How to Increase Water Pressure in a Washing Machine?

When you get a washing machine, it is because you want to do your laundry with more ease, efficiency, and speed. 

It is only normal for you to become frustrated by your washer when it starts taking too long to fill up. 

 Newer models of washing machines perform poorly when the water pressure is low. This is because the technology that they come with won’t run on low water pressure.

 Low water pressure may cause your machine to detect a problem and shut itself down.

What causes low water in your water?

 There are a number of things that can affect your machine’s water pressure, causing it to take too much time to fill. They include:

Water running somewhere else:

When water is running elsewhere or there is another appliance drawing water in your home, it could affect the water pressure in your washing machine.

Ensure that taps, showerheads, and other faucets in your home are closed when filling your washing machine.

 If you turn off all faucets and you still get low water pressure in your washer, then it’s time to look elsewhere.

The water inlet valve is clogged or faulty:

An issue in your water inlet valve will affect the flow of water into your washing machine. Your washing machine has two water inlet valves, one for hot water while the other is for cold water.

Each inlet valve contains a filter screen. The function of the filter screen is to prevent the passage of debris into your washing machine.

With time, the filter gets clogged up with dirt and it hinders the smooth flow of water into the unit. This problem can be easily fixed by brushing off the accumulated dirt.

 Another problem your inlet valve can develop is a solenoid problem. Depending on your settings, the solenoid controls the opening and closing of the ports by sending electrical signals to them.

A solenoid problem will lead to zero flow of water into the unit. Once a solenoid goes bad, you’ll have to change the whole valve.

The water line is clogged:

While there’s a minimal chance of the occurrence of this event, it is not impossible.

Debris and mineral deposits can build up in your water line, blocking the free flow of water around your home.

There’s a damaged water pipe or hose: 

A broken water pipe, hose or an improper connection can affect the water pressure in your washing machine.

When too much water is wasting away along the supply line, the flow will reach your washing machine at a slower pace than it is meant to.

Also, a kinked supply pipe or hose will disrupt the flow of water into your washing machine.

 We have gathered all the necessary information to ensure we create a sufficient guide for increasing the water pressure in your home.

Talk to your neighbors:

Before you go about your screwing and unscrewing things in your home, you should ask your neighbors to see if they are having a similar problem.

If they have the same issue, then there is an issue with the municipal water supply and there’s little you’ll be able to do about it asides reporting it to your local provider.

The municipal water system can develop just about the same problems as your home’s water system.

Check the water pressure:

First, you should ensure all faucets and appliances connected to the water system in your home are shut.

Once this is done, you can proceed to testing the pressure of the water supply in your home with the aid of a test gauge.

Testing the water pressure with a test gauge is quite easy, you only have to screw it to a hose faucet and turn the water on.

While, between 20 to 120 psi is what is needed, experts say the best reading is around 60 psi.

Check for clogs:

If after the first couple of steps, you discover that the problem isn’t from the outside your home, it’s time to inspect your water pipes and hoses.

The various water pipes and hoses can accumulate hard water over time, creating a clog that will restrict the flow of water through them.

When this happens, very little water will flow out of such a pipe or hose. 

 The best solution is always to replace the clogged pipes or hoses but if you discover that the clog is located at the endpoint of the system, you can dissolve it by soaking it in vinegar for some time.

Check the main water valve:

The main water valve has control over all water pipes in your home.

It should be located next to your water meter. Any partial closing of this valve will affect the flow of water in your home.

Check the main water valve and ensure that it is completely open.

Check for leakages:

Leakages occur when pipes become damaged or aren’t tightly connected.

If you can’t find the source of the leakage, there’s a simple trick you can use. Turn off all faucets, appliances connected to the water system and your home’s water valve.

Then, document the reading on your water meter. If you return after some time and the reading has increased, you can be sure there’s a leak somewhere.

 This isn’t simple and you’ll need the services of a professional plumber.

Check the regulator:

To control the flow of water into your home, there’s a regulator installed.

When this regulator becomes faulty, the pressure of the water supply to your home becomes irregular.

To solve this problem properly, it is advisable to call the plumber.

Get a water pressure booster pump:

If you’ve gotten to this stage and you still have low water pressure, do not worry.

A booster is what you need, especially if your neighbors are facing the same problem with the water supply.

Naturally, the water supply pressure is usually higher in homes closer to the supply point than in homes farther away. You can buy a booster anywhere but you should have a professional fix it for you.

 If after taking these steps, your washer still takes too long to fill, you should consider changing it. 

Regular maintenance of the washing machine will help you detect the issues on early-stage itself, it will save your time and money and allow the machine to function properly for a longer period.