Whether you’re trying to wake yourself up in the morning or unwind after a long day at work, there is nothing more unsatisfying than a weak shower.
The problem is, when the water is still working (even if not very well), you tend to focus your efforts on other more pressing issues around the house.
But we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to tolerate that trickle or learn to live with poor water pressure. There are several ways you can troubleshoot your low water pressure and get back to a healthy flow of water coming from your taps and showers.
How do you go about doing this?
Well, below, we’ve pulled together a list of five ways you can increase your water pressure, from quick fixes to long term solutions. These include:
1. Speak to your neighbours
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, one of the first things you should do is speak to your neighbours to see if they are having the same issue. If this is the case, it might be a problem with the mains, such as clogs, build-up or leaks.
However, if it only seems to be happening to you, then this is a sign there is something going on in your home that needs addressing.
But by speaking to others on your street, you can identify if the pressure issues are coming from the mains and then get in contact with your local provider or council. They will then be able to get the ball rolling to fix the problem.
2. Clear the clogs
Over time, you might find that your pipes begin to build-up and become clogged. For example, mineral deposits can block the flow of water, leaving you with a disappointing drip coming from your taps and showers.
In very extreme cases, you might want to replace sections of the pipes and plumbing to get things flowing again. This will likely require a plumber to come and assist and advise you on what needs to be done.
But if your build-up has not got that bad yet, you can use various different methods to clear the pipes. You could use a plunger in milder cases that might not be attributed to mineral build-up, or in tougher cases, buy some drain unblocker to blast through the build-up.
3. Look out for leaks
If you’ve got any damaged or broken pipes in your home, this can result in water leaks siphon off water as it travels through your pipes. This means there is less going towards your taps and showers, leaving you with low pressure.
Some ways you can look out for leaks in your home is to search the house for puddling or listen out for any running water even when the taps are off. You might also notice your water bill has drastically increased.
Alternatively, you could turn off your water indoors and out and take note of the water metre. Then, leave this for a few hours and see if the number is still going up. If so, this is an indication you have a leak somewhere in your home.
If you’re still feeling unsure after all this, you could hire a professional to search for leaks in your plumbing. Then, if a problem is detected, you can take immediate action to get it fixed.
4. Install a pressure booster pump
If it turns out the problem isn’t your home, and it’s just that you live in an area of low water pressure, this can be a little disheartening. But there is some good news.
You can purchase a water pressure booster pump to be installed in your home. Once fitted, the pump has an impeller inside that increases water flow and, as a result, your water pressure.
These pumps can vary in price (from £400 to £900), but if you’ve got the budget - and little other options - a one-off payment is all it takes to increase your water pressure so you can enjoy your shower again.
5. Check your water pressure regulator
And finally, if you have a water pressure regulator for your home, this could be the cause of your low pressure. This might be faulty and need replacing, or it might have been knocked during maintenance and just needs readjusting.
If you think that there might be a problem with your water pressure regulator, it’s best to get a plumber in to look at this for you. It won’t take them long, so it won’t be expensive, but it’s better to have this done by a professional.