Weak showers and slow-filling sinks can make your daily routine frustrating. A simple solution to boost water pressure in your home could change everything. Many Knoxville homeowners deal with water pressure problems, as readings below 40 psi signal trouble. The sweet spot for residential water pressure ranges between 40-60 psi.
Most homeowners don’t know how simple water pressure improvements can be. Your city water system typically pumps at 100-150 psi, while well systems maintain pressure between 40-60 psi.
Both systems might need attention occasionally. Our team can help you boost water pressure by replacing faulty pressure regulator valves or installing water pressure booster pumps. These pumps cost between $600 to $1,800 depending on your needs.
Homeowners frequently ask us if plumbers can increase water pressure. The answer is yes – and this piece will show you exactly how.
How to Know If You Have a Low Water Pressure Problem
Low water pressure can frustrate you and damage your plumbing if not caught early. Your Knoxville home might have water pressure problems, and you’ll need to confirm this before fixing anything. Let’s look at how to spot these issues.
Check PSI with a Pressure Gage
A pressure gage gives you the most accurate reading of your home’s water pressure. You can buy these devices at any hardware store for about $10-15. Here’s how to test your pressure:
- Switch off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home
- Attach the pressure gage to an outdoor hose spigot (pick one closest to your water meter)
- Open the spigot fully and check the gage reading
Your home’s water pressure should read between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Readings below 40 PSI show low pressure that needs fixing, while anything above 80 PSI could harm your plumbing system.
Ask Neighbors to Rule Out City Supply Issues
A quick chat with your neighbors about their water pressure helps you know if the problem affects just your home or the whole neighborhood.
“If your neighbors are having a problem too, call the City,” one municipal water department suggests. Multiple homes with pressure drops often point to:
- Municipal water supply problems
- Water main breaks
- Underground valve issues
- Scheduled maintenance
City water usually comes in at 100-150 PSI through the main line before regulation for home use. Your pressure reading should match your neighbors’ – big differences might mean the problem lies in your home’s plumbing rather than the city supply.
Look for Signs: Weak Showers, Slow Faucets, Appliance Failures
You can spot low water pressure without a gage. Watch for these signs:
- Weak showers: Water barely reaches your head or feels more like a drizzle than a proper spray
- Slow-filling appliances: Washers and dishwashers take too long to fill
- Inconsistent water temperatures: The water temperature changes when someone flushes or uses another faucet
- Reduced water flow: Water trickles instead of flowing steadily from faucets
- Appliance problems: Dishes come out dirty or laundry needs extra wash time
Try this simple flow test at home: Time how long it takes to fill a 1-liter container under your faucet. More than six seconds means your pressure is low.
The problem might affect your whole house or just certain fixtures. Test multiple faucets to see if the issue is widespread before you call your Knoxville plumber.
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“Our team of experienced professionals believes that with proper maintenance and timely repairs, your system can operate more efficiently, deliver consistently high-quality water, and avoid expensive breakdowns.” – Sanders Plumbing Company, Professional Plumbing Company in Knoxville, TN
City Water vs Well System: What’s Causing the Pressure Drop?
The difference between city water and well systems helps explain why Knoxville homes face pressure problems. Both systems deliver water differently to your faucets and fixtures.
City Water Pressure: 100 – 150 PSI at Main Line
City water supplies push water at very high pressure – between 100 and 150 PSI – through the main lines. This strong pressure will give water enough force to flow through the whole distribution network. This high pressure would damage your home’s plumbing system if it entered directly.
So, homes using city water need pressure reducing valves (PRVs) to bring this intense pressure down to a safe level. Your home’s plumbing works best between 40 and 80 PSI, with 50-60 PSI being just right for most houses.
Well System Pressure: 40 – 60 PSI via Pump and Tank
Well systems work differently from city water. They use pumps and pressure tanks to create and control water pressure. The pump pulls water from underground and sends it to a pressure tank that holds water under pressure – usually between 40 and 60 PSI.
Inside the pressure tank sits an air bladder that squeezes as water fills up. The pump stops once pressure hits the “cut-off” point (usually 60 PSI). Your water use makes the pressure drop until it reaches the “cut-in” pressure (around 40 PSI). The pump kicks back on at this point.
How Pressure Regulator Valves (PRVs) Work
PRVs act like mechanical gatekeepers. They automatically lower high incoming pressure to protect your home’s plumbing. These devices use a spring-loaded diaphragm that reacts to pressure changes. This keeps the output steady even when the city supply pressure changes.
Most PRVs come set to 50-60 PSI but you can adjust them using the screw on top. Turn it clockwise to increase pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it.
