How Can I Increase my Water Pressure?

Posted on Aug 31 2016 - 2:50pm by Charlie

Is the water coming out of your taps running too weakly for your liking? Or maybe your shower lacks the power it once had? Whether you used to have great pressure and it’s started to drop, or it’s never been that great? These are common household plumbing issues that we face and our first instinct is to search for popular plumber near me in Google! But, there are a few things you can try to bring it back up to comfort levels.

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There are two possible types of issues: at the individual fixture or back at the main water intake for the house. If the pressure is low throughout the house, then it is probably something wrong at the source. Otherwise, just focus on the individual trouble spots.

After trying these tricks, you can contact a professional, like the plumbers in Sydney. They can probably diagnose your problem for you.

At the Source

There could be a problem with water coming directly into your home, so you can start down where the water pipes first enter from outside. Ensure that the main shut off valve hasn’t gotten knocked and that it’s open to full capacity. It may seem a little unlikely but best to start with the obvious and go from there.

Next, check on the pressure regulator, also located on the incoming water supply pipe. The standard home water pressure is around 45 psi (pounds per square inch), but it can adjusted higher if you prefer. Just use a screwdriver to open or close the valve slightly. It’s not a good idea to boost the pressure any higher than 60 psi, or you can create leaks or damage appliances. To check the actual numeric pressure value, you’ll need a gauge. They are inexpensive tools that just screw on to a faucet (usually an outside fixture). Turn on the water, and it will measure the pressure for you.

At the Taps

If the pressure is low for just one or more taps, then the problem is likely the fixtures themselves. Mineral buildup can block water within the taps, and can be cleaned up with a little scrubbing and a soak in vinegar. Change the washers while you’re at it to make sure you have the most unobstructed flow possible.

At the Shower

The shower needs a little extra mention because that is the main place in the home where we are unhappy with the water pressure. Use the same tips as for the taps to see if that clears things up. If not, you might want to invest in a low-flow shower head fixture. They are designed to spray better without using as much water pressure, and can improve your showering experience even with low pressure.

Once you change the taps or other fixtures, and you find that the pressure still hasn’t improved, you may have to accept that there is blockage within the pipes. This isn’t an easy fix for the average home owner, and a professional may need to come out and replace the pipes.

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