Increase Water Pressure in Your San Diego Home

Do you know how to increase water pressure or change the water pressure in your home? It often seems like a daunting chore. There are many causes of low water pressure, and many surprisingly simple remedies that you can perform yourself to increase water pressure.

Top Causes of Low Water Pressure

The top causes of low water pressure in a home are:

1. Leaks in the plumbing system
2. Clogged pipes or fixtures
3. Corroded pipes
4. Malfunctioning pressure regulator
5. Municipal supply problems
6. Insufficient water supply line size
7. Well water pump problems.

Here are some steps to guide you as you learn how to increase water pressure.

Step 1 – Locate the Supply Line

To begin, you must locate the water system line that supplies water to your residence. Once you have located the line, you can then locate the water meter. In most cases, the meter is installed in the basement. However, if you live in an apartment or a house with a crawl space in colder climates, the meter is typically not located in the crawl space as it may freeze. Instead, it may be found under the kitchen sink or in a utility room.

Step 2 – Find the Valve (Regulator)

Once you have located the water meter, look for the brass valve. It can be identified by its bell-shaped mid-area with a medium-sized screw located at the tip of the bell. Before adjusting the pressure valve, ensure that your supply line has sufficient pressure..

Step 3 – Adjust the Screw

After locating the valve and screw, use a wrench to fully loosen the locknut. The screw serves as the adjuster and can be maneuvered by loosening the locknut. Tightening the screw will increase the water pressure while loosening it will reduce the pressure. To increase pressure, turn the screw clockwise, and to reduce pressure, turn it counterclockwise.

It’s important to proceed with caution and avoid making sudden adjustments. Instead, gradually tighten the screw in small increments while checking the water pressure after each adjustment. Excessive water pressure may lead to leaks and cause toilets to run continuously.

Step 4 – Check the Pressure

After adjusting the screw and water pressure, it is essential to verify that the pressure is at an appropriate level. Inspect the faucets in your home to determine if the water pressure meets your desired level. Additionally, check the pipes for any signs of leakage.

If you find that adjusting the pressure valve does not result in a significant improvement in water pressure, the valve may be defective and require replacement.

Replacing a valve can be a complex task, and it is recommended to seek assistance from an experienced and professional plumber.

Do You Need to Increase Your Water Pressure?

Our experienced and licensed plumbers can help you with all kinds of water pressure problems.  Call us at (858) 536-4161.

Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 25 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.