Increasing the water pressure often seems like a challenging task. There are many causes for which water flows with little force, but there are just as many simple remedies that, surprisingly, allow you to remedy the problem on your own. Here are some instructions to guide you through the work as you learn how to increase the water pressure.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: In a Faucet
Step 1. Clean the aerator
Unscrew the piece at the end of the faucet using a pair of pliers. Take it apart and make a note of how to assemble the pieces later. Eliminate all traces of sediment and then open the tap for a couple of minutes, in this way you detach any residue that is left in the pipe. If the parts of the aerator still feel dirty, soak them in an equal parts water and vinegar solution and let them soak for three hours.
- To avoid scratching it, wrap a cloth around the aerator before unscrewing it.
- You can clean the shower head the same way.
Step 2. Disassemble the faucet
If the water still comes out at low pressure, unscrew the nut locking the tap stem and lift the tap. It may be necessary to remove the sealing ring first.
When you repair a mixer tap, you find a screw on each side, underneath the large chrome piece. Before removing the cartridge, make sure the screws are tight
Step 3. Repair the faucet
Inspect it and check for damage based on what you see:
- If you notice a gasket and / or spring at the base of the cartridge, gently remove them with a screwdriver. Remove any encrustations with water and replace the pieces if damaged.
- If you notice more complex mechanisms, call a plumber or check the manufacturer's website, there may be a repair manual that can be downloaded for free.
Step 4. Drain the faucet
After you have repaired the pieces that seemed to you to be damaged, put the faucet back on. At this point, place a cup under it, then open and close the water several times to expel any debris causing a blockage.
Part 2 of 3: Resolving Recent Problems
Step 1. Address hot water pressure problems
If it is only hot water that comes out with little force, then you need to inspect the water heater. The most common malfunctions are listed below:
- Presence of sediment blocking the hot water pipes or the water heater itself. In this case, empty the water heater tank and then call a plumber if that doesn't solve your problems. To prevent deposits from blocking the system once again, replace the magnesium anode regularly and consider installing a water softener.
- Too small water pipes. In most cases, the pipe exiting the water heater should be at least 19mm in diameter.
- Leaking valves or hot water tank. Try to fix these problems only if it is a minor leak and you have some experience in the plumbing business.
Step 2. Check for any leaks from the pipes
These are among the most common causes of pressure reduction. Do a quick inspection for wet areas under the pipes, especially the main ones. Repair any leaks you notice.
- The main duct typically enters the house from the side if you live in a mild climate; in cold regions, however, the pipe passes through the basement.
- Small wet areas can be caused by the condensation phenomenon. Dry the surface and put on a couple of paper towels. Check back the next day to see if it's a real leak or not.
Step 3. Check that the toilet flush is not leaking
The locking mechanism inside the toilet could cause leaks as water continually escapes from the tank. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and check it again after a couple of hours without flushing the toilet. If you notice any traces of dye in the toilet bowl, then you need to proceed with the repairs. Typically, all you need is a new float or a little intervention.
If you hear the sound of water constantly flowing down the toilet, then this is the source of your pressure problems. Learn to fix it
Step 4. Check the water meter for leaks
If you don't find obvious traces that allow you to spot unwanted water leaks, then you need to monitor the meter for confirmation of any leaks. Close all the taps in the house and read the values reported by the meter. There are two ways to do this:
- If there is a small triangle or disc indicator spinning, then the water is flowing. If you have closed all the taps properly, this means that you have a leak.
- Write down the number indicated by the meter, wait a couple of hours without using the water and then check the meter again. If the reported values are different, you have a loss.
Step 5. Make sure the main tap is fully open
Look for the main valve of the house system, it should be near the meter. If it has been accidentally hit and partially closed, open it completely. This is rarely the cause of your blood pressure problems, but it's worth checking, as it won't take more than a couple of minutes.
Step 6. Inspect the pressure reducing valve
Ground floor dwellings often have this device installed where the pipes enter the building. It is a bell valve that reduces the water supply to a safe pressure level for the home. On classic valves you can turn a screw or knob clockwise to increase the force with which water enters the home system. The best thing to do is to limit yourself to a couple of turns and note the number of times you turn the valve. If you overdo it, you could damage the plumbing.
- If the intervention on the pressure regulating valve does not lead to the desired results, close the central tap and remove the valve. Maybe you will need to replace some element, the whole valve or it will be enough to clean a few pieces. You should get the manufacturer's instructions.
- This valve is not present in all homes, especially in cities where the water pressure is not high or when the home is located on the upper floors of the building.
Step 7. Check the softener
If you have installed this device in your home, then try to "exclude" it from the circuit. If in this way the pressure increases, then the problem is precisely the softener that needs to be cleaned or repaired.
Part 3 of 3: Solving Old Problems
Step 1. Replace the old pipes
Find the main duct on the side of the house or in the basement if you live in a cold climate. If this tube is silver in color, has magnetic capacity and threaded joints, then it is galvanized steel. Old pipes built with this material have a tendency to become clogged due to limescale deposits or corrosion, thus slowing the flow of water. Replace them with copper or plastic pipes to fix the problem.
Step 2. Inspect the diameter of the pipe
A small pipe could cause problems because it cannot meet your water needs. As a general rule, know that the diameter of the plumbing pipe should be at least 19 mm or 23 mm, if there are three or more bathrooms in the house; 13 mm pipes should only be used to supply one or two sanitary ware. A professional plumber will be able to give you any specific advice based on your water use.
PEX multilayer pipes have particularly thick walls and therefore a rather small internal diameter. If you have decided to replace metal ducts with PEX ones, choose them with a larger diameter than the originals
Step 3. If low water pressure is a characteristic of the city you live in, then you can install a pump
If you've always had this problem, call the company that runs the service and ask for your neighborhood's "static pressure" values. If the figure is less than 2.1 bar, then the problem is at the city level. Purchase and install a pump to resolve the issue or read the next step.
- Attention: if the pipes in your system are clogged or corroded, the pressure increase generated by the pump could break them.
- Be aware that a high static pressure value may still be insufficient for a multi-story house or on a hill. A pressure level of 4.1 bar is generally more than adequate even for this type of housing.
- If your water source is a gravity well or aqueduct, let a professional adjust the pressure levels.
Step 4. Check your system pressure yourself
Go to the hardware store and get a pressure gauge that can be connected to the tap via a garden hose connection. Make sure no household appliances or family members are using the water inside the house, including the toilet or ice maker. Connect the pressure gauge to the tap and read the pressure data.
- If the pressure is lower than stated by the company providing the service, then there may be a problem in the main pipeline. Call your city's water services manager or the council's technical office manager to arrange for repairs.
- If you don't get help from the agencies, then install a pump.
- Water pressure fluctuates based on community usage. Take measurements at various times of the day to get more accurate data.
