How To Increase Water Pressure Without A Pump

Eli Smith
by Eli Smith

While buying a pump is an easy solution to increasing your water pressure, those pumps can be incredibly expensive. For those on a budget, buying a pump may not be an available option. Because of this, we’ve produced a guide on how you can increase water pressure without a pump.

Your first step will be to check around at any pipes. If you see any of those pipes in poor condition, replace them. If you are experiencing water backup, your low pressure is likely related to clogged pipes. Use drain-cleaning chemicals if your pipes can handle it. If there is no apparent reason, check out your city supply line and adjust it with a pipe wrench.

Below, we will go into a couple of options that you can use to check every part of your home. Following these steps, you should be able to pinpoint where your water pressure is having issues.

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How To Increase Your Water Pressure Without A Pump

  • Checking and replace bad pipes
  • Run drain cleaner through your pipes
  • Use a drain snake
  • Flush your water heater
  • Clean faucet heads
  • Check your city supply line
  • Call a plumber

Checking And Replacing Bad Pipes

Your first step to any plumbing issue is related to the piping. Some people may forget that as pipes age, they don’t get any better at their job.

When you are scanning around the pipes in your house, look for common areas that are leaking. Leaking water means that the potential water pressure you could have is leaving the line.

It doubly concerns if you see any rust. Corroded pipes are a significant reason as to why water may not move. If you plan on replacing a line yourself, be sure to turn off the water first. Don’t flood your house because you forgot to turn a valve.

If you have PVC pipes, this would be an excellent time to purchase a hacksaw or pipe cutter. If you have copper pipes (or any metal), you will need to be sure that you find the exact measurements of the tube you need to replace.

Run Drain Cleaner Through Your Pipes

While having stuff clog your drain may seem like it would increase the pressure, it typically does the opposite. If you find that your pipes are backing up with enough water use, it is time to clean your drain.

Most standard drain cleaners will work fine. If you have specific problems (such as hair clogs), you want to pay attention to what the cleaner specializes in doing.

In some cases, your house’s plumbing may not work with your type of drain cleaner. For example, plastic piping may not work with many types of drain cleaner.

Typically, companies who sell drain cleaner will put that information on the front of the bottle. Some companies have specialized chemicals that resist corroding these old pipes.

If you are ever concerned about this, contact the company’s customer service team. If you are still worried, we move on to our next option.

Use A Drain Snake

You can easily purchase any over-the-counter drain cleaning supplies. Drain snakes are no exception, and they are best if you are concerned about corroding your pipes with drain cleaning solutions.

Your first step in this will be to remove the drain screen, blocking you from accessing the tub drain. After this, you will want to push the snake cable into the drain slowly. Typically, you will also need to turn your snake in the process slowly.

You will also likely run into some points where it is difficult to push through. It is a sign that there is a significant clog there, which you might have to go through.

If you don’t want to purchase a new tool, you can also rent drain snakes.

Flush Your Water Heater

If you find that the clogs are related to hot water, flushing your water heater may be a solution. Even if it isn’t associated with the water heater, it may be a good idea to do so anyway. Try to do so once a year.

Your first step will be to turn off the water coming through the heater. You will also want to turn off the heater itself and allow the water to cool for a couple of hours.

While it is cooling, turn on the hot water on your other pipes to be sure that there will be no vacuum in your water pipes, as that can cause damage.

The side of your water heater should contain a drain valve that you can put a garden house on. Drain the water and the stuff inside all at once. You can remove the house, turn back on the cold water, and activate the heater.

Every water heater is slightly different, so you will want to check your owner’s manual for the specifics.

Clean Faucet Heads

If you find that your water pressure issues are limited to a single faucet, it may come from a buildup on the faucets themselves. AT this point, it would be a good idea to clean your faucet heads.

This process can be done by disassembling the sink and soaking the heads overnight in vinegar. Any stains on the surface will easily be able to be wiped off. It will also breakdown anything on the inside.

If this doesn’t work and the pressure is still related to the single faucet, this is where you need to put your drain cleaner.

Check Your City Supply Line

The last step on your water pressure journey is related to the supply line. Every house should have access to the city’s main water. If you live in a rural location, this may not apply to you.

That supply line should have a pressure regulator connected to it. It ensures that the water does not explode into your house every time you flush the toilet.

In some cases, plumbers can adjust the pressure regulator to make it too low. By increasing the pressure on this regulator, you could solve the issue.

To make this adjustment, turn your pipe wrench on a nut clockwise. But before you jump to this step, follow every other step on this list. Increasing your pressure to above 60psi can cause significant issues.

If you are ever uncertain about this section, follow the guidance in our next header.

Call A Plumber

There is no shame in admitting when its time to call for backup. You could go through all of the steps on this list and still find pretty significant issues. If that is the case, please contact a plumber.

If you can, shop around and look at reviews on Google and Angie’s List. Try and pick someone that will give you a reasonable rate. You also want someone with an excellent local reputation.

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Wrapping Up

Water pressure can be a pretty tricky thing when it comes to everything that could potentially go wrong. Using the short guide on this list, you set yourself up for success when finding a solution.

If all else fails, make sure that you leave the supply line adjustment and calling a plumber adjustment for last. Both of those can be incredibly expensive in the worst-case scenarios. However, please don’t make it any more expensive than it needs to be.

Eli Smith
Eli Smith

I'm a guy who becomes the expert of whatever I stumble upon, writing-wise. I've written tons about cool home products, home improvement, and smart technology in the home. I'm also the proud father of a kiddo born on new years, making my holidays very busy.

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