{"id":32985,"date":"2022-06-10T05:00:01","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=32985"},"modified":"2024-05-17T16:48:09","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T23:48:09","slug":"does-this-house-have-good-water-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/does-this-house-have-good-water-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Low Water Pressure? Here\u2019s What\u2019s Wrong and How to Fix It"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are few things worse than taking a steamy shower, only to be interrupted by a sudden stream of cold, trickling water when a toilet flushes. Having low water pressure can be highly frustrating. From slow dishwashing cycles to showers that feel more like a sprinkle, low water pressure can disrupt the way your home functions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re <\/span>renting a house in Phoenix<\/span><\/a> or you own a <\/span>home in Atlanta<\/span><\/a>, this article will help you understand your home\u2019s water flow. We\u2019ll answer all of your burning questions about water pressure, including what\u2019s the difference between water pressure and functional flow? What causes low water pressure in the whole house? How can I test my home\u2019s pressure? And much more. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Large,<\/p>\n

What is water pressure?<\/h2>\n

Water pressure<\/b> is the amount of force from the water main into your home. It\u2019s measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and normal water pressure is typically between 40 and 80 psi. Most plumbing professionals suggest that around 50 psi is ideal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is functional flow?<\/h2>\n

Functional flow<\/b> is the volume of water flowing through your pipes and arriving at individual fixtures. Poor functional flow may be due to build-ups in the pipes or poor plumbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common flaws in the functional flow<\/h2>\n

Poor functional flow can be an issue in old houses with galvanized steel pipes. Commonly installed until the early 1970s, galvanized steel pipes were manufactured with a galvanization coating designed to prevent steel pipes’ corrosion. When this galvanization wears off, the pipes occlude with rust. The result is a restricted piping system that won\u2019t deliver adequate water to the fixtures even with all the pressure in the world. To fix the problem, you\u2019ll need to replace the pipes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another common cause of poor functional flow is unprofessional water piping systems. Good plumbers know how to size the pipes correctly so that adequate water flows to each fixture. An amateur mistake is running too many fixtures off of pipes with too small a diameter. The result is inadequate water supply to fixtures or poor functional flow. This can be difficult to repair without <\/span>piping replacement<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"water<\/p>\n

Just because a fixture has a poor flow or water pressure, don\u2019t assume anything about the pipes yet. Other factors in the piping system can result in poor flow. Sometimes an angle stop (one of those shutoffs below the sink) may be partly closed. Fixture aerators (the little screens inside the faucets) can become restricted. The main water shutoff to the house could be partially closed, or the supply connector hoses could be kinked or restricted.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to test a home\u2019s water pressure<\/h2>\n

The simplest and most accurate way to determine your home\u2019s water pressure is by using a standard pressure gauge. Start by locating the cold water supply faucet used by your washing machine. After disconnecting the washing machine from the tap, screw on the water pressure gauge. Turn on the faucet all the way and observe the pressure gauge to determine if your home has a standard water pressure between 40 – 80 psi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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To test your home\u2019s water pressure without a pressure gauge, go to a bathroom in your home and turn on the sink and the shower. Wait for a satisfactory water temperature in the shower, then flush the toilet. See if the flow of the shower diminishes. If the water pressure significantly drops while the water in the toilet is re-filling, then there\u2019s a good chance your water pressure is low.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to increase water pressure in your house<\/h2>\n

Determine if your home is on a public water supply system or a private well:<\/b> If your house has low pressure, you first want to determine if your home is on a public water supply system or a private well system. Most public systems must deliver a minimum of 30 psi, so inadequate pressure on public water systems is rare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Install a pressure booster:<\/b> If your house is on public water supply and the utility company can\u2019t improve your pressure, the solution involves installing a pressure tank and a pump. This gives your supply piping system a pressurized boost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adjust the pressure-reducing valve:<\/b> Most homes have a pressure-reducing valve on the main water supply pipe. You can increase water pressure by loosening a locknut on the valve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact a well-pump technician:<\/b> If your house is on a private well, poor water pressure could indicate a problem with the captive storage tank or the pump. It\u2019s best to have the well system serviced by a qualified well expert.<\/span><\/p>\n

4 Frequently asked questions about your home\u2019s plumbing system<\/h2>\n

1. What causes low water pressure in the whole house?<\/b><\/h3>\n

There could be many reasons a home could have low water pressure; one of the most common culprits is leaking or clogged pipes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to ensure that your pipes are in good condition and free of leaks. Regularly check for any signs of water damage, such as leaks or water stains. If you do find a leak, be sure to repair it immediately. Second, make sure to keep your drains clean and clear. Over time, hair and other debris can build up in your drains, causing them to clog. To prevent this and fix low water pressure, regularly use hot water with bleach or snake to clear out any blockages.\u201d –\u00a0 Lance Ball, Owner of <\/span>Aspen Mountain Plumbing<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Other issues that may cause low water pressure in your house include corroded pipes, a bad pressure regulator, or the fact that your home sits in a neighborhood where several houses draw their water supply from the same pipe system.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf your home has public water, but the water pressure is too low, consider calling the water municipality to have them check it out. Oftentimes, the valve at the street is not fully open, or they have a restrictor in the water meter.\u201d – <\/span>ValveMan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"dripping<\/p>\n

2. How do I prevent lawn faucets from freezing?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cTo prevent your lawn faucets from freezing over winter, make sure to winterize them each fall. Turn off the stop and waste valve in the basement, open the lawn faucet to drain and remove the brass bleeder cap on the valve to drain inside, replace the cap, and leave the lawn faucet open all winter. In the spring, close the lawn faucet, make sure the bleeder cap is tight and open the valve. This should help your faucets from freezing and help you avoid costly repairs.\u201d – <\/span>St Paul Pipeworks<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

3. How do I know if my home\u2019s water pressure is too high?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cHere are some common signs that your water pressure may be too high:<\/span><\/p>\n