Anyone who’s had to deal with low water pressure can tell you how frustrating it can be. In the bathroom, it can mean an eternity between flushes, and an unsatisfying shower. In the kitchen, it can mean having incredible trouble with washing the dishes, or even your hands. The good news is, there are several ways that the average homeowner with a few DIY skills can potentially increase their water pressure at the sink.
We’re going to talk about water pressure, and how to increase sink water pressure safely. We’ll talk about what causes low water pressure, and if you just don’t want to deal with it, we’ll talk about where you can turn for trustworthy plumbing services in the San Diego area.
Tips To Increase Sink Water Pressure
Here are a few common reasons why you aren’t getting the pressure you need, and what you might be able to do about it.
Check The Valve
A very common reason that people experience reduced water pressure is that they have, often unknowingly, bumped or otherwise partially closed the shutoff valve under the sink. If the knob on your valve is pointing anywhere but open, you may be getting reduced flow. Luckily the fix is easy.
Turn the knob counterclockwise to ensure it’s completely parallel with the supply line. Now check the water pressure at the sink. If the pressure has returned, you’ve found the issue, if not, then it’s time to try some other potential causes.
Build-Up In the Aerator
One of the most common reasons for reduced water pressure, particularly in areas where the municipal water supply has elevated mineral content, is hard-water build-up. In these cases, the faucet aerator will slowly become clogged with accumulated deposits. Again, if this is the cause, it’s an easy fix.
Unscrew the faucet aerator, and turn it over. Inside there should be one or more screens, and potentially some plastic or rubber spacer washers. Take out all of the screens, and soak them in conventional white vinegar for at least an hour. Alternatively, you could use a commercially-available calcium-lime deposit removal product. Stubborn deposits may require gentle brushing with a stiff-bristled brush.
Rinse the screens and replace them, then try the faucet once again. If you’ve noticed an increase in water pressure that may have been the issue. If it still doesn’t feel right, there may be other issues at work still.
Low Municipal Pressure
While not very common anymore, there are still some areas where it seems like no matter what, the pressure coming to the house from the street just isn’t enough. For situations like this, there are solutions, they just require additional equipment.
In situations like these, a homeowner will commonly install some pressurization equipment, such as a pressurized holding tank. This allows them to have guaranteed pressure delivered to all fixtures in the home, without needing to rely on modern municipal pressure regulation. There are also in-line pressure boosters that may or may not apply to all situations, though they are a more affordable option than a pressure tank.
Enjoy Increased Water Pressure With Our Help
If you have tried these tips and aren’t seeing the results you want, or if you just don’t want the hassle of dealing with it and would prefer to simply delegate the task to a local professional, Emory is here to fill that need. We have been serving residents and businesses in the San Diego area for many years, and we’re ready to help you tackle plumbing projects of all sizes and scopes. Reach out today for more information about getting started boosting your water pressure.