Common PRV Failures and Symptoms
A PRV usually lasts 10-15 years before you need to replace it. Watch for these signs of PRV problems:
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Fluctuating pressure: Water flow switches between strong and weak
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Steadily decreasing pressure: Water pressure drops slowly throughout your home
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Water hammer: Pipes make banging sounds when you turn fixtures off
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Excessive pressure: Faucets or pipe connections leak from too much pressure
Mineral buildup inside the valve can also stop it from working right. This might cause too little pressure reduction or complete pressure loss. PRVs usually fail in the open position. This means too much pressure often damages fixtures before you notice anything wrong.
How a Knoxville Plumber Can Fix Low Water Pressure
Professional plumbers have specialized tools and expertise to fix your low water pressure problems. DIY solutions might not help much, but a Knoxville plumber can restore proper flow throughout your home with several proven fixes.
Replacing a Faulty PRV on City Water
Your pressure regulating valve failure requires a plumber to shut off your main water supply and drain the system. The plumber will remove the old valve and install a new PRV that matches your home’s needs. This job usually takes 1-2 hours and costs $150-$350, parts and labor included. The valve’s adjustment to optimal pressure levels – usually 50-60 PSI – will give a quick improvement to your water flow.
Installing a Booster Pump for Well Systems
Homes with constant low pressure, particularly those on well systems, can benefit from a water pressure booster pump. These devices boost water flow throughout your home by adding mechanical pressure to your water supply. A professional installation requires:
- Mounting the pump near your main water line
- Installing proper electrical connections and control systems
- Adding pressure tanks to maintain consistent flow
A complete installation typically costs $800-$1,900, based on the system’s complexity.
Pipe Flushing or Replacement for Clogged Lines
Older homes often face restricted water flow due to mineral buildup and corrosion. Professional plumbers can help by:
- Hydrojetting to clear mineral deposits from inside pipes
- Selective pipe replacement in severely corroded sections
- Complete repiping with larger diameter pipes to improve flow
A plumber might also suggest water treatment systems that prevent future buildup, especially in areas with hard water.
Fixing Leaks That Drain Pressure
Hidden leaks substantially reduce water pressure by diverting water before it reaches your fixtures. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to find leaks hidden behind walls or underground and make precise repairs that restore proper pressure.
Can a Plumber Increase Water Pressure? Yes – Here’s How
Professional plumbers offer several other solutions:
- Pressure tank adjustments for well systems
- Water line upgrades to larger diameter pipes
- Removal of unnecessary flow restrictors
- Installation of constant pressure systems
Sanders Plumbing Company can help with your low water pressure problems. Their experienced technicians will find the root cause of your pressure problems and implement the best solution for your situation.
DIY Fixes Before You Call the Pros
You can try these simple DIY fixes before calling a professional plumber to solve low water pressure problems in your Knoxville home. These affordable solutions might save you money on a service call and improve your daily water usage right away.
Clean or Replace Shower Heads and Aerators
Mineral deposits often clog shower heads and faucet aerators and restrict water flow. Here’s how to clean them:
- Unscrew the shower head or faucet aerator
- Soak it overnight in equal parts white vinegar and water
- Gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove remaining deposits
- Rinse and reattach
Your aerators need cleaning every six months to keep proper flow and last longer. Hardware stores sell replacement aerators for under $5 if the clog won’t budge.
Adjust the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)
Look for your PRV – it looks like a bell-shaped device near your water meter. Here’s how to adjust it:
- Find the adjustment screw on top of the valve
- Use a wrench to loosen the locknut
- Turn the screw clockwise for more pressure or counterclockwise for less
- Make quarter-turn adjustments and check pressure each time
Small, gradual adjustments work better than big changes that could harm your plumbing system.
Flush Sediment from Pipes
Built-up sediment can reduce water flow by a lot. Try this simple flush first:
- Turn off your water heater
- Close the inlet valve and connect a garden hose to the drain
- Let cold water run through your hot water pipes for about 40 minutes
- This pushes water through hot water pipes and flushes sediment out through the water heater drain
Just remove any plugs and return to normal operation afterward.
Install a High-Pressure Shower Head
High-pressure shower heads work great even in homes with low pressure. These special fixtures:
- Push water through smaller openings to increase velocity
- Come with multiple spray patterns that work well with low pressure
- Take minutes to install without tools
You can get most high-pressure models for $30-40 and install them yourself.
How to Boost Home Low Water Pressure Safely
Take these steps before making changes:
- Check your current pressure with a gage (aim for 40-60 PSI)
- Keep pressure under 80 PSI to protect appliances and pipes
- Look for leaks in visible pipes that might lower pressure
- Make sure all shut-off valves are open
Note that the right water pressure keeps your plumbing system and appliances safe while giving you the performance you need throughout your home.
