How to Test and Adjust the Water Pressure In Your House
Houses with low water pressure suffer from a range of annoyances and problems. A washing machine that’s taking a long time to fill, a weak shower head that just seems to release water at a dribble or a kitchen faucet that isn’t powerful enough to get the job done are all examples of where water pressure issues can pop up.
If you’re interested in increasing your water pressure, before you buy expensive solutions or call professionals, there are a few DIY methods to troubleshoot your weak water issues and better determine where they’re coming from.
- Check the water pressure throughout your whole house. If the low water pressure is isolated to one spot or appliance, chances are that particular appliance is clogged and you can take a few simple steps to unclog it.
- Think about which and how many water appliances you’re running when the water pressure slows down. If you’re running the dishwasher while someone is taking a shower, your home may just be suffering from a water supply that isn’t meeting current water demands. Your water pressure should return to normal once the water usage slows down.
- Ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing low water pressure, too. If all of the homes around you get their water from the same source like city water, determining whether or not everyone is experiencing this problem will help you understand if the water pressure issue stems from your water source or if it’s isolated to your specific house.
- Test your home’s water pressure yourself. You can find affordable water pressure gauges online or at your local hardware store. Connect the gauge to an outdoor faucet or hose faucet, and start running the water. For a more accurate reading, open all of the valves closest to the water meter as well. Normal home water pressure will measure anywhere between 40 and 60 PSI. Anything below 40 PSI usually indicates that your home has low water pressure.
- Test your home’s flow rate. Flow rate is how many gallons of water per minute (GPM) pass through pipes in a given amount of time. A normal home’s flow rate is usually between 6 and 12 GPM, with anything below 6, especially depending on the home’s size, indicating a low flow rate. Low flow rate can also have the same effects as low water pressure. Refer to this helpful video to learn how to measure your home’s flow rate on your own.
If you’ve asked yourself all of these questions and run the necessary tests, and you’ve come to the conclusion that the water pressure in your home is in fact low, there are a few ways to adjust your water pressure and get it back up to comfortable and usable rates.
Call a Plumber to Adjust the Pressure-Reducing Valve
Some homes have a pressure-reducing valve, also referred to as a pressure regulator, on the main water supply pipe. You can usually find the main supply line near your water meter. If your home has a pressure-reducing valve, contact a professional plumber to adjust your home’s water pressure using this valve.
Increasing water pressure can stress old pipes or cause an unwanted rush of water in certain areas of your home. That’s why we recommend roping in a professional to tackle this process. A plumber can restore your home’s water pressure to the 40-60 PSI range or the desired water pressure level using small, incremental changes, ensuring that your home and plumbing systems don’t experience any further damage.
Check For Leaks
Another common cause of low water pressure can be old, cracked or leaking pipes. You can start by looking for signs of leaks, including drips or pools of water, around any visible pipes. The next step is to call a professional plumber who can quickly track down any additional leaks or other issues with your plumbing system.
Plumbers have the tools to check the plumbing in your entire house, including water pipes that are underground or not visible. A professional will spot any signs of aging on your pipes that may be slowing the water down, as well as provide a solution on how to fix these issues moving forward.
Water Pressure Booster
After consulting your plumber, the final and best solution to your low water pressure may be installing a water pressure booster pump. These electric pumps are compact yet powerful. They are installed to cut into your water supply line and adjust the incoming water pressure so it rises to the correct level.
Water pressure boosters are available in a wide range of options that usually cost anywhere between $100-$1,000, with some options costing up to $2,000. Your plumber will help you determine the best size and style of water pressure booster for your home, as well as professionally install the system when the time comes.
