How to Increase Water Pressure on an Outside Faucet: Tips and Techniques

Ensuring adequate water pressure at your outdoor faucet is crucial, especially for tasks like watering plants, washing vehicles, or engaging in outdoor cleaning. Here are some effective methods to increase water pressure and improve your outdoor water usage experience.

Common Methods to Increase Water Pressure

1. Check for Blockages

Inspect the faucet and hose for any blockages. Remove the hose and check the faucet aerator for debris.

Inspect Hoses and Connections

Ensure that the hoses are not kinked or damaged. Replace any damaged hoses and make sure all connections are tight.

Adjust the Pressure Regulator

If your home has a pressure regulator, adjust it to increase the water pressure. This is typically found near the main water shut-off valve.

Clean or Replace the Faucet

If the faucet is old or corroded, it may be time to clean or replace it. Mineral buildup can restrict water flow.

Install a Booster Pump

For consistently low water pressure, consider installing a booster pump specifically designed for outdoor faucets. This can significantly boost the water pressure at your outdoor hose bib.

Check the Water Supply

Ensure there are no issues with the municipal water supply or any leaks in the plumbing system that could affect pressure.

Use a Larger Diameter Hose

When using a hose, opt for a larger diameter to reduce friction and improve flow. A wider hose can hold more water and deliver it more efficiently.

Limit the Number of Attachments

Reduce the number of attachments on your hose. Each additional hose or tool reduces the overall water pressure.

Optimizing Water Pressure for Different Conditions

If you need higher pressure when the water is flowing, consider the following:

Straighten out the pipe feeding the water. Each bend in the pipe slows down the water, reducing pressure at the end. Feed it with a bigger pipe. Narrow pipes slow water flow and reduce pressure at the end.

If you need higher pressure when the water is not flowing or when there is negligible flow (e.g., when your nozzle is squeezed), consider:

Lower the spigot. Moving the use point lower can increase pressure. However, if you lower the spigot and then attach a hose to bring the water back up to the previous use point, you gain no additional pressure.

For those on city water, these are often the limits of what you can do. If you have your own pump, you can raise the pump again if your source and use points allow it. Alternatively, you can buy a higher pressure pump.

Investigating Pump Head Pressure

To learn more about pump head pressure, explore resources available online or consult a professional plumber. Understanding these concepts can help you make informed decisions about your water system and improve its performance.

By following these steps, you should be able to improve the water pressure at your outdoor faucet. If problems persist, consulting a plumber may be necessary.