Having low water pressure is a nuisance every homeowner tries to avoid. There’s nothing worse than standing under a trickling shower or waiting for your kitchen faucet to produce a stream. The good news is that there are several easy ways to better your home’s water supply. Use these tips for improving your water pressure to fix this issue.
Check With the Community
If your home runs on city water, the first thing to do is check with your community. Speak with your neighbors and see if they’re also struggling with low water pressure. If they aren’t, you’re likely looking at a problem within your personal plumbing system. However, if this is a widespread issue, you’ll need to contact your municipal water supply authority for help.
Perform a Water Pressure Test
Even if you have city water, you can still adjust the pressure in your own home. Grab a water pressure gauge from your local home improvement store and perform a pressure test. If it’s below 40 psi, locate your main valve near your water meter and make adjustments. Be careful; increasing your water pressure above 60 psi could be why your pipes are making strange sounds and lead to other plumbing problems.
Evaluate Your Well Pump
Homes that run on well water need strong pumps to funnel the supply through their pipes. There are so many reasons why your well pump might falter, from issues with depth to general wear and tear. Maintaining your well and its essential features is a vital tip for improving your water pressure. Make sure to service your plumbing system often and evaluate your well pumps to keep them in working order.
Remove Mineral Buildup
Have you ever looked at your faucets and seen a gross, off-white residue? If so, your water fixtures have mineral buildup that’s interrupting water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it to your faucets and showerheads, submerging the dirty parts. Rinse your fixtures the following day to remove the mineral buildup and help increase your home’s water pressure.
Use a Water Conditioner
Mineral buildup occurs when you have hard water flowing through your pipes. If this is a constant issue in your household, you might consider using a water softener or conditioner in your supply. Water conditioners preserve pipes by removing limescale buildup. When water isn’t fighting against blockages, it’s free to flow at a steady rate that most homeowners find adequate.
Of course, if you’re still having issues or don’t feel confident performing home maintenance yourself, you can always contact a plumber. Fixing your water pressure is an easy way to make your home more comfortable, so get on top of the problem before it becomes a real issue.
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