A nice, long shower is a simple luxury that low water pressure can ruin. Poor water pressure doesn’t just mean you’re out of luck for showering, but washing your dishes or even filling a pot with water to make spaghetti can be more difficult. Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem which affects hundreds of thousands of households across the country. Here are a few things you should do when you notice a significant reduction in pressure.
Ways to Increase Your Water Pressure
- Start with a pressure test. Check how low your water pressure is before determining how to fix the problem. One of the quickest and simplest ways to do this is with a water pressure gauge which you can pick up at your local home improvement store. First, hook up the pressure gauge to an outside spigot and turn the water on. Anything measuring less than 40 PSI confirms you have low water pressure.
- Clear out your pipes. You can trace many causes of low water pressure back to clogs in your plumbing. Over time, mineral deposits collect on the walls of your pipes and slowly reduce the amount of water that can pass through. It’s best to call a plumber if you believe your water pressure issue is caused by clogged pipes since fixing the problem usually requires removing and replacing sections of pipe.
- Give your shower head a good soaking. Is the water in your shower dribbling out while the rest of your home’s water pressure is fine? Then buildup on your shower head is probably to blame. One quick and inexpensive DIY solution is to fill a small plastic bag half-full of white vinegar. Submerge your shower head into the vinegar and attach the bag with rubber bands to your shower head. Let it soak for 12 hours. Remove the bag and turn on the hot water for a few minutes to help clear any buildup.
- Check your main water valve. It’s possible to solve your water pressure problem with a turn of the wrist. The answer could be as simple as your main water valve is not completely open. This is likely the culprit if you’ve had recent renovations or there are other reasons someone would have to turn your home’s water. Start by finding the main water valve. It is commonly next to your water meter. Next, make sure that the valve is open all the way.
These are just a few of the many reasons your home may be experiencing poor water pressure. If you tried all the above solutions, and you’re still having issues, it’s time to bring in the professionals at Buckeye Heating & Cooling. Buckeye Heating & Cooling has been serving the residents of Columbus and Worthington, OH since 1948. Call them at 614- 888-HEAT.
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