Recommendations for Plumber to increase water pressure in House?

[earlyretirement]

I got a great recommendation before on a vendor to install hardwood flooring from one of the members on this forum. Thanks!

I thought I’d reach out to all you guys/gals and see if any of you have installed a pump to increase shower pressure in your house?

The showers work fine in our house but my wife and I both prefer REALLY strong water pressure in the showers and we just have normal water pressure.

In condos that we have lived in, we’ve installed pumps that drastically increased the water pressure. But I’ve never done it in a bigger house.

Have any of you done this and do you have anyone to recommend that you used? Thanks in advance.

[mike92104]

I would check the shower head first to see if there is a water saver disk in it. That could be your problem.

[earlyretirement]

Yes, we already checked and there isn’t one. Plus we will most likely go ahead and change out the shower head for a different style.

We really prefer something super strong pressure.

[Hobie]

In CA all fixtures are 1.5 gal/min flow. You can drill out the pipe mounting side of the shower head for a little more flow but the mixing valve is not designed to flow much water either. Unless you have the old school single valve for hot and cold. Another place to check in the pressure regulator. It is on the outside cold supply usually next to the main gate valve. You can measure the pressure at an outside faucet, then try turning the nut to increase pressure. Most houses reduce the pressure to the inside as high pressure puts extra strain on the little electric solenoids to your ice maker, dish washer, etc. As noted, a booster pump will definitely achieve your goal. Sounds like a fun shower;)

[earlyretirement]

Thanks Hobie for those suggestions. Yeah, it sounds like a booster pump will do the trick. It’s just it’s not been so easy to find someone that seems interested in that.

I’ve had great luck with AngiesList.com for various vendors but the ones I emailed/called about installing a Booster Pump don’t seem too thrilled for some reason?

[ucodegen]

One of the items you have to worry about when changing the pressure regulator that is on the line into the house, is the effect on the water heater. The max most storage waterheaters run at is 65psi.. I have also seen lower: http://www.atlantisplumbing.com/water-pressure-regulators.php
Dialing up the pressure through a pump may be problematic.. and could be why plumbers don’t want to touch it.

Get a semi-cheapo water pressure gauge from Home Depot.. and see what your water pressure is.. Make sure you check after the pressure regulator.

[earlyretirement]

Just an update. I ended up installing a new specialized shower head and it totally solved the problem. It was a VERY expensive Hans Grohe model but it’s hands down the best shower I’ve ever had. I’d highly recommend Plumbing Plus out of Poway. They did a great job!

[equalizer]

Which Hans Grohe model did you get? Is it made especially for low water pressure. Our house has varying pressure upstairs at the bathup spout, so sometimes showerhead get full pressure and other times low pressure.

[moneymaker]

equalizer you may want to get a sandwich bag, fill it with vinegar and place it on your shower head (where it is) rubber band or tape it there over night or for 24 hours. Then see if your flow is better.

[spdrun]

Also, if you haven’t already, unscrew the shower heads and check for restrictors.

[equalizer]

Thanks for the suggestions but the problem is water pressure at the spout is varying so the supply line from garage may be too small or some other reason pressure is varying even if no other faucet is on. Doesn’t make sense but could it be if sprinklers and showers are all going on the block less pressure to go upstairs bath tub? Simple work around is great showerhead that works well with low pressure. My uncles place in North Carolina has high pressure in bath tub with big showerhead almost as good as gym showers that drench you in 5 seconds.

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