Way To Increase Water Outlet Pressure
Fluctuations in water pressure typically occur due to loose hoses and improper maintenance. And they can change the entire flow of your system.
So, if you think your water pressure has significantly dropped in comparison to its usual output, you ought to deal with it immediately. Here’s how you can do that.
What causes low water pressure
There isn’t one reason why your pump’s water outlet pressure may be suffering. So, let’s walk through the most common causes. Besides the ones mentioned below, low city water pressure and undersized pipes are some other known culprits that cause low water pressure across the country.
The Law of Gravity is a dominant force, affecting the velocity and vertical lift of water delivered by a pump. Gravity causes pressure loss in a system at a rate of 0.433 PSI per foot of elevation gained over the various sections of the piping. In simple terms, system storage and pressure loss will steadily go down the longer the distance the water has to travel.
Low water pressure can be caused by the "vertical lift" of water from the bottom of a pipe to the top. If the vertical lift is too high, the pump does not have enough pressure to overcome the barrier and fails to get the water to its destination.
Another one of the most common causes of low water pressure is corrosion in the pipes. This causes rust and sediment build-up, which leads to clogging. Thus, the water has to travel through a relatively smaller area, creating a vacuum in the plumbing system.
Too many fixtures can also lead to low water pressure because the pressure gets split between all the different fixtures connected to the same pipe in your system.
Finally, aging pipes can also cause a decrease in your pump's water pressure. Older plumbing systems with outdated pipes tend to collect sediment and debris over time, which prevents the pump from performing at an optimal level.
How to check your pump’s water pressure and flow rate
Quality water pressure is key to a well-running dishwasher, washing machine, and practically every other water-using appliance connected to your plumbing system. And fortunately, monitoring your water pressure is quite easy and inexpensive.
You can do so by conducting a simple water pressure test at home. All you need is a $10 pressure gauge to see if your water pressure is between 50 PSI to 60 PSI. Follow the instructions to connect the gauge to your system. If the pressure falls below 40 PSI, you have low water pressure.
In addition to that, you also need to check your pump’s flow rate. A flow rate determines how much water gets circulated and it is measured by gallons per minute (GPM) unit, with the ideal being anywhere between 6 to 12 GPM.
Increasing the water pressure of a pump
While people directly opt for a booster pump to increase water pressure, due to its proven efficiency, here are some other ways you can boost your water pressure at home. National Water Service also offers consults to help you determine what the best way is to improve your well water pressure with minimal cost but ultimate longevity.
First: Clear the line of your pump in Maryland
Water pumps frequently become clogged and begin to lose their effectiveness over time, especially those in areas with heavy chlorination, particularly in cities. Clogged water pumps cause water pressure loss, even if it is slightly clogged.
If you have an underperforming water pump, you should consider reducing the restrictions in the pipes that lead from the pump to your hoses and faucets.
This is an example of a bad, clogged water pump. The client called in need of better water pressure, and by correcting this clogged water pump we were able to restore water pressure in Maryland.
Minimize the distance and increase your water pipe’s size
Water pressure in the hose depends on the length of the pipe between the pump outlet and the farthest point of connection.
If you want to increase the water pressure of an outlet, you need to reduce the distance it takes for the water to travel and get rid of an undersized piping system. This could save the pump from burning out and help make your plumbing system more efficient.
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!
Avoid water with abrasives to save yourself well pump repairs
Pumps can easily lose their suction power due to abrasive materials, such as debris and sand, which get into the pump through rainwater, overcrowding, or pollution. That’s why we have a tool to check the pressure.
Pumping out contaminated water can force your motor to use more energy to push out water without increasing pump discharge pressure. This may cause future damage that can lead to your motor burning out, resulting in expensive repairs.
Repairs like these are why we offer select Well Pumps with Lifetime Warranty options, so expensive well pump repairs can be a thing of the past.
Reduce the suction lift
The suction lift is the vertical distance of the center of gravity of the pump from the static water level in the well where the pump is installed. Reducing the suction lift can dramatically increase the water pressure at which a pump operates.
You can see this most often with centrifugal pumps, especially those with a vertical shaft. Such pumps are primarily designed to operate at a specific pressure head (the pressure required before they rotate). And adjusting the suction lift can actually help ensure proper operation and increase the water pump flow rate.
When you need help, get a partner! While we love our four-legged companions, maybe calling National Water Service is the better bet…!
Check for leaks in the hoses of your well pump in maryland
Sometimes, the water pressure from your pump might actually be just right, but a leak may be the reason for its poor performance.
Leaks might occur due to old age or simply because your plumbing system is malfunctioning. And the good thing is that a small leak can be fixed using a sealant. But the catch is that it is a “stitch in time saves nine” kind of deal.
If you don’t attend to it soon, a small leak can cause bigger issues than just low water pressure and you may have to call a professional to take care of it. National Water Service is available if you’re worried a leak is what is causing your low water pressure. Our team is experts at finding, fixing, and securing leaks.
How a water pressure booster pump can help
A water booster pump allows you to pump gallons of water with increased pressure. It is a kind of centrifugal pump that uses centrifugal force to increase the pressure and speed of the water.
Booster pumps are so powerful that they can actually be used to operate mechanical equipment that requires higher water pressure levels than usual, such as firefighting equipment and high-volume watering systems.
When installed correctly, a booster pump can offer your plumbing system that much-needed push and drastically elevate its performance and efficiency.
