How to Improve Low Water Pressure in Your Home

Did you know most homes have water pressure between 50 and 70 psi (pounds per square inch)? That’s the standard. But sometimes, when we travel or visit friends, we notice their shower feels amazing compared to ours. Coming home to low water pressure can leave us wishing for more.

What Determines Water Pressure?

Several factors affect the “natural” water pressure in your home:

• Water main size – A two-inch pipe is standard. If you only have a one-inch pipe, that could be limiting your pressure.

• Pipe sizing inside the home – As pipes reduce toward fixtures, the dynamic pressure can increase slightly, but the line pressure itself stays the same. For example, your showerhead increases flow power, but not the base pressure.

• Pressure-boosting systems – Specialized tanks and systems can be added to store and then deliver high-pressure water to your home.

Tips for Maintaining Strong Water Pressure

1. Check the water meterEnsure it’s fully on — a partially open meter can reduce pressure.

2. Check the main shut-off valveMake sure it’s turned completely open.

3. Inspect the pressure regulatorA faulty regulator can cause both very high or very low pressure. If it’s failing, call M.H. Mechanical to repair or replace it.

4. Look for old or corroded pipesGalvanized pipes especially can clog up over the years, restricting flow. Re-piping may be a big project, but it can make a huge difference.

5. Clean or replace clogged screensSome meters have a screen on the inlet side to keep out debris. If clogged, cleaning or replacing this screen can restore proper pressure.

Final Thoughts

Water pressure problems can be frustrating, but many issues come down to simple checks. If you’ve run through these steps and still have low pressure, it’s time to call M.H. Mechanical for a professional inspection.