How to Adjust the Water Pressure Switch in a Home

Get the shower water pressure just right with a few simple tools.

Many people are picky about the amount of water pressure within their home. When it comes to taking showers, low water pressure can cause a trickle effect from the shower head. In addition, high water pressure can be painful when the stream of water hits your body. Luckily, these problems can be fixed with a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Follow the main water supply line coming into the home and find the water pressure valve. It could be near the water meter, or in the basement or crawl space underneath the house.

2. Adjust the water pressure valve. The valve is bell-shaped, with a screw at the end of the bell. That screw also has a locknut on the end of it. Loosen the locknut all the way with your pliers.

3. Turn the screw with your screwdriver to adjust the water temperature. To increase the water pressure, turn it clockwise. To decrease the pressure, turn it counterclockwise. Make the adjustments in small increments and check the water pressure in the home each time to get it to the desired level.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the water pressure throughout the home once you have found the right pressure level. If the pressure is inconsistent within the home, or making adjustments doesn't change the pressure, you may need to replace the valve altogether.

References

• Catskill House Blog: Well Pump Pressure Switch