How to Fix Low Water Pressure

Do you suffer from low water pressure at home? Because there are many possible reasons for low water pressure, you must troubleshoot the cause before you can fix it. Start with the simplest possibilities, and if your efforts don't pan out, call a plumber for professional help. 

Unclog the Faucet Aerator

A clogged aerator could be the problem if one faucet has low water pressure. To clear it, twist off the end of the tap, soak the aerator overnight in a bowl of vinegar, and pick out loosened debris with a toothpick or paperclip. While the aerator is still off, turn on the water and see if the pressure is still low. If so, the aerator isn't to blame after all. But having a freshly cleaned aerator is always good.

Replace Your Shower Head

Perhaps the upstairs shower is the only fixture that suffers from low water pressure. If so, the shower head might have a low-flow feature that's restricting the pressure too much. Replacing it with a standard or high-pressure shower head could be all that's necessary to get the water flowing freely in the shower again.

Check the Water Valves

If someone recently turned off the water supply under the sink to perform a plumbing repair, it's possible they failed to twist the valve all the way back. Check under any sink with low water pressure to ensure the valve is fully open. The same goes for the main water supply line outside your house. Make sure this is opened completely to maximize water flow to every fixture. If you have a pressure reducing valve on your main water line, turn the screw on this bell-shaped valve clockwise to increase the flow of water through your pipes.

Check for Plumbing Leaks

In addition to raising your water bills and potentially damaging your home and yard, leaky pipes can cause low water pressure. To find leaks, first check in the basement and all around your water fixtures for signs of leaks, including water spots and mold growth. Another effective way to test for plumbing leaks is to go outside and read your water meter. Then, refrain from using any water for two hours. Take a second look at the water meter, and if the reading has gone up, you have a leak.

Call a Plumber for Advanced Fixes

If you haven't had success with fixing low water pressure by yourself, it's time to call in a professional for help. The plumbers at ABC can provide you with the following advanced fixes for low water pressure:

• Fix plumbing leaks: Determining that you have a leak is only the first step. Next, you should hire a plumber to find and repair the leak. Whether this is the cause of your water pressure woes or not, resolving leaks is a home maintenance task you can't ignore.
• Install a water pressure booster: A water pressure booster is an electric pump that increases the water flow between the main water line in the street and the pipes in your house. This device is helpful if the municipal water supply can't deliver sufficient pressure.
• Increase the size of your main water supply line: Pipe size affects incoming water pressure. Installing a larger pipe allows more water to flow in, which could be just what you need to increase the pressure.

Contact ABC to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your Home

If you have questions or concerns regarding the water pressure in your home, the professionals at ABC can help. Our experienced plumbers will diagnose the problem and suggest the best possible fix for your situation. 

Do you have more questions about plumbing in or around Chicago? If so, call 888 868-6667. Live in Florida? Call our experienced plumbers at 813 452-5952. We are always ready to give you the answers you need to enjoy the comfort you deserve!