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 places: a problem with your municipal supply, a leak somewhere in your pipes, or a clogged aerator or valve in your home. If the pressure is low everywhere in the house, the issue is upstream—either your city's supply or the main shutoff valve. If it's low in one room or at one fixture, the problem is downstream in that branch line or the fixture itself. The fix ranges from a five-minute cleaning to calling a plumber for a pressure regulator adjustment or leak detection.
Before you do anything, check whether your neighbors have the same problem. If they do, contact your water company—the issue is on their side and you cannot fix it. If only your house is affected, you have something to work with.
Key Takeaways
- Low pressure at one fixture usually means a clogged aerator; unscrew it and rinse it under running water.
- Low pressure everywhere in the house points to a closed or partially closed main shutoff valve, which you can open fully by hand.
- A pressure regulator that has failed or is set too low requires a plumber to replace or adjust it.
- Leaks in underground pipes or inside walls reduce pressure throughout the house and need professional detection and repair.
- If your city's water pressure is genuinely low, you may need a pressure tank or booster pump, which a plumber can install.
Check and clean the aerator on the affected fixture
The aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet. Sediment, mineral buildup, and debris collect there and restrict flow. This is the most common cause of low pressure at a single sink, shower, or toilet.
Unscrew the aerator by hand or with a wrench if it is stuck. Rinse it thoroughly under running water, or soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes if you see white or tan mineral deposits. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the screen. Screw it back on and test. If pressure returns to normal, you are done. If not, move to the next step.
For showerheads, the same principle applies—unscrew it, clean the holes, and reinstall. Some showerheads have a removable restrictor disk inside; if you find one, you can take it out to increase flow, though this may increase your water bill slightly.
Locate and fully open your main water shutoff valve
If pressure is low everywhere in your house, check the main shutoff valve first. It is usually located where the water line enters your home—in the basement, crawlspace, or outside in a meter box. The valve looks like a handle or a round knob on a pipe.
If the handle is a lever, it should point in line with the pipe (parallel) when fully open. If it points across the pipe (perpendicular), it is closed or partially closed. Turn it to parallel. If the valve is a round knob, turn it counterclockwise until it stops—do not force it. This is often the culprit when pressure drops suddenly.
After opening the valve, run water at a sink for a minute to clear any air from the lines, then check pressure throughout the house. If this solves it, you are done. If pressure is still low, the problem is either upstream (your water company) or in your pressure regulator.
Understand what a pressure regulator does and when it fails
A pressure regulator is a valve that sits on the main water line, usually just inside your home after the shutoff valve. It keeps incoming pressure from the city at a safe level for your pipes and fixtures—typically between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (psi). If the regulator fails or is set too low, pressure drops throughout the house.
You can check the pressure yourself with an inexpensive pressure gauge, available at any hardware store. Screw it onto an outdoor faucet or a laundry sink faucet. If the reading is below 40 psi, the regulator is either set too low or has failed internally. If it is above 80 psi, the regulator is not working either—but that is a different problem (too much pressure damages fixtures).
Adjusting or replacing a pressure regulator requires a plumber. Some regulators have an adjustment screw on top that a plumber can turn to raise the pressure; others must be replaced entirely. This is not a DIY repair—a mistake can damage your plumbing system or create a leak.
Look for signs of a leak in your main line
A leak in the main water line between the meter and your house, or inside the walls, reduces pressure throughout the home. You may not see water pooling if the leak is underground or in a wall cavity.
Check your water meter to see if it is running when no water is being used. Turn off all faucets, toilets, and appliances, wait 10 minutes, then look at the meter. If the numbers have changed, water is leaking somewhere. You can also look for soft spots in your yard, unusually green patches of grass, or cracks in your foundation—all signs of an underground leak.
If you suspect a leak, call a plumber. They can use acoustic detection or pressure testing to find it. Repairing a main line leak is beyond DIY work and usually requires excavation, so this is a professional job from the start.
Consider a pressure tank or booster pump if your city's supply is genuinely low
If your water company confirms that their supply pressure is low in your area, and your own regulator and shutoff valve are working correctly, you have two options: a pressure tank or a booster pump.
A pressure tank stores water and uses air pressure to push it into your home at a consistent rate. It works best if your pressure is low but not zero. A booster pump is an electric pump that increases pressure on demand. Both are installed on the main line after the meter and require a plumber to set up. The cost and complexity vary widely depending on your water usage and the pressure you need to achieve.
This is a long-term solution and not something to attempt without professional help. A plumber can assess your situation, measure your current pressure, and recommend which option makes sense for your home.
Know when to call a plumber instead of troubleshooting
Call a plumber when ready if you see water pooling in your basement or yard, if pressure drops suddenly after you have ruled out a closed valve, or if cleaning the aerator does not restore pressure at a single fixture. Also call if you suspect a leak based on your meter reading or if you need a pressure regulator adjusted or replaced.
A plumber can run a pressure test, use a leak detector, and diagnose the exact cause in an hour or two. Trying to fix a regulator, main line, or booster pump yourself risks damaging your plumbing system or creating a new leak. The cost of a service call is far less than the cost of water damage or a burst pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my water pressure drop suddenly?
A sudden drop usually means the main shutoff valve was partially closed, a regulator failed, or a new leak opened somewhere in the line. Check the shutoff valve first—it is the quickest fix. If that is not it, call a plumber to test the regulator and look for leaks.
Can I remove the pressure regulator to increase pressure?
No. The regulator protects your pipes, water heater, and fixtures from damage caused by excessive pressure. Removing it can cause leaks, burst pipes, or a failed water heater. If pressure is too low, have a plumber adjust or replace the regulator instead.
Will cleaning my aerator really make a difference?
Yes, if low pressure is only at one faucet or showerhead. Mineral buildup and sediment clog the aerator screen very easily, especially in areas with hard water. It takes five minutes and costs nothing, so it is always worth trying first.
How much does it cost to install a booster pump?
Costs vary by region and the size of the pump, but installation typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on your home's layout and water demand. A plumber can give you an estimate after assessing your pressure and usage.
Is low water pressure a sign of a serious problem?
Not always. A clogged aerator or a closed valve is minor. A leak or failed regulator is more serious and needs prompt attention to prevent water damage or wasted water, but neither is an emergency if you address it within a few days.