How to Increase Pressure in Your Home
Having low water pressure is one of the more annoying problems a homeowner can face. Trying to take a shower or wash the dishes with weak water pressure is an exercise in frustration. Luckily, there are some straightforward ways to increase water pressure in a house. Our Sacramento plumbing team can help, or you can try these steps yourself the next time low water pressure rears its ugly head.
Step 1: Check the Pressure Throughout the Home
Start by confirming the low pressure isn't isolated to one fixture. If only one faucet has low water pressure, that's the only spot that needs repair — try turning the water on and off several times to flush out any blockage. If that doesn't help, take the faucet apart and check for debris or mineral buildup blocking flow.
Step 2: Check the Water Pressure Regulator
Some houses have a water pressure regulator, typically located outside the house near the water meter. It can usually be adjusted with a simple wrench. It's a good idea to turn on a sprinkler or outdoor spigot while you make the adjustment — watching the water flow in real time lets you see the effect each turn is having on pressure as you go.
Step 3: Check the Pipes
If the water pressure regulator checks out but pressure is still too low, the next step is to check the pipes themselves.
Pipe diameter. Modern plumbing typically uses pipes no larger than ½ inch in diameter — that smaller diameter is actually what forces water through under higher pressure. Older homes sometimes have pipes larger than ½ inch, which can mean lower pressure by design. If that's the case, a pipe reduction fitting can be installed, and these are relatively simple to install if you're handy — available at most hardware or plumbing supply stores.
Leaks. If pipe diameter is already correct, go through the pipes throughout the house and check for leaks. Even a single leaking pipe can cause a pressure drop throughout the entire system, so check everywhere, not just near the fixture giving you trouble. Fixing any leak you find — or having a licensed plumber track one down if it's hidden — should help restore pressure.
Corrosion. While you're checking pipes for leaks, examine their condition at the same time. Rust or corrosion on the exterior of a pipe can be a sign that the interior is narrowing or blocking from the same buildup, which restricts flow even without an active leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you increase water pressure in a house? Start by isolating whether the issue affects one fixture or the whole house, check and adjust your water pressure regulator if you have one, then inspect your pipes for correct diameter, leaks, and corrosion. If none of that resolves it, a plumber can check for less visible causes.
What is normal water pressure for a house? Most homes run comfortably between 40 and 60 psi. Pressure below 40 psi often feels noticeably weak at the fixtures, while pressure above 80 psi can stress pipes and appliances over time.
Why is my water pressure suddenly low? A sudden drop usually points to a new leak, a partially closed shutoff valve, sediment or corrosion blocking a pipe, or an issue with the municipal supply itself. Isolating whether it's one fixture or the whole house is the fastest way to narrow it down.
Can a plumber increase my water pressure if these steps don't work? Yes — a plumber can diagnose less obvious causes like a failing pressure regulator, hidden leaks, or significant pipe corrosion, and in some cases install a pressure-boosting pump if your home's incoming supply pressure is simply low.
No luck? If all these steps fail to fix the water pressure in your house, it's time to call Ace — our Sacramento-area plumbers will send over a qualified technician to give you an expert opinion.