Yes, you can increase water pressure, but the method depends on what's causing it to be low

Low water pressure usually comes from one of three sources: a problem inside your home's plumbing, a restriction at the meter or main line, or an issue with your water supplier. You can fix the first type yourself. The second and third require your water company or a licensed plumber. Before you spend money, you need to know which one you have.

Start by checking whether the low pressure is everywhere in your house or only at certain fixtures. If it's only in one sink or shower, the problem is local — a clogged aerator or mineral buildup in that fixture. If it's everywhere, the issue is either in your main line, your pressure regulator, or your water company's supply. Low pressure that comes and goes at certain times of day usually points to your supplier, not your home.

Key Takeaways

  • Low pressure in a single fixture usually means a clogged aerator or mineral deposits, which you can clean or replace for under $20.
  • Low pressure throughout your house may be caused by a faulty pressure regulator, which a plumber can replace for $300 to $500.
  • If pressure is low only during peak hours, your water company may be the source, and there is nothing you can do about it.
  • A pressure tank or booster pump can increase pressure if your home draws from a well or sits at high elevation, but costs $1,500 to $3,000 installed.
  • Never increase pressure above 80 pounds per square inch (PSI), as higher pressure damages pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.

Clean or replace aerators and showerheads first

An aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet. Mineral deposits and sediment clog it over time, especially in areas with hard water. Unscrew the aerator by hand or with a wrench, soak it in white vinegar for an hour, and scrub it with an old toothbrush. Rinse it thoroughly and screw it back on. This fixes low pressure at that fixture in most cases.

If soaking does not work, buy a replacement aerator at any hardware store for $3 to $8. Bring your old one with you so the staff can match the thread size. Showerheads work the same way — unscrew, soak, scrub, or replace. If you have an older showerhead, a new one may also increase flow because federal law limits showerheads to 2.5 gallons per minute, but older models sometimes restrict flow further.

Check your pressure regulator if pressure is low everywhere

Most homes have a pressure regulator on the main water line where it enters the house. It looks like a brass bell or dome, usually near the water meter. The regulator keeps pressure from the street line from damaging your pipes. If it fails, pressure drops throughout your home.

You can test the regulator with a pressure gauge, which costs $10 to $15 at a hardware store. Screw it onto an outdoor faucet or a hose bib and turn the water on. Normal household pressure is 40 to 60 PSI. If your gauge reads below 40 PSI and pressure is low everywhere, the regulator is likely the problem. A plumber can replace it for $300 to $500, depending on your location and the regulator model. Do not try to adjust the regulator yourself — it requires a specific wrench and knowledge of your local plumbing code.

Install a pressure tank or booster pump for wells and high-elevation homes

If your home has a well, low pressure usually means the pressure tank has lost its air charge. A pressure tank stores water under pressure so your pump does not run constantly. Over time, the air bladder inside fails and the tank fills with water instead. You can recharge it yourself if you have an air compressor, or a plumber can do it for $150 to $300. If the tank is old, replacement costs $800 to $1,500.

Homes at high elevation or far from the water main may need a booster pump to increase pressure. A booster pump sits on your main line and pushes water through your home at higher pressure. Installation costs $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the pump size and your plumbing layout. A plumber can measure your current pressure and flow rate to size the pump correctly. Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing does not solve the problem.

Know when the problem is your water company's responsibility

If pressure is low only during peak hours (early morning, evening, or weekends), your water company may not be supplying enough pressure to your neighborhood. Call your water company and report the issue. They can test the pressure at the meter and tell you whether it meets their minimum standard, usually 20 PSI. If it does not, they may upgrade the line or install a booster pump on their side at no cost to you.

Some water companies have known low-pressure zones. Ask whether your address is in one. If it is, the company may offer a rebate toward a home booster pump. Document the times when pressure is lowest and keep a record of your pressure gauge readings. This information helps the water company investigate and proves the problem is not in your home.

Never exceed 80 PSI, even if you want higher pressure

Water pressure above 80 PSI damages pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. High pressure causes leaks at joints, shortens the life of washing machine hoses, and can burst a water heater tank. If your pressure regulator is set above 80 PSI, lower it. If you install a booster pump, set it to deliver no more than 80 PSI.

Some people think higher pressure means better flow, but that is not how it works. Flow depends on the size of your pipes and the amount of water your supplier sends you. Pressure just pushes that water through. If your pipes are old or undersized, high pressure will not help — it will only cause problems. A plumber can measure your actual flow rate and tell you whether pressure is the real issue or whether you need larger pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I increase water pressure by adjusting the pressure regulator myself?

You can locate the adjustment screw on top of the regulator and turn it clockwise to raise pressure, but this is not recommended. Incorrect adjustment can damage your plumbing or void your home warranty. A plumber can adjust or replace it correctly for $100 to $300. If the regulator is old or failing, replacement is safer than adjustment.

What is the difference between a pressure tank and a booster pump?

A pressure tank stores water under air pressure and is used with wells. A booster pump actively pushes water and is used when your water company's pressure is too low. Tanks are cheaper but only work if you have a well. Booster pumps work with city water but cost more and use electricity.

Will a new showerhead really increase water pressure?

A new showerhead will not increase the actual pressure in your pipes, but it may feel like more pressure because modern showerheads are designed to concentrate flow. Older showerheads sometimes restrict flow more than necessary. Replacing one costs $15 to $50 and is worth trying before calling a plumber.

How do I know if my water company is responsible for low pressure?

Call your water company and ask them to test pressure at your meter. If it is below 20 PSI (their usual minimum), the problem is on their side. If it is 40 PSI or higher at the meter but low inside your home, the problem is in your plumbing. The water company can tell you this in one call.

Is low water pressure a sign of a serious plumbing problem?

Low pressure at one fixture usually means a clogged aerator, which is minor. Low pressure everywhere can mean a failing regulator, a leak in your main line, or a problem with your water supply. A plumber can diagnose it by testing pressure at the meter and checking the regulator. Do not ignore it if it develops suddenly, as a leak may be wasting water.