Picture this: It’s the end of a long, stressful day and all you want is to step into a nice, hot, steamy shower.  What you get, instead, is a weak, unsatisfying trickle.

There are few things more frustrating than low water pressure in your home. In addition to making showers less-than-enjoyable, low pressure makes washing dishes more difficult and time-consuming, and can prevent you from using multiple fixtures simultaneously.

Today, we’re discussing why proper water pressure is so important and sharing tips for increasing water pressure in your home. Read on to learn more.

Why Is Water Pressure Important?

When most people complain about low water pressure, they usually refer to their shower. However, low water pressure can be a problem for any fixture in your home.

  • Filling up the bathtub can take far longer, which means you need more hot water to maintain the desired water temperature.
  • The dishwasher and washing machine take longer to fill with water before cleaning.
  • Washing dishes can take significantly longer and requires more manual scrubbing to remove any stuck-on food.
  • Low pressure can result in insufficient watering by your in-ground sprinkler system.
  • Using multiple fixtures or water-using appliances at once can be frustrating and time-consuming.

How to Increase Water Pressure

Depending on the underlying cause, there are some easy steps you can take to increase the water pressure in your home.

Talk to your neighbors. First and foremost, talk to your neighbors to see if they are experiencing similar problems. If they are, the issue may be with the city’s municipal water system.

Clear clogs. Over time, your pipes can develop a buildup of mineral deposits, especially if you have hard water. In extreme cases, the interior of the pipes decreases until they clog, preventing the water from freely flowing through.

Check the main water valve. Every house has a main water valve that controls the flow of water into the home’s pipes. Sometimes the main valve is turned off accidentally during routine repairs and maintenance without a homeowner’s knowledge. Locate the valve and check to see if it’s completely open.

Locate and fix leaks. Damaged pipes may result in water leaks that siphon off water as it travels through pipes, reducing pressure. To determine whether a main pipe is damaged or a hidden leak exists, make sure all indoor and outdoor faucets are shut off, then turn off the water valve in your home and write down the number that appears on your water meter. Wait 2 hours and take the meter reading again. An increased reading is a sign of a leak.

Replace the pressure reducing valve. A pressure reducing valve ensures water doesn’t rush through the pipes and cause water hammer. When it goes bad, the pressure gradually drops, causing a loss in velocity that affects some or all of the fixtures in your home.

When to Call a Plumber

Some of the causes of low water pressure can be dealt with safely without the need for a licensed plumber. However, for more involved and complex issues, taking the DIY route can cause more harm than good. When in doubt, contact P.C. Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling for the sound advice and expert service you can depend on.