Increasing water pressure usually sounds like a hassle. There are many causes of low water pressure, but many do not realize that most of these causes can be treated at home. To increase water pressure, determine if you only need to increase the pressure of one tap, fix a recent major low water pressure issue, and provide a history of low pressure. The solution will vary, depending on the problem you are experiencing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Increasing One Tap Pressure
Step 1. Clean the aerator
Remove the aerator screw at the end of the faucet with pliers. Disassemble the aerator and make a list of the components so you can reassemble it later. Remove dirt and deposits, then turn on the faucet for 2 minutes to unblock the pipes. If the aerator still looks dirty, soak it in a balanced ratio of white vinegar and water for three hours.
- To prevent scratching, wrap a cloth around the aerator before removing it.
- You can clean the shower head the same way.
Step 2. Disassemble the faucet
If the faucet is still under low pressure, unscrew the faucet stem restraint nut and pull it straight up. You may need to remove the restraint collar first.
When you work on a single-handled tub faucet, there should be screws on both sides of the faucet, under the large chrome section. Make sure they are securely in place before opening the stem
Step 3. Fix the faucet
Check for problems based on the faucet display:
If you see a washer and/or spring at the base of the rod, remove it carefully with a screwdriver. Clean deposits or replace if damaged
Step 4. Turn on the faucet
Once it looks like all the damage has been fixed, reassemble the faucet. Position the cup at the mouth of the faucet, then turn the faucet on and off several times. Thus, all the sediment that clogs the faucet will come out.
Method 2 of 3: Fixing a Recent Low Pressure Problem
Step 1. Find the problem with the hot water supply
If only the hot water tap has reduced pressure, try looking for a problem with your water heater. The source of the problem usually lies here. The following disorders are common:
- Sludge clogging the water heater or water supply line. Drain the tank, then hire a plumber if this doesn't work. To prevent it from happening again, replace the anode wand regularly and consider installing a water softener.
- The hot water pipe is too small. As a rule, the pipe coming from the water heater must be at least 19 mm in diameter.
- Pipe leaks or in the tank itself. You should only repair it yourself if the leak is minor and you have experience with plumbing systems.
Step 2. Check for pipe leaks
Low pressure is usually caused by a pipe leak. Do a quick check for wet spots under the pipes, especially in the main supply line. Repair any leaking pipes you find.
- The supply line usually enters the house from the side in warm climates, or from the floor of the basement in cold climates.
- Small wet spots are usually the result of condensation. Spread out some paper towels and come back the next day to check for any wet wipes. Wet wipes indicate a leak.
Step 3. Test the toilet for leaks
The leaking toilet mechanism is unable to contain the flow from the tank to the latrine. Drizzle a small amount of food coloring in the toilet tank, and return 1-2 hours later without flushing the toilet. If food coloring has entered the latrine, your toilet needs repair. Usually, toilets just need a new flapper or some other minor repair.
If you can hear the sound of the toilet running non-stop, there is a reduction in water pressure. Learn how to fix it
Step 4. Check the water meter for leaks
If you still can't find a leak, check it with a water meter. Close all water taps in the house and check your water meter. There are two ways to check for leaks using a meter:
- If the dial or small triangle on the meter rotates, it means the water is still flowing. Since all of your home's faucets are off, there's a leak in your plumbing.
- Write the number on the meter, wait a few hours without using water at home, then check the meter again. If the number changes, it means there is a leak.
Step 5. Make sure the shut-off valve is fully open
Locate your water meter master valve. If the valve shifts slightly from the closed position, reopen it completely. This is rare, but the examination only takes a few minutes.
Step 6. Check the Pressure Reduction Valve (KPT)
Houses at low elevations are usually installed with KPT where the canal enters the building. This valve is usually shaped like a bell and serves to reduce the water supply so that the water pressure in your home is within safe limits. On typical models, you can turn the screw or knob on the top of the KPT clockwise to increase the water pressure. It is recommended that you only turn this knob twice, while counting the number of turns on the knob. Too much of it can damage your pipe.
- If adjusting the KPT doesn't work, turn off the water supply and disassemble the valve. You may need to replace the entire valve, or simply clean the components. We recommend reading the manual from the KPT manufacturer.
- Not all homes have a KPT, especially if the city's water supply is low pressure or the building is well above sea level.
Step 7. Test the water softener (water softener)
If your home has a water softener, try changing the setting to "bypass." If the pressure increases, use a professional to check for problems with the water softener.
Method 3 of 3: Submitting a History of Low Water Pressure
Step 1. Replace the old pipe
Look for the main supply line on the side of the house, or in the basement if you live in a cold climate. If the supply pipe is silver and magnetized with a grooved fitting, the pipe is galvanized steel. Old galvanizing pipes are often clogged with mineral deposits and corrosion, which slows down the flow of water. The problem will be resolved if you replace it with copper or plastic pipes.
Step 2. Check the pipe size
Small pipes can cause problems if they don't meet your water needs. As a general rule, the diameter of the supply pipe must be at least 19 mm or 25 mm if connecting to 3 or more bathrooms. Meanwhile, a 13 mm pipe should have 1-2 fittings. Plumbers can provide more specific recommendations based on your water usage.
PEX pipe has very thick walls, and therefore a smaller diameter. If you are replacing metal tubing with PEX, use a size larger than the original
Step 3. Address the city's poor water supply with a water pressure booster
If you experience this problem, contact your water supply company and ask your neighbors about “static water pressure”. If the answer is below 2 kg/cm squared, the city's water supply may have a problem. Purchase and install a water pressure booster to handle it, or proceed to the next step.
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Warning:
If the pipe is corroded or clogged, increasing the water pressure can damage the piping system.
- High water pressure may still be inadequate for a multi-story house or on a hill. A pressure of 4 kg/cm squared should be sufficient even for this situation.
- If the water supply comes from a well or gravity flow system, it is best to leave the water pressure regulation to a professional.
Step 4. Self-test the water pressure supply
Purchase a pressure meter attached to a garden hose from a hardware store. Make sure no one uses the water in the house, including the pump and toilet. Attach a meter to a garden hose to measure pressure.
- If the pressure is lower than the water supplier promised, there may be a problem at the water supply center. Contact the water service provider to have it repaired.
- If you are unable to obtain repair services, install a water pressure booster.
- Water pressure varies depending on demand. Try again at another time of the day to better understand your water pressure range.
