How to Increase Water Pressure in Tap

People that have low water pressure in a single fixture tap know the struggle of using that tap, especially if that tap is used daily. Now, there are plenty of reasons why the single fixture inside a home has low water pressure.

As we can see, only one tap is malfunctioning when it comes to water pressure, and, that means that the problem is most likely located near the tap.

But, let’s not rush into conclusions. We will first determine the causes and see how to increase water pressure in a tap. So, let’s begin.

What are the Causes of Low Water Pressure in a Tap?

Simply speaking, there are plenty of causes that will directly lower the water pressure inside a single tap. However, the most common ones are usually the easiest to fix.

Never the less, let’s see them.

• Defective Valves
• Clogged Pipes
• Pipe Leakage

Now, let’s dig a bit deeper and see exactly why your tap has low water pressure.

1. Defective Valves

First and possibly the most common reason for low water pressure on a single fixture tap is because of the faulty valves. Namely, if the valve that is equipped on that tap is old or simply faulty, water pressure will drop due to the fact that the valve is not regulating the water flow properly.

This means that your tap will work properly, but, the faulty valve simply won’t allow water to flow at normal pressure through the tap.

Usually, the first thing that anyone who encounters this problem does is to change valves.

2. Clogged Pipes

For most people that live inside areas where water is rich with minerals, clogged pipes are the most common problem. Simply put, pipes that are used to secure normal water flow from the water pump to the tap must be completely clean.

Now, if you have clogged water pipes, it is only normal to have low water pressure in that tap. In most cases, the accumulated sediment from the water will clog these pipes and block the water from coming to your tap at normal pressure.

3. Pipe Leakage

The most serious problem of all is leaking pipes. Also, this is the first thing you will want to check if you notice low water pressure inside a tap.

Water pipes that are connected to the water pump must not have any leaks or else the water pressure will simply drop.

A good portion of water will run through the pipe until it reaches the place where the crack is located and water will exit there. That will result in less water coming to your tap, so the water pressure will be lower.

How to Increase Water Pressure in Tap

Now, we will discuss how to increase water pressure in a tap. All you need to do is to grab some tools and change a couple of things in your water system.

Anyhow, let’s see how to increase water pressure in a tap.

1. Unclog pipes 

In case you have clogged pipes, the only logical thing to do in order to increase water pressure is to unclog that pipe. Since most of the water systems are equipped with PVC pipes, you will need to be extra careful not to damage anything.

So, there’s a lot of ways to unclog the pipe that has water mineral build-up, but, probably the most efficient one is to use baking soda and vinegar.

With the baking soda and vinegar mixture, your pipes will be properly cleaned and good as new. Water pressure will go back to normal.

2. Repair pipes 

However, the situation is a bit different if you are experiencing leakage somewhere down the water system. You will need to check for pipe leakage as soon as you notice low water pressure inside a tap.

Anyhow, if your pipes are leaking somewhere, it is always a good idea to stop the water flow first and then to start repairing.  There are two kinds of solutions to go with here.

• Change the pipe – If the pipe simply has a crack inside it, you will need to change it completely.  This will regulate water pressure and you will be good to go.
• Change the valve – In some cases, a faulty valve is the location of the problem. By changing a problematic valve, water pressure will get back to normal.

3. Increase pipe diameter 

Now, this way of increasing water pressure in a tap is a bit more expensive than usual. However, in some cases, this is the exact thing that needed to be done in order for water pressure to be increased.

Anyhow, if your household is equipped with narrow pipes, that means that the water pressure will be limited by the ability of pipes to transfer that water. We all know that the diameter of the pipe is controlling water flow and water pressure. And, that’s why you will need to change it.

It is the best to consult your local plumber first about this, however, you can remove the old pipes and install the new ones quite easily.

4. Replace pressure regulators 

Pressure regulators can really lower your water pressure for numerous reasons. One, and possibly the most common reason, is exactly the malfunction of the pressure regulator.

So, what should you do in this kind of situation? Just buy a new pressure regulator and change it by yourself.

This will increase the water pressure inside tap and you will now have a fully working tap back in your household.

Anyhow, we hope that our instructions were helpful and that you actually solved the problem of low water pressure. Just remember, having low water pressure in your tap is annoying and it can lead to more serious plumbing problems.