How to Increase Water Pressure: The Ultimate Guide

Did you know that 486,000 burn injuries occur in the U.S. annually? Many are scald injuries caused by exposure to hot water. So you know, water heated to 140° F can already cause a severe burn within three seconds.

Water heater problems and thermostats set too high are common causes of scalding. However, low water pressure can sometimes be a factor, too.

For example, a drop in cold water pressure can raise hot water pressure. That can cause hot water taps to produce water that’s too hot.

For those reasons, it’s best to increase water pressure consistently throughout your home. Besides, no one likes weak showers, which can also occur due to low water pressure.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure how. We’ve listed the top ways to boost home water pressure in the guide below, so keep reading.

Know the Lingo

Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the unit of measurement used to measure water pressure. Most U.S. homes have water pressures ranging from 40 to 60 PSI.

A reading of below 40 PSI indicates low water pressure, which can lead to a decreased flow rate. Flow rate pertains to how much water flows through your water pipes per minute. You’ll see this expressed as gallons per minute (GPM).

At the same time, you don’t want anything way higher than 60 PSI, as it can damage plumbing components. For example, it can cause a hot water system to expand so much that it fails and has to undergo water heater repair. It can also lead to dripping taps, pipe leaks, and burst water lines.

Now that you know the ideal water pressure for homes, you can test yours with a water pressure gauge. You can buy one from a home center or hardware store. It’s a nifty device that lets you check your home’s water pressure, and it only costs less than $10.

To begin the test, screw the gauge onto a hose bib, like the one attached to your garden hose. Next, open the bib’s valve and check the reading to see if it’s between 40 and 60 PSI.

Ring Up Your Local Water Supplier

The United States is home to more than 148,000 public water systems. These facilities provide safe drinking and tap water to about 90% of people in the U.S.

If you’re one of those folks, you can call your local water supplier to request a pressure test. It’s often free and allows you to determine if the water from your supplier has adequate pressure. Moreover, your water department can use it to gauge if there’s an issue with the main water pipe.

If there is, they’ll make adjustments to the water pressure. If there’s none, and your home’s water pressure is less than 40 PSI, the problem lies in your plumbing system.

Adjust the Water Pressure Regulator

A water pressure regulator is a specialized valve designed to reduce water pressure. It’s also sometimes referred to as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV).

You should be able to find the PRV past your main shutoff valve. It’s usually a conical- or dome-shaped brass fitting. A bolt or screw on top provides a way to adjust the device.

To adjust the PRV, you first need to loosen the lock nut securing the bolt or screw with a crescent wrench. Half a turn is usually enough.

Next, turn the bolt or screw clockwise to raise the water pressure. Ensure you only make one complete revolution at a time and get a new PSI reading after each adjustment.

Once your water pressure gauge reads around 50 PSI, tighten the lock nut again.

Check the Pressure Throughout Your Home

Once you’ve adjusted the pressure regulator, test the fixtures on every level of your home.

For example, you can first run the taps or the shower in your second-floor bathroom. Then, you can check your kitchen aerators and faucets. See if their flow rate or output has improved.

Clean the Aerators

If low water pressure still occurs in faucets, the problem may be due to clogged aerators.

Aerators are round meshed devices screwed onto the end of taps, where water comes out. Their purpose is to create consistent, splash-free streams of water. To do that, they introduce air into the water, making it flow more smoothly.

Typical aerators already limit water flow to 2.2 GPM. However, higher-efficiency ones have an even lower flow rate of 1.5 GPM or less.

Clogs in aerators can further reduce the flow rate, making it seem like your taps have low water pressure.

To check an aerator for blockages, unscrew it by hand from your tap’s spout. Then, check the mesh for debris, molds, or limescale (mineral deposits). You can also hold it against a light source; a clogged section won’t let the light pass through.

Rinse the aerator to knock off larger, loose debris. You can also gently poke away at more stubborn build-up with a toothpick.

If that doesn’t help, soak the aerator in white vinegar, which can help dissolve limescale. You’ll have better results if you leave it submerged overnight.

After that, rinse the screen and hold it against the light again. If it’s clear, screw the device back into the faucet’s spout. Finally, run the tap to confirm that you’re now getting adequate water flow and pressure.

You can also use this cleaning method to clear clogs in showerheads.

Consider Installing a Water Softener

A water softener removes dissolved calcium and magnesium present in the water. In high concentrations, these elements, which form calcium carbonate, can make water hard.

The unit of measure used to gauge water hardness is milligrams per liter (mg/L). Moderately hard water has 61 to 120 mg/L, while hard water has 121 to 180 mg/L of calcium carbonate. Anything above that classifies as very hard water.

Hard water, in turn, can cause limescale to form in and on plumbing pipes and fixtures. Over time, that build-up can interfere with water flow and reduce pressure.

So if your household receives hard water, you might want to invest in a water softener. Installing one at home can help prevent future pressure-related issues caused by limescale.

Hunt Down and Fix Water Leaks

Household leaks are so common in the U.S. that they waste about one trillion gallons of water yearly. Even the typical U.S. home has leaks that waste almost 10,000 gallons annually.

Aside from being a complete waste of money and resources, leaks can also cause low water pressure. They do so by misdirecting some of the water out of the damaged pipe, resulting in reduced force and flow.

Also, according to a study, leaks can introduce contaminants into drinking water. That’s all the more reason to check your home for leaks, as contaminated water is a health hazard.

Performing a Leak Test

To perform a leak test, ask everyone at home to stop using water for about one hour. Next, check your water meter and note down the current reading.

After an hour, look at the meter again to see if the reading has changed. If it didn’t, you don’t have leaks, but something else is behind your low water pressure. If it did, then you have leaks.

Finding Sources of Leaks

You can try hunting down sources of leaks by inspecting exposed water lines. You may find them in your attic, basement, laundry room, and under sinks.

Wet spots and water pooling under the pipes often indicate leaks.

If you can’t find the source, it’s likely a pipe in the wall, ceiling, or under the floor. Your best is to call a professional plumber for leak detection and repairs.

Fixing Leaking Pipes

To fix an accessible but leaking water line, turn off your main water supply valve first. Then, clean and wipe the pipe, drying it as much as possible. Next, firmly wrap a rubber patch around the leaky spot before turning on your supply valve again.

If you do try this DIY hack, note that it’s only a temporary fix. It’s best to call a plumber for proper repairs ASAP.

Invest in a Water Pressure Booster

A water pressure booster is a device that increases low water flow and pressure. It’s a powerful, motorized pump installed on the main water line of a house. It uses motors and impellers to boost the pressure of the incoming water.

If you think your home could benefit from a water pressure booster, hire a licensed plumber for help. The pro will likely conduct a water pressure and leak test first. From there, they can advise you on whether a pump is necessary and, if so, which model and size is best for your household.

Use These Tips to Increase Water Pressure at Home

There you have it, your comprehensive guide on how to increase water pressure at home. Start by getting a water pressure gauge or calling your local water supplier. If either confirms you have low water pressure, you can adjust your PRV.

Don’t forget to clean aerators and fix water leaks. Lastly, consider investing in a water softener and pressure booster.

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