How to Boost Water Pressure in Your House
Whether you are in need of a strong, hot shower or just trying to rinse some dishes, low water pressure can be an annoyance. There are several possible causes of low water pressure in your home, which can make pinpointing and correcting the problems somewhat difficult. By knowing what you're looking for, however, you can learn how to boost water pressure in your house. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Replacement faucet screens
- Vinegar
- Pipe wrench
- Water pressure gauge
- Replacement pipe
- Booster pump
Instructions
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Fix localized problems caused by blockages. If the low-pressure problem is apparent only at a single faucet or showerhead, a localized block is likely the problem. Remove the screen at the tip of the faucet spout and clean or replace it if it is clogged. Soak a showerhead in vinegar for a few hours to dissolve any minerals causing water flow blocking.
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Look for and remove flow limiters from your water fixtures. Flow limiters restrict water pressure, often for the purposes of lowering the water or gas bills. Check for external flow-limiting devices between pipes and fixtures and remove them to boost flow. Remove the fixture covers and look for internal limiters, which are metal or plastic discs with a hole in them, and remove them from the fixture.
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Determine if the water intake from the city has low pressure. Low water pressure may be a problem with the city water supply. Turn off the main water valve and drain all water from the pipes. Install a "T" pipe near the main valve and check for fluctuations in water pressure after flushing toilets or running the faucet. Inquire with the city utilities about increasing your water pressure.
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Replace old and rusted pipes. Galvanized pipes occasionally develop large rust deposits on the interior, which restricts the flow of water. Shut down water flow to your house at the main valve and drain the pipes. Remove suspected old galvanized pipe sections to check for rust and replace as necessary. Upgrade small flow pipes to large flow pipes to increase flow potential.
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Install a pressure booster in your water system. A pressure-boosting pump can raise your local water pressure as much as 70 pounds per square inch. Turn off the main intake valve and drain water from the system. Divert the pipe after the shut off valve to the booster pump. Connect the out-pipe from the booster pump back to the original main pipe before the main splits to the different areas of the house.
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Tips & Warnings
For pipe replacement and pump installment, professional assistance is advised.
Make sure to flush out any disturbed mineral deposits after pipe maintenance or replacement.
