If you've cleaned the
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure (for homes supplied by a municipal water system) is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found on the main water-supply pipe; look for a conical-shaped valve next to the water meter, close to where the main water pipe enters the house.
Begin the flushing procedure by opening the hot water taps in your bathroom(s). Open ALL hot water lavatory (sink) fixtures, hot water bath fixtures, and any other hot water fixtures, such as kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run these hot water fixtures for at least 15 minutes. Shut water off after 15 minutes.
Often mineral deposits from the water tend to stay back and start lining the pipes. This eventually obstructs the flow and causes a clog in the waterline.
There are numerous options if you'd prefer a more natural route to clean your water lines. Using a combination of plain vinegar and baking soda is a popular, natural solution for breaking up calcium deposits in pipes.
Once all your faucets are turned on, including the outside spigots, turn the water valve all the way on. Let the water run through all of your faucets for 10-15 minutes to make sure you are seeing a steady stream of water, or aren't hearing any noises coming from your piping anymore.
Open your main water valve.
Your house has a main water valve, usually located near the meter; the valve controls the flow of water into your home's pipes. Find the valve and check to see if it's completely open. Opening a half-shut valve is one of the quickest ways for increasing home water pressure.
Low-pressure taps respond to this pressure by use of a drop-by-drop water surplus. Low-pressure taps are made to compensate for the high pressure that builds up between your water pipes and the hot water processing system. Using suitable low-pressure taps is crucial if your home plumbing system is open-vented.
Indoor faucets usually have aerators at the tip. This small but valuable part consists of a mesh responsible for the consistent water flow. Since it controls water pressure, it reduces water splashing in the sink.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
Low Water Pressure from Faucets and Fixtures
Water pressure problems could be as simple as faulty faucets and fixtures. If you're experiencing low pressure in a specific area, check for clogging or corrosion that could be slowing water flow.
Showerhead & Taps
It might be a blockage in the shower head itself. If you've moved in recently check that the showerhead isn't, in fact, a water-saving one. Worn out taps can cause low pressure. The fix is changing tap washers or updating with complete tap replacement.
However, when low water pressure originates from an issue specific to your home, such as a water pipe or your pressure regulator fails, plumbing repairs can correct the problem.
An outdated fixture is one of the most common causes of low water pressure homes. Old galvanized steel water pipes can corrode so much that they significantly restrict the water flow. A build-up of mineral deposits such as sediments and limestone can obstruct the fixtures, preventing water from flowing freely.
If the municipal water or well-water flow is the problem, hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install a water-pressure booster pump. These powerful, electric pumps target incoming pressure and raise it to the proper level.
Pressure-Reducing Valve
Look on the main supply pipe near your water meter for a conical valve that has a bolt sticking out of the cone. To raise pressure, turn the bolt clockwise after loosening its locknut.
Your house has a main water valve, usually located near the meter; the valve controls the flow of water into your home's pipes. Find the valve and check to see if it's completely open. Opening a half-shut valve is one of the quickest ways for increasing home water pressure.
Some of the first signs of a failing pressure regulator are a leaking water heater or commode. The water coming from a faucet may also exit with such force that splashing or water “hammering” may occur.
If there's an accumulation of sediments in your hot water tank, it can lower your water pressure. The presence of kinks in the flexible water pipes used in water heaters can result in low water pressure. If the shut-off valve isn't fully open, water pressure can drop.
Water pressure regulator replacement: $250 to $1,000. Pipe section replacement: $500 to $4,000.