You’ve awakened late again and need to take the fastest shower ever. You stifle a frustrated scream as the water dribbles out and you fight to rinse your hair. You use this time to come up with an excuse for being late your boss will accept and vow to fix your water pressure this weekend. Then you realize something even direr. You don’t know how to do that. Don’t worry.
Talk With Neighbors
Before you do anything, isolate the problem. Is your low water pressure caused by a problem at your municipality or in your home? Call a handful of your neighbors or head over to their houses and ask them if they, too, struggle with water pressure. If they do, call your water district offices. If they don’t, the issue is likely at your residence only.
Test the Actual Pressure
Make certain there isn’t any water running anywhere inside or outside the home. No faucets, toilets, dishwasher, sprinklers, nothing. Purchase a water pressure test gauge at your local hardware store. Unscrew your garden hose from its faucet and screw the gauge in its place. Open the faucet to full. If the gauge reads below 50 psi, your water pressure is indeed too low.
Check for Clogs
If the pressure gauge reads normal from the hose faucet but your shower still trickles, you may have a plumbing clog. Open up the faucets throughout your home to rule out clogs elsewhere. If they’re fine, clean your shower head with white vinegar to remove mineral deposits. The issue may be that simple. If that doesn’t work, you may need new shower plumbing and fixtures.
Check the Main Valve
Go outdoors and locate your main water valve. Make certain it’s open completely. Sometimes, the valve can be partially closed, which would explain your water pressure issue. Open it up to its full force and check the water inside. If this didn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the valve or the public regulator near the water line entry point into your home or meter.
Check for Leaks
Finally, enlist the help of Five Star Plumbing to check your home’s plumbing system for leaks. Plumbers from San Antonio, TX, can video inspect your plumbing system and rule out leaking pipes. They can also install a pressure booster that will increase the water pressure coming into your home. Once fixed, enjoy that blast of water during your next shower.
