Dealing with low water pressure in your house can be a daily frustration, affecting everything from your morning shower to the efficiency of your dishwasher. Fluctuations in pressure typically occur due to clogged lines, aging pipes, or improper system maintenance.
If you have noticed a significant drop in your home’s water flow, it is important to address it immediately to prevent long-term damage to your plumbing. Here is exactly how to increase water pressure in your house and troubleshoot common well system issues.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in the House
There isn’t just one reason why your pump’s pressure may be suffering. To find the right fix, we must look at the most common culprits:
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Gravity and Elevation: Gravity affects the vertical lift of water. For every foot of elevation your water must travel, you lose roughly 0.433 PSI of pressure.
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Pipe Corrosion and Sediment: Over time, older pipes collect rust and sediment build-up. This creates a narrow path for water, leading to a noticeable drop in water pressure in the house.
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Too Many Fixtures: If your system is splitting pressure between too many faucets, showers, and appliances simultaneously, the overall flow will suffer.
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Undersized Piping: If your pipes are too small for the distance the water needs to travel, your pump will struggle to maintain velocity.
Many of these issues are signs that may lead to no water situations.
How to Check Your Well Pump Pressure
Quality water pressure is key to a well-running home. Monitoring your system is inexpensive and can be done with a simple water pressure gauge (available for about $10).
To conduct a test, connect the gauge to an outdoor spigot or near your pressure tank. Ideally, your pressure should sit between 50 PSI and 60 PSI. If the reading falls below 40 PSI, you officially have low water pressure. You should also check your flow rate; a healthy home system typically circulates 6 to 12 gallons per minute (GPM).
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your House
While many homeowners immediately consider a booster pump, there are several steps you can take to improve your system’s performance manually.
1. Clear Clogged Lines
Water pumps and pipes frequently become clogged with sediment or minerals (especially in high-chlorine or hard water areas). Even a slight clog can cause a massive loss in pressure. Reducing the restrictions in the pipes leading from your pump to your faucets is often the first step to restoring flow.
2. Minimize Distance and Increase Pipe Size
If you want to increase water pressure at a specific outlet, you may need to reduce the distance the water travels or replace undersized pipes. This prevents your pump from burning out and makes your entire plumbing system more efficient.
3. Reduce Suction Lift
In well systems, the “suction lift” is the vertical distance between the pump and the water level in the well. Reducing this lift can dramatically increase the pressure at which your pump operates, especially with centrifugal pumps.
4. Check for Leaks
Sometimes the pressure is fine, but a leak in your well pump hoses or house plumbing is draining the output. A small leak is a “stitch in time” situation—fixing it now with a sealant or professional repair prevents a total system failure later.
If you’re not sure if the water pipe size is the issue, National Water Service provides plumbing services in Maryland, VA, and DC to help you find the right fix the first time. We have a dedicated division just for well pump services!
The Ultimate Solution: Constant Pressure Systems
If you are tired of pressure drops when someone starts the laundry while you’re in the shower, a constant pressure system is the best evergreen solution. Unlike standard pumps that cycle on and off, these systems provide “city-like” pressure by adjusting the pump speed to meet your exact demand.
Well Pressure FAQ's
How do I increase water pressure in my house?
You can often increase water pressure by checking for pipe clogs, cleaning your faucet aerators, or adjusting your water pressure regulator. If you are on a well system, ensuring your pressure tank is set correctly or installing a constant pressure system are the most effective long-term solutions.
Why is my water pressure low in the shower?
Low shower pressure is typically caused by mineral buildup inside the showerhead or an aging pipe. Soaking your showerhead in vinegar to remove scale or replacing old, narrow pipes can help restore full flow.
How do I adjust my water pressure regulator?
Most regulators have a bolt on top. Turning it clockwise usually increases the pressure. However, you should never exceed 75 PSI, as high pressure can damage your appliances and lead to leaks.
Tired of low pressure?
National Water Service specializes in Constant Pressure System Installation in Maryland, VA, and DC. Schedule a consult today to enjoy consistent, high-pressure water throughout your home.
