Reduce Low Water Pressure With Our Expert Solutions

Inadequate water pressure can negatively impact your life, from washing machines that take longer to fill, to dishwashers that are less efficient and faucets that slow to a dribble.

If you’re experiencing a decline in your water pressure, it’s time to start troubleshooting. But first, you must determine what’s causing it.

1. Water Meter Valve

If you’re a homeowner, you know just how frustrating it can be to have low water pressure. But don’t worry – there are plenty of expert solutions you can use to increase your home’s water pressure, whether it’s at just one fixture or the entire plumbing system.

The first step in solving a low water pressure problem is to get to the source of the issue – your pipes. Here are a few things you can do to diagnose your problem and get it fixed:

1. Make sure the Water Meter Valve is Open

This valve is located on your property, usually right by your water meter. It controls water flow from the city water supply into your house. It can be difficult to reach and may require a professional plumber to access it, but it’s worth checking to see if it needs to be adjusted.

2. Fully Open Your Main Shutoff Valves

Homes typically have one shutoff valve that is located inside the home close to where the main water supply pipe enters the home. Some homes also have a second valve that is located outside of the house or in a utility box on the property. This valve, called the water meter valve, controls the flow of water from your home’s water supply into the main water system.

To properly adjust your water meter valve, locate the valve and look for a handle that is similar to a hose nozzle. Fully open the valve by spinning it counterclockwise as far as it can go or lowering the handle so that it’s parallel with the water pipe.

3. Turn the Pressure Reducer Screw

To increase your water pressure, tighten the pressure reducer screw by turning it clockwise; to decrease it, turn it counterclockwise. This adjustment should be done in small increments.

4. Change the Pressure Regulator

If the aforementioned steps haven’t resolved your water pressure issues, it’s time to replace the regulator that’s regulating your water. Replacing a worn or malfunctioning regulator can help boost your home’s water pressure by up to 30 percent.

2. Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes are one of the most common problems in plumbing systems. If they aren’t treated quickly, these clogs can affect water pressure in your home.

If you’re experiencing low water pressure in your home, the first thing you should do is check your water meter valve to see if it’s closed. If it is, your home needs to be inspected by a professional plumber.

Another important step is to check your drain lines for a build-up of dirt and debris. If you have a problem with this, it could be an indication that the pipe is clogged and will need to be repaired or replaced.

A clog in your kitchen sink or bathtub drain can be caused by food particles, soap, grease, and other items that get caught in the pipes. These substances may seem harmless at first, but they can form tough clogs over time.

To help with this, pour hot water down your drain to break up the blockage. Then, add vinegar and baking soda to the water, which will cause a chemical reaction that can unclog your drain.

You can also rent a drain-cleaning machine with a cable long enough to reach your drain line. This machine will pull the clog out with a cable attached to an electric motor.

In addition to removing the clog, this machine can clean out the pipe and restore your water pressure. The rental agent should teach you how to use this device.

Other causes of a clogged drain can include tangled tree roots, which can enter your main sewer line and obstruct water flow. This is often a very difficult problem to fix.

Scale buildup on the inside of older pipes can also increase the clog’s likelihood. This is a more serious problem than it seems, as the scale can erode the walls of your pipes and cause leaks.