How do I increase the water pressure coming into my home?

Question

Municipal supply. Current pressure about 20...

If I add a booster pump, how will it be able to draw more water from the existing water line so it can increase the pressure or does it have to draw more water at all in order to do this? Will I have to add another tank as a water supply? What about a pressurized tank? If pressurized tank, would I need a booster pump on the outflow to the house?

Supplier has already refused to do anything.

This location is in a mobile home park. All homes are on perfectly flat land. Please assume owner/supplier will do nothing. I am open to all suggestions even if costly.

Answer 1

If you have a well, you can locate your bladder tank (pressure tank) and it should have a gauge with a twisty knob near the relay (if your pump is submersible), or if your pump is free-standing, it should have a dial somewhere on it to 'up' the pressure tank's pressure--make it run longer before it shuts off.. It will give you a little more pressure when you first turn on the water, but nothing outstanding.

Answer 2

Well or municipal supply?

That is really low, for Muni supply you should have at least double that. I would talk to your neighbors and your water purveyor about this problem. A booster pump is going to be fairly expensive. If all your neighbors have the same problem you might get the water purveyor to fix it. It might be a simple adjustment for them. If your neighbors do not have the same problem then you are probably considerably higher in elevation than them (60'-90') or your service line is too small, or clogged with corrosion. You will need a small pressure tank to store the pressure, a pump, some pressure switches, and a check valve.

Answer 3

If the water is coming from a well, there is an electrical pressure switch at the base of your holding tank,by adjusting the switch you can increase or decrease the pressure directions are on it. If you have a municipal feed or supply, talk to the supplier about your problem, they may replace the pipe to your house.

Answer 4

a pressure boosting pump or tank are about the only option that comes to mind. If you decide to go this route make sure you get a big enough tank.

http://www.bigbrandwater.com/mq345.html
http://www.bigbrandwater.com/rp10hp.html

here's 2 options I found on line, the pump takes less space but I think the tank/pump combo will provide more consistant pressure. Check a plumbing supply house and see what they have. Both the links above are to products I would recommend however.

Answer 5

If you have municipal supply you should have about 65 pounds of pressure so, we won't go into tanks like some have.
You can install a bladder but then you have to have a supply to fill the bladder and if your not getting a supply you will eventually will run out, so that's out.
Putting in a smaller line will increase your pressure but not by that much and, you will eventually run out so, that's out.
Your problem in with the delivery system and if they won't cooperate your screwed.
If they're getting the pressure to you, then it's your lines, have them checked. If it isn't your lines get an attorney and have him find out what the problem is with the municipal people. You have to have safe pressure for safe operation of the water heater, fires, etc. You should have about 65 pounds of pressure.

Answer 6

You should have a water pressure reducing valve inside the home where the water line comes in. It should be near the water meter and the main house shutoff valve.
It is kind of shaped like a bell, has a screw on top with a locking nut.
Loosen the locknut, turn the screw clockwise to increase pressure. Tighten the locknut.

Answer 7

It sounds as if they have too many homes on too small of a water line. You will probably need to have a tank installed to increase your flow. Maybe you could talk to your neighbors about sharing in the cost.

You may also want to call the water authority and/or city fire inspectors. If the water pressure is that low to your home, what happens in case of fire? Call your local television station, make some noise.

Answer 8

You can decrease the size of the water line coming into your house. An example would be: A 1 1/2" line comes into the house from your water main. Then shrink down the size to a 1" line to the connection to a sink and then down to 1/2" line into the fixtures. This will increase the pressure wherever you do this at. Becareful and don't get too much pressure or you could blow a line.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Check out side see if you have a regulator on your line. is the grass real green in your yard in a certain area. might be leaking. do you pay park for water? if so they are responsible for water line up to home if not tell them you are going to dig up the area and pull permit they may not not want utilities poking around in there park might find something else that will cost them kind of a poker game see if they call your bluff. there is a minimum water pressure needed to be safe.???? Luck.

Answer 10

if the service is Muni, then the meter is 3/4", change to 1" service and check the mainline to the house as it may be old galvy and rusted out or stuck up.
change the main to 1" and at the house run 3/4" to all the services and 1/2" up to the fixtures. Preferably copper is your best bet for the cleanest and best continued pressure.
Insulate for heat containment and your good for 50 yrs.