5 Quick Fixes to Increase Your Water Pressure

Starting your day to a trickle in the shower or a dribble of water from the tap as you try to fill up the kettle is never fun. But we get calls all the time from our customers in Eastbourne and Sussex about a drop in water pressure. If you’re struggling with less than optimal water pressure and want a quick solution, here are five quick fixes that will help increase your water pressure and get it back to normal.

1. Check with Your Neighbours

If your water pressure suddenly drops, start by asking your neighbour if they’re having a similar problem. If they are, there is likely an issue with the main water line and work might be going on in your area.

You can call your local water board to get an update on when they think the issue will be resolved. If there is no planned maintenance happening, they’ll send an emergency call out to check the mains pipes.

2. Test your Water Pressure

If your neighbours aren’t also having problems, it’s time to check your water pressure. You’ll need a test gauge which can be screwed onto a hose faucet. When you turn on the tap, the gauge should show a pressure around 60psi. 45 to 50 is low, whereas 80 or above is too high.

You can pick up a gauge from most local hardware shops for a few pounds. When using it, make sure all appliances that take water are off, such as your dishwasher and washing machine.

3. Clear Mineral Deposits

Over time, pipes can become clogged with mineral deposits which mean water can’t run through efficiently. When these deposits are around your tap heads or shower head, you’ll get a trickle of water that may seem like a water pressure issue.

This is usually a hard, white substance that is difficult to chip off. But you can clean these areas with vinegar to remove mineral build up. If this is the issue, water should start running as normal once removed.

4. Open Your Stop Tap

If none of the above fixes work, you’ll need to check your stop tap. These are usually near your water meter and boiler and control the water flow into your home. If your water pressure is low, opening your stop tap just slightly should boost the flow.

When you locate the tap, turn just an inch and check the water pressure. Do this a couple of times to see if it makes any difference. If it doesn’t, the stop tap isn’t the issue.

5. Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried all of these solutions and nothing is working, it’s time to call a plumber. At Abacus Flame, we have an emergency call out service in the Eastbourne and Sussex area. If your water pressure is low and you’re not sure what the problem is, we can come out and take a look for you. We’ll let you know what the problem is once located, and give you a free quote for the repair. Call us today to get your water pressure back to normal.