There is nothing worse than getting in your shower or watering your garden only to turn on the water and experience a weak stream. In fact, for most homeowners, this can be one immense frustration that ruins the day or makes day-to-day tasks that much more difficult.
If the low water pressure is ruining your day, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
1. Determine how extensive the problem is.
When you first experience low water pressure, you should test the rest of your house. If you find the low water pressure is limited to one sink, one hose, or just your shower, the problem isn’t the water supply but the fixture. For example, the fixture may be clogged or need to be cleared of water deposits, and you may need to give it a quick flush with vinegar or other safe cleaning substance.
2. Test the water pressure.
You can test the pressure of your water supply yourself by purchasing a gauge online. These are typically tested using your water hose. Strong water pressure is about 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). A reading of 45 to 50 is too low, while a reading of 80 is too high. If it is too low or too high, that means it’s time to start investigating your house and to start asking around with your neighbors.
3. Check with your neighbors.
If the low water pressure is happening across your entire house, the next step is to check whether your neighbors are also suffering. If so, you should reach out to the water company to make sure they are aware of the problem and ask them what they are doing to correct it.
4. Check your valve.
Before checking with your neighbors, you can also do some checks around your house to see if you can fix the problem. Start by making sure the main water valve — which controls the flow of water into your home — is all the way open. You can find the valve by the water meter.
5. Check your water pressure regulator.
A water pressure regulator — also known as a pressure-reducing valve or PRV — ensures your water pressure is at the optimal level before it moves through a home’s pipes. If your home has a regulator, it can typically be found where the main water line comes into the house and after the main shut-off valve. When experiencing low water pressure, check to make sure the regulator isn’t broken. If it is, you’ll need to call in the professionals to fix it and get your pressure back up and running correctly.
6. Look for leaks.
If your home has a water leak, you will notice a change in your water pressure. The easiest way to see if there is a leak in your home is to check the water meter outside of your house and see if the water leak alert is lit up.
7. Check your well.
If your water is run on a well water system, there could be several reasons why your water pressure is struggling. The well water pump may have a broken seal or bladder. It can also be a result of an incorrectly set pump switch on the well. You can find the well’s switch on the side of the pump typically.
Water pressure is an integral part of your home’s comfort. If you find your shower isn’t as satisfactory or your dishwasher isn’t getting the job done, it may be that your water pressure is struggling.
