Dealing with Low Water Pressure

Have you ever had multiple water sources working at the same time, and found a noticeable lack of water pressure? It can be a real downer to have your shower water pressure suddenly drop because someone turns on the kitchen sink, starts watering the lawn, or even tries to wash some clothes. That being said, dealing with low water pressure is possible, if you keep in mind a few things.

• On the spot increases. One of the least expensive methods for dealing with low water pressure is to focus on spot increases. While this option may not increase the overall water pressure of your home, it will save you money, and when it is done properly you won't really notice that it is only a "spot" fix. Often this fix can be as simple as replacing the shower head, or sink faucet. The reason for this is that some showerheads and faucets have what is known as a flow regulator in place. This device will limit the amount of water that can flow through it, and thereby decreasing the pressure.
• Use a water booster. Using a water booster can be potentially more expensive than replacing a single showerhead, but it will increase the pressure throughout the house. This is done by adding a water pump—designed to work with the current amount of water flow—where the water comes into the house. The added pump can dramatically increase the amount of pressure that you have in the pipes, so be careful that you follow the directions completely.
• Be prepared for the worst. It may be sad to say, but the truth is that there are some instances where these other methods won't exactly work for increasing water pressure. In such situations you will want to check the pipes themselves. In fact, it is probably a good idea to check the pipes from the get go, since a cracked or broken plumbing pipe can lead to a dramatic decrease in overall water pressure. If you don't address this type of problem right away, you can end up with some extensive property damage needing to be repaired. Another possible cause for sudden drops in water pressure is a simple clogged pipe. Having your pipes snaked or inspected can easily tell you if this is the problem or not.

Keep in mind that if you do end up having to do some pipe repairs, or even extensive renovating, it could potentially be rather expensive. This is particularly true if you attempt to do your own major plumbing work without any experience. Improperly laying pipe, or hooking it up, can lead to later even more costly repairs. It is always a good idea to hire a professional in such a situation.