Enjoy Optimal Water Pressure in Your Knoxville Home
Low water pressure doesn’t have to be part of your daily life. Many Knoxville homes face water pressure problems that we can fix with the right approach. Your pressure gage might show readings below 40 PSI, or you might deal with weak showers and slow-filling appliances. Solutions exist for both city water and well systems.
Simple DIY fixes often provide quick relief. You can clean mineral-clogged aerators, adjust your pressure reducing valve, or install a high-pressure shower head to solve basic issues without spending much. In spite of that, ongoing problems usually point to deeper issues that need professional help.
Talk to Sanders Plumbing Company about your low water pressure issues today. Their expert technicians will find the root cause and create lasting solutions. They can replace faulty PRVs or install booster pumps that reshape your water flow. Without doubt, professional help ensures your system runs at the ideal 40-60 PSI range while protecting your plumbing infrastructure.
Your home will benefit from stronger showers, faster-filling appliances, and steady water pressure. This approach also protects your plumbing system from pressure-related stress. Don’t put up with weak water flow any longer – take action today. The difference in your morning shower will amaze you!
Meet the Founders: Vickie and James (Pete) Sanders
Vickie Sanders’s bright personality and leadership drive Sanders Plumbing Company’s success. She and her husband Pete (James W. Sanders) have built the company together over 35 years. People often call her “the neck that turns the head” of the business. She handles operations, marketing, payroll, and HR with skill. Knoxville’s community knows her for local networking, gardening, love of hippos, and amazing cooking skills. Her treats often make their way to the office. Vickie’s leadership style creates a warm, family-like atmosphere at the company.
James W. “Pete” Sanders started his plumbing journey as a child working with his father. He went to trade school during high school and worked at a local plumbing company until 1984. He launched Sanders Plumbing in 1989 and became one of Knoxville’s youngest plumbers to earn a Master’s license. The company grew into a respected local institution under his guidance, known for expertise and integrity. Pete serves on the Executive Advisory Board of Success Group International and maintains high industry standards. He and Vickie have two children and strong ties to the Knoxville community.
Location
Sanders Plumbing Company serves homeowners throughout Knox County from their Knoxville, Tennessee base. Their customer care and plumbing services reach homes across the local community.
Pro Tip: Schedule routine plumbing inspections at least once a year. Preventative maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also helps catch small issues before they turn into costly emergencies.
Why Trust Sanders Plumbing Company
Homeowners across Knoxville trust Sanders Plumbing Company because of our unwavering commitment to quality, honesty, and customer satisfaction. With over 35 years of experience serving the local community, our team delivers fast, reliable service-whether it’s a simple repair or a major installation. Customers consistently praise our professionalism, clear communication, and attention to detail, noting that we treat every home with care and respect. We offer upfront pricing, stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee, and are always ready to help-day or night-so you can feel confident you’re getting the best service at a fair price.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Water Pressure
How much does it typically cost to fix low water pressure?
The cost to fix low water pressure can vary widely depending on the cause and solution. Simple fixes like cleaning aerators or adjusting a pressure reducing valve may cost little to nothing. Professional repairs such as replacing a faulty PRV typically range from $400-$6000, while installing a water pressure booster pump can cost between $800-$1,900.
Can a plumber effectively increase water pressure in my home?
Yes, a plumber can definitely increase water pressure in your home. They have several methods at their disposal, including replacing faulty pressure regulating valves, installing booster pumps, clearing clogged pipes, fixing leaks, and making adjustments to well system pressure tanks. A professional plumber can diagnose the root cause and implement the most effective solution for your specific situation.
What are some signs that I have a water pressure problem?
Common signs of low water pressure include weak showers, slow-filling appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, reduced water flow from faucets, and inconsistent water temperatures. If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth checking your water pressure with a gage or consulting a plumber.
Are there any DIY solutions I can try before calling a plumber?
Yes, there are several DIY fixes you can attempt. These include cleaning or replacing shower heads and faucet aerators, adjusting the pressure reducing valve if you have one, flushing sediment from pipes, and installing a high-pressure shower head. However, if these solutions don’t work, it’s best to consult a professional.
What's the difference between city water and well system pressure issues?
City water systems typically deliver water at high pressure (100-150 PSI) which is then reduced for home use, while well systems rely on pumps and pressure tanks to maintain pressure between 40-60 PSI. City water pressure problems often stem from issues with pressure reducing valves, while well system issues may require pump adjustments or replacements. A plumber can diagnose and address issues specific to each type of system.
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