by Marty Alan McGill

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

If you're like me, when it comes to taking a shower, you want all the water pressure you can get. A lot of people settle for less pressure than they have to, it's available, they just don't know it. Most houses built in the last 25 to 30 years have a Pressure Reducing Valve on the supply line coming into the house. That valve is adjustable, and it's a simple process, assuming you have some mechanical abilities. The first thing to do is locate the valve.

It could be in the box with the water meter, in the basement if you have one, or in the crawlspace under your house. It's a brass valve with a bell shaped middle section with a screw in the end of the bell. That screw is your adjuster, and it should have a locknut on it. Start by loosening the locknut all the way. A pressure reducer works backwards to what you would think it should. To increase your water pressure you tighten the screw down by turning it clockwise. To decrease the pressure you turn it counter-clockwise.

Do this in small increments, testing your pressure after each adjustment. Too much pressure can cause faucets to leak and toilets to run all the time. So don't get greedy, some municipalities have enough water pressure to wreck all of your plumbing.

If you find that adjusting the valve didn't help, you may have a bad valve, or your water supply just doesn't have the available pressure. If it ain't there, you can't adjust it. To check this, go to your neighbors and see what kind of pressure they have. If they have plenty, you may need a new valve. If you are not fairly mechanical, this may be the time to call a plumber.

Another thing it could be is a stopped up water supply. If you have an older house with galvanized pipes, this could be your problem. If it is, go to the bank and take out a loan, you will need it to pay the plumber. Sorry, but there ain't no easy fix on this problem. The galvanized will have to be replaced with plastic, copper, or Pex piping.

Hopefully a five minute adjustment is all it will take to get your water pressure up to an acceptable level, and have you singing in the shower.

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