or with the local connection that supplies it to you.

This will help determine what area is affected by the issue and take any necessary steps to restore normal pressure. Call your local water department or municipal water department once you identify the problem. They can check your water pressure, locate the actual situation and fix it.

Underground well system issues

Those residing in rural areas might experience this sort of problem. The cause of the low water pressure could be in your underground well system. Check the pump gauge, well pump, and expansion tank if you get your water supply from a well.

Corroded and worn-out pipes

Now, this can be a direct cause. This is possible even if your source is municipal supply or a well. Replace old plumbing pipes before increasing your water pressure. Otherwise, you will place strain on them or accelerate wear in other areas.

Faulty fixture

Sometimes, only one fixture is affected. For instance, sediment may accumulate and clog up your water heater. As a result, one of your faucets may have low water flows. It is easier to fix low water pressure in these instances. You can clean the affected fixture to solve the issue.

Plumbing problems

Plumbing problems include inadequate plumbing, leaks, and clogs. For instance, the build-up of mineral deposits in hard water can reduce water pressure. Also, clogs can form in shower heads and sink faucets. You could also have a combination of these issues. For example, clogged or leaking pipes, corroded spigot valve, or a lack of city water pressure can result in poor flow out of your garden hose spigot.

Rectify these plumbing problems before installing a water pressure booster. Here's a quick fix for blocked drains or pipe build-ups. Use a rubber band to fix a plastic bag of white vinegar around the shower head or faucet. Then, allow the vinegar to sit for a few hours. This should eat away the debris and disintegrate the blockage.

How To Adjust Water Pressure

A pressure tank supplies water to your home. Usually, this tank has a bladder or diaphragm that separates underground water from the air cushion at the tank's surface. There is another pump that pressurises the water stored in the tank.

There will be a lower water pressure in the tank if the bladder ruptures or the seal within the pump is broken. Also, low pressure can result if a problem prevents proper pump cycling or the pump switch is set incorrectly.

Troubleshooting The Water Pump

When your water pump fails to cycle

Your water pump might fail to cycle if the water pressure exceeds 30 psi. Do not panic. Check for a trip in the pump's circuit breaker. If there is no trip, adjust the cut-in and cut-out points of the switch.

When a running pump does not increase water pressure

This signifies that you need to replace or repair the tank or pump. First, switch off the circuit breaker. This will prevent it from burning out. After that, invite a well specialist or a licensed plumber.

Adjust Municipal Supply Line Pressure Regulator

Your home has a water pressure regulator if you receive water from municipal supply systems. Adjusting the pressure regulator is also described as regulating the pressure-reducing valve. It is close to the main water pipe entering your home. In other cases, the regulator is located after your main water meter.

It is possible to adjust the regulator. However, you need to keep checking the water pressure so that you don't alter it too much. A water pressure gauge screwed onto a spigot in your basement or laundry room can help monitor. Open a faucet and check your water pressure gauge.

If it reads below 40 psi, open the pressure regulator until the pressure reading rises to 50 psi. A pipe wrench can come in handy here. Turn the nut at the top end of the regulator clockwise to adjust the pressure. As you can see, checking and changing the water pressure in your house is not so difficult.

How To Flush Your Water Heater

Low pressure from the water heater faucets can signal the tank is blocked. Likewise, the water outlet and inlet may be compromised. The cause can be traced to accumulated scale that may need flushing. That is why manufacturers recommend you flush your water heaters annually.

Disconnect all pipes, and then empty your heater to clean it. Close the inlet, open the outlet to empty its content, and flush the water tank. Next, pour in one gallon (4.5L) of vinegar through the opening of the anode or pressure-relieving valve. Refill your hot water tank and allow the solution to sit for 24 hours. This is enough time for the vinegar to dissolve the scale in the tank.

How To Clean Faucets

Low water flows in your sink faucet can result from scale build-up in the valve or aerator. Unscrew the aerator to remove the scale. Leave it soaked in vinegar overnight. Fix the aerator back in and turn on the faucet after 12 to 24 hours. If your water pressure does not improve, you need to disassemble the whole faucet.

Confirm that the shutoff valve beneath the sink is not partially turned on. A tiny issue with shutoff valves can interfere with flow pressure. Remove the faucet valve and soak it in vinegar for the night. Take care to remove any gasket or rubber washer first.

