Low water pressure is a common problem with residential plumbing. While you might be saving water consumption at a lower pressure, it can be frustrating when you need it to wash dishes, take a shower or fill a bathtub. It may take longer than you would like or you may have trouble rinsing soap and residue. Are you experiencing low water pressure in your home? Here are some things you can do to increase your water pressure.

Conduct a Pressure Test Done

If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home, the first thing you can do is to conduct a pressure test to get an idea of what your current water pressure is. You can do this by purchasing a simple pressure gauge at any home improvement store or most big box retailers. Getting an idea of where you stand whether your pressure remains consistent or decreases can tell you a lot. If you notice your pressure is decreasing every few days, you likely have a crack in your plumbing system that needs to be fixed. If the pressure remains relatively stable, there are many things it could be. 

Get Rid of Clogs

Once you have conducted a pressure test, try to remove clogs from your line. Clogs in your pipes can greatly decrease water pressure. You can soak your faucets in vinegar to remove build-up and use drain cleaners or an at-home mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove clogs from your lines. Once you have completed these steps, test your pressure again. If it has increased, this was likely the problem. If there is no difference, either you haven't removed clogs or clogs are not the issue. 

Check Your Main Water Valve

The final thing you can do on your own to increase your water pressure is to check your main water valve. Your main water valve may be the culprit and is a simple fix. If the valve is not set to completely open, this can restrict flow and pressure. Simply twist it to the open position if it's not already there and give it a few minutes. Then, the water pressure in your home should increase. Test the pressure in your home to verify whether it has indeed increased. 

Have you taken all of these steps and been unable to improve your home's water pressure? If so, it may be time to call in a plumber. A plumber can determine what is causing your low water pressure and what action is needed to fix it. If you are in the greater Central Ohio area, let Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain help you. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.