Did you know that each year, more than 450,000 serious burn injuries occur in the US alone? Many of these are due to direct contact with flames, but many others are due to scalding water.
While not that common, scalds caused by hot water can be a result of water pressure fluctuations. This can occur with a sudden increase in low water pressure. So, you may be taking a tepid shower one minute, and the next, you get struck by very hot, high-pressure water.
At the very least, low water pressure is inconvenient, as it makes cleaning or washing take longer.
Fortunately, there are several ways to increase low water pressure, some of which you can do on your own. We’ve explained everything you can do below, so be sure to read on.
Soften Your Water
Hard water refers to water with concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium. The more of these minerals it contains, the harder the water is. About 90% of US homes have hard water.
All those dissolved minerals can adhere to the interior sides of plumbing pipes. Over time, they’ll form and harden into limescale. Limescale, in turn, can cause blockages in water supply lines and restrict water flow.
Limescale can also block the faucet and shower aerators. If this happens, the water can drip in thin streams instead of coming out in sprays.
If you live in one of the nine in 10 US homes with hard water, consider installing a water softener. It’s a device designed to reduce the mineral ions that hard water contains.
You can have a point-of-entry (POE) water softener installed at your main service line. In this case, the equipment will soften the water before it even enters your home. As a result, you’ll get softer water in all areas of your residence.
You can also install point-of-use water softeners, which are cheaper than the POE kind. These are for individual service lines, such as those for your kitchen or bathroom. These devices soften only the water that flows through the supply line you connect them to.
Clean Your Aerators
If low water pressure only occurs in fixtures with aerators, it may be due to clogged aerators. This is especially true for kitchen taps and showerheads that get exposed to more debris.
To confirm if it’s really the aerator to blame, unscrew the screen-like device from the spout of the tap. Inspect the mesh for any visible evidence of residue or blockages. You can also hold it up against a light source; a clogged hole won’t let the light pass through.
If you have a clogged aerator screen, try soaking it in some vinegar, which is 5% acetic acid. This ingredient can be enough to break down grease, grime, and minor limescale build-up. Plus, scientists say that acetic acid can work as a disinfectant, too.
After an hour of soaking, rinse the screen and then hold it up against the light again. If all the holes are clear, screw the aerator back into the tap’s spout. Run the faucet to see if this cleaning trick helped to increase the water pressure.
You can also use this DIY cleaning method on showerheads affected by low water pressure.
Find Those Leaks and Get Them Fixed
Did you know that about two-thirds of people in the US have experienced a plumbing leak at home? Most of these leaks occurred in the bathroom, kitchen, or worse, both. Either way, leaks waste a lot of water and are also some of the top causes of low water pressure.
Now, keep in mind that plumbing pipes hold the water they contain at a higher pressure than the air outside. This elevated pressure is what allows the water to rise from the ground pipes and into your house. As such, for pipes to work properly, they need to keep this high pressure contained within.
So, when your pipes develop a leak, some of the pressure they contain also seeps out along with the water. This then results in a pressure drop, hence the low water pressure in your house. The bigger the damage, the more pressure the pipes lose, and the lower the overall water pressure.
Some leaks are easy to catch, like those from your taps and toilets. Others are harder to spot, as they can occur in the pipes within the walls or under the ground. If you can’t find the source of the leak, your best bet is to call in a professional plumber.
When choosing a plumber, be sure they offer the service you need, which in this case, is leak detection and repair. These pros use specialized plumbing cameras and thermal leak detectors. These devices allow them to uncover leaks without having to dig up the pipes.
Adjust Your Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)
A water pressure-reducing valve is common in homes supplied with high-pressure water. The primary function of PRVs is to reduce high water pressure levels before the water enters a home. This is vital as excessive pressure can blast away plumbing joints and even entire pipes.
If your home has a PRV, you should be able to locate it near or past your main water shutoff valve. It looks like a bell or a dome with a screw protruding at the top. It’s usually made of brass, so look for a dark yellow or brownish bell- or dome-like fitting.
To adjust the PRV, you first need to loosen the lock nut with a wrench before unscrewing it. Once the screw is off, affix a socket wrench on the adjustment nut (the one that protrudes at the top).
Be very careful as you turn the nut clockwise, as this is the direction that increases water pressure. You want to keep the pressure between 50 and 60 pounds per square inch (psi), as any higher than that can be dangerous.
If you’re wary of tweaking your PRV, it’s best just to call a licensed plumber. This way, they can give the valve a closer inspection to see if it’s past its prime and already needs a replacement.
Let It Flow: Fix Your Low Water Pressure Woes With These Tips
Hopefully, you only have a few clogged aerators causing your low water pressure woes. In this case, try to clean them first before you give your local plumber a call.
However, if you have a whole-house issue, you likely have a major leak somewhere or need to get a water softener. For either situation, it’s best to ring up a licensed plumbing expert.
Ready for more nuggets of wisdom to help make your home safer, healthier, and more efficient? Feel free to check out our other guides under the home and garden section!
