Low water pressure is a frustrating issue that faces many homeowners. Oftentimes it can be hard to locate exactly where the issue lies. That’s why we wanted to share a few ways that you can increase your water pressure, without calling a plumber.
Test your Water Pressure
The most important first step is to test your water pressure to see exactly how bad it is. You can check your water pressure by following these simple steps:
- Get a 1-2 litre jug and a timer (you can use your smartphone for this).
- Set a timer for 6 seconds and run your water on full into the jug.
- Stop when the time is up and multiply the volume of water in the jug by 10. This will give you your flow rate in litres per minute.
Anything less than 10 litres per minute is considered low. Between 10 and 15 litres per minute is OK and anything above 15 litres per minute is good. If your water pressure is low, follow the below steps in order to fix it.
Talk To Your Neighbours
If your neighbours are having the same issues as you, then the water pressure issue might be with the local water system as opposed to your home. Similar to the piping system in your house, the local water mains are also subject to clogs, leaks, corrosion and buildup.
If your neighbours are having similar issues, then get in touch with your local water supplier.
Check for leaks
It is important to check for potential leaks in your pipes, as even small leaks can create a large loss of pressure in your system. If you do find a leak, you should call a plumber to fix it for you.
To check for leaks, you should stop using all water inside the property and turn off all the taps and other appliances that use water, like washing machines. Check the meter to see if it is spinning. If it is, there is still water being used somewhere, so turn off the mains supply. If the meter is still spinning, this could indicate a leak on your property.
Clear all blockages
Over time, pipes can develop a buildup of minerals, debris and dirt. This can cause the pipe’s diameter to decrease, sometimes leading to full pipe clogs and preventing water from properly flowing through.
While extreme cases may require you to replace sections of your pipe, you can usually take care of blocks by dissolving the minerals clogging up your drains. There are a variety of cleaning products available for this, which can unclog your systems exit points.
Check your supply valve
Every home has a main water valve mostly located near the water meter. It’s responsible for controlling water flow into the home’s pipes. It is important to check the valve and see if it is entirely open. Sometimes the valve can accidentally turn off, especially during routine repairs as well as maintenance without your knowledge.
Luckily, adjusting the valve is very straightforward and a simple fix.
Install a booster pump
If you haven’t found the answer to your problem yet, it could be that the water needs a slight boost to your house. Water pressure is mostly determined by two things: gravity and distance. For example, if you live on top of a hill and the water needs to travel upwards to reach you, then your water pressure may not be as good as a house that’s closer to the supply downhill. This can also be a problem for people who live on the top floor of buildings, such as blocks of flats.
To address this, you could have a booster pump installed. Booster pumps work by re-pressurising the water before it enters your home. These pumps can be expensive, but in most cases they will solve your water pressure issues and prove worth it in the long run.