Correct Low Water Pressure In Showers/Tubs

You can correct low water flows in showers with ease. Take out the shower head and soak it in vinegar. Alternatively, if this does not solve the problem, remove the shower valve and clean it.

How To Replace Corroded Plumbing

Reduced water flow can occur because of corroded pipes. Corrosion within water pipes leads to narrowing down of their interior diameter, leading to decreased water pressure. Replace your pipes with PEX, CPVC, or copper pipes. For such replacement projects, hire a good local plumber.

How Water Pressure Booster Pumps Can Help

Installing a household water pressure booster pump can help with sudden drops in water pressure in your home. Specifically, water pressure boosters help regulate both cold and hot water pressure. This includes faucets, showerheads, and garden hoses. The right booster pump can fix low water pressures in your shower while letting you use multiple outlets simultaneously.

Components of water pressure booster pumps

Different manufacturers make pressure boosters pumps, but their essential components remain the same. These basic components include the following:

Motor

This runs the booster pump.

Impellers

These are for building water pressure. Flow and pressure sensors determine the required pressure and adjust accordingly to protect your pipes.

Inlet and outlet

The water line connects to the pipe inlet, and the other connects to your household water distribution pipes. Some homes have water pressure tanks as well.

Installation of household pressure booster pumps

Using a pressure booster increases water pressure more than using your thumb over a garden hose. Pressure boosters are more efficient and allow for a better water flow rate.

However, you still need to consider the following:

• Your plumbing system can handle a fair amount of water pressure. Undetected cracks or damage can lead to leaking and bursting.
• Ensure you've consulted with a plumbing professional to determine if your plan to install a household water pressure pump in Australia is legal.
• Be prepared to pay a little more in terms of electricity bills.
• Match your water flow rate with that of your water pressure booster pump.

How To Calculate Water Flow Rate

Water flow rate describes the number of litres of water released to your home per minute. To calculate the flow rate, consider all fixtures in your home. This includes irrigation systems, garden hoses, washing machines, shower heads, and faucets.

Concerning water pressure and flow, there is a difference between the two. Water flow describes the amount of water coming out of a fixture. Water pressure describes the amount of force moving the water supply to reach your fixtures.

A flow rate of 20 GPM indicates that your system produces up to 20 gallons of water per minute. However, if simultaneous fixture usage exceeds 20 gallons (91L) of water in a minute, there will be low water pressure.

Water Pressure Pumps And Expansion Tanks

You can install a water pressure pump alone or include an expansion or water storage tank as needed. This extra storage can help improve supply and energy efficiency. In addition, it helps maintain the water pressure limits of your pipe. This way, the pipes are less likely to burst and leak

‍Confirm whether installing a water pressure booster is legal if you live in Australia. You may be required to install a water storage tank and pump system for pre-set pressure.

How To DIY A Water Pressure Pump

Some people prefer to DIY their own water pressure pump. Expect up to three or four hours to install a water booster pump if you have the materials, tools, and knowledge. However, it may be best to leave this challenging project for professional installers to handle. Here is a summary of the steps to DIY a water pressure pump:

• Turn off your water source and clean the water supply pipe. Use a tubing cutter to snip it.
• Place the water pressure booster pump in position. Then, assemble its fittings. They should run from your device to the water supply line.
• Solder the relevant parts together
• Hire a licensed electrician to connect a dedicated circuit breaker to the pump's power source.
• Turn on the main supply valve. Give the water pump time to work.
• Check your water pressure gauges.

Ways To Increase Water Pressure

Do the following to increase your home's water pressure:

• Fix leaks
• Fix water pressure regulator issues
• Replace ageing hot-cold water pressure tanks with accumulated contaminants
• Fix or replace faulty fixtures like faucets and hoses
• Adjust water pressure-reducing valves. This step - adjusting water pressure valves – comes before installing a pump.

Hire Licensed Plumbers

Hopefully, you have gotten an answer to your question: "how to increase water pressure in my house?" First, find out the cause of low water pressure in your home. It could be simply due to partially closed water valves. Apply the right measure to increase your water pressure appropriately.

Leave complex replacements, installations, and repairs to the professionals. They may have just the right fully integrated and self-priming system for boosting water pressure. Similarly, leave stubborn clogs in your home's water system to them. They can install storage or expansion tanks, which provide ample on-site water storage and increase water availability.