5 Effective Solutions For Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating, turning simple tasks like showering, washing dishes, or watering plants into time-consuming chores. 

Thankfully, there are effective solutions to boost water pressure and restore a steady, reliable flow throughout your home. Whether caused by mineral buildup, outdated plumbing, or external supply issues, low water pressure can often be fixed with the right approaches. 

In this blog, we’ll cover five proven solutions that can help you achieve better water pressure and improve your home’s overall water efficiency.

1. Look for Leaks

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A pipe leak is the first thing to check before you rule out potential causes of low water pressure. It is also among the primary concerns a plumber will check for when you have low water pressure. You’ll probably notice low water pressure when the water entering your house leaks out before it reaches the tap.

You most likely won’t notice a leak until it becomes a catastrophe because many of your pipes are concealed above the ceiling, beneath the flooring, and behind walls. Leaky pipes can occur for a variety of reasons, but they are much more common in older homes with outdated plumbing.

The following are typical signs of a water leak in your pipes:

• Water stains or damp patches on the wall, floor, or ceiling

• Water-filled ceiling bulges

• An abrupt and significant rise in your water bill

• Growth of microorganisms and mildew where they should be dry

A qualified plumber is required for leak detection services if you think your house may be experiencing a water leak. After determining which pipe is the issue, the plumber will fix it to stop the leak and raise the water pressure.

2. Examine the Water Shut-off Valve

The main water shut-off valve is normally located within your home, where the main water supply enters. You seldom ever see it outside the house. If you have recently had plumbing repair done or have turned off the water for any other reason, go look at this valve when you notice low water pressure. Your pipes won’t be receiving full water flow if the valve isn’t fully open.

This valve will be lever-operated or have a round knob. Turn the round knob on your valve as counterclockwise as you can. Make sure the lever is parallel to the pipe if you are using one.

You can also examine the water meter valve. 

This valve controls and keeps an eye on the water entering your house. The water meter valve is typically hidden below and difficult to reach.

You should get in touch with your water supplier if you feel that this valve is malfunctioning. Unless the water company has recently turned your water back on, very few people ever touch this valve.

3. Poor or Malfunctioning Well Tank or Well Pump

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Checking the well system, well tank, and especially the pump should be your first choice if you’re on a private well and your water pressure is low.

Telltale signs of a malfunctioning well pump:

• Too many cycles of the pressure tank going on and off. 

• Tank or well pump won’t turn off.

• Well System is at least twelve years old.

• Well Tank needs maintenance or is leaking.

A simple well-related low water pressure issue can frequently be fixed by inspecting and refilling your well tank. If not, the good news is that most pressure problems can be fixed by replacing or repairing your pump.

4. Low Pressure Coming From the City

In order to push the water supply farther afield, communities must raise water pressure as they grow. Your home may not be receiving enough water from the city if it is on the outskirts of town and you are experiencing problems with water pressure.

Indications that your city water supply may be inadequate:

• The water pressure is similarly low for your neighbors.

• The water pressure problem has persisted for a while.

The best option would be to phone the city and arrange for a water pressure test to be performed, usually at no cost. Some towns have minimum water pressure requirements, and if they discover that they are not meeting those requirements, they may offer a free solution.

On the other hand, they might not, in which case you will need to hire a plumber to fix it. A booster pump is another option. Booster pumps function by raising the pressure that is provided to the house and are made to be put into existing plumbing.

5. Fix or Change Corroded Plumbing

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Does your home have the same plumbing that was put in decades ago? Pipes can corrode, particularly if they are made of galvanized steel. After around 20 years, these materials may begin to corrode.

Contact a team of specialists to have the issue evaluated if you believe that the low water pressure in your house is caused by pipe corrosion. With the proper equipment, they can assess even the most difficult-to-reach plumbing components to determine the degree of corrosion. It’s dangerous to ignore pipe corrosion since it can result in cracks, significant leaks, and property damage from water.

Final Words

So there you have it, five simple but effective measures for fixing low water pressure. If these don’t address your pressure issue, you might want to consider contacting a plumbing expert.