Tired of Low Water Pressure? Learn How to Give it a Boost
Having low water pressure in your home can be a big hassle. Everything from showering to watering the lawn can take longer which can be really frustrating.
If you’ve tried to fix your low water pressure and nothing seems to help, there’s another option – installing a pressure booster pump. In this article, we’ll help you decide if it’s the right solution for you.
What causes low water pressure?
First off, it’s important to know why you have low water pressure in the first place and rule out any simple causes.
Sometimes the reason for low water pressure is happening outside your home and can easily be fixed. This is less about the source of your water since low water pressure can occur whether you have a municipal water line or a well for your home, but more about the components that bring that water inside. Before investing in a pressure boosting pump, check the following:
- The water meter valve is fully open.
- The main shutoff valve for your home is fully open.
- The pressure regulator valve (if you have one) is working.
- If older galvanized steel pipes may be corroded and restricting water flow.
Testing your water pressure
If you rule out the above issues, you’ll want to test the water pressure in your home. This can be done at home following these steps:
- Purchase a water pressure gauge from a home improvement or plumbing supply store.
- Install the gauge on your outdoor faucet (it tightens on like a standard hose).
- Turn the faucet all the way on.
- Check the reading on the gauge. If it says anything less than 60 PSI (pounds per square inch), then you have low water pressure.
One quick note: While conducting the test, make sure the water isn’t running anywhere else in your home other than the faucet you’re testing. This could affect the reading.
How a water pressure boosting pump works
A pressure boosting pump does exactly what it sounds like – it adds water pressure to your plumbing system. It’s installed where the main water line enters your home. The unit has an electric pump and storage tank. As water comes into the unit, it’s pressurized to the right level and stored in the tank. So when you turn on a faucet, you have the flow you’ve been looking for.
Things to consider before installing a water pressure booster
Installing a water pressure booster can be a major plumbing job. Here are a few questions to consider before getting started.
- Do you have room for the extra unit?
- Do you have the proper electrical outlet or dedicated line nearby
- Does the main water line match the size of the booster pump pipe?
Changing the water pressure in your home can be a welcomed improvement – but it needs to be done carefully. Having too much water pressure (over 80 PSI) can cause damage to your plumbing, faucets, and appliances.If you’re ready to solve your low water pressure issue once and for all, call the plumbing experts at Emergency Plumbing & Solar at (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island. We can help you decide if a pressure booster is the right solution, and if so, make sure it’s installed properly.
