| How to Increase Shower Water Pressure Posted: 13 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT If your shower gives you a trickle of water that doesn't rinse off the soap on your body, you may be dealing with low water pressure. It's a frustrating problem, but it's one that is often easy to fix. The water pressure you receive depends on a couple of factors, including your home's location and plumbing. Check your showerhead and home plumbing first. If the pressure is continually low, you may need to contact your utility provider or even install a pressure booster. No matter the problem, you will soon be able to enjoy a relaxing shower once again. [Edit]Cleaning and Changing a Showerhead - Unscrew the showerhead from the water line. Twist the showerhead counterclockwise by hand to see if it pops off. If that doesn't work, wrap a towel around the shower arm near where it emerges from the wall. Hold the shower arm in place by clamping slip-joint pliers over the towel. Then, use a wrench to turn the base of the showerhead counterclockwise until it comes off the shower arm.[1]
- The towel prevents the pliers from scraping the finish off the shower arm, so always put it in place before attempting to remove the showerhead.
- Detach the screen filter from the inside of the showerhead. Refer to your owner's manual to pinpoint the exact location of the filter in your specific showerhead. It is usually right where the showerhead attaches to the water pipe on the wall. Look inside the showerhead for a rubber ring that you can pull out with tweezers or a screwdriver. Also, look for a mesh screen underneath it that can be removed the same way.[2]
- Not all showerheads have these filters. Pretty much all modern ones have at least the rubber ring, which limits the water flow.
- Scrub the filter with a toothbrush while rinsing it in clean water. Move the rubber and mesh filter components to the sink and rinse them off under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Scrub away any debris you notice, then rinse them clean again. These parts are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid damaging them.[3]
- After you're done scrubbing, you can reinstall the showerhead and test it. Sometimes that is enough to get it working again. However, check the rest of the showerhead for buildup first so you don't have to take it down again later.
- Submerge the showerhead in vinegar for 8 hours. Fill a big bowl or a plastic bag, keeping the showerhead covered. The vinegar will begin dissolving any mineral buildup around the nozzles and inside the water line. For the best result, let the showerhead soak overnight.[4]
- Vinegar is a weak acid, so it's perfect for softening the buildup. Don't use anything stronger than that. Other cleaners could corrode your showerhead.
- Scrub the shower nozzle clean with a toothbrush or a toothpick. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any remaining buildup on the outside edges of the showerhead, then check the nozzle holes. Look for limescale, usually white or green, blocking the holes. Poke a toothpick, needle, or another thin, sharp object into each nozzle. If you clean the holes right after soaking the nozzle in acid, the buildup will be soft enough to scrape away.[5]
- Buildup is common and unavoidable, so set aside time to clean the showerhead about every 3 months. If you know you have hard water, which is water containing a high amount of minerals, you may need to clean it more frequently.
- Remove the flow regulator if cleaning didn't improve the water pressure. Detach the showerhead from the wall, then look inside it. Pull the rubber gasket and mesh filter screen out if you see them in there. Look for a plastic disk with a hole in it. Use tweezers or a paper clip to pull it out, then put the filter screen and gasket back in to reassemble the showerhead.[6]
- Pretty much all modern showerheads have flow regulators in order to reduce water usage. If you live in an area that normally has low water pressure,the regulator turns the water flow into little more than a trickle.
- Another option is to drill into the regulator to widen its opening. The wider opening lets more water through, increasing the pressure.
- Upgrade to a new showerhead with better water flow. You may have bought a low-flow showerhead by mistake. Replace it with a smaller showerhead featuring fewer or smaller nozzle holes. Older showerheads often don't have flow regulators in them, so if you have one, it could also fix the problem.[7]
- Many newer showerheads are regulated to restrict water usage. In the U.S., for instance, manufacturers have to include a flow regulator. If you don't want that, you will need to either remove the regulator or track down an old showerhead.
[Edit]Fixing Problems on the Water Line - Look for kinks in the water line leading to the shower. Many homes have flexible lines running from the valve in the wall to the showerhead. If your shower has a flexible line instead of stiff pipes, you can see it by removing the showerhead and faucet. Pull it forward to straighten out any bends in it. The water heater in your home may also have a braided line, so check there as well.[8]
- Problems with the plumbing are easier to deal with when the supply lines are first installed. If you suspect that something is wrong with the line, you may need to have someone open the wall to take a look at it.
- Search your home for any water spots from leaking pipes. Starting from the shower, walk back to where the water utility line enters your home. The plumbing is difficult to trace once it passes into the walls, so look for dripping water, puddles, or water stains. If you have exposed pipes in your home, such as in the basement, inspect them for signs of damage. Call a plumber or repair leaks to improve the water pressure.[9]
- While you're waiting for a plumber, you can stop the leak by turning off your home's water supply or by covering it with epoxy putty. Leaks are dangerous, so get them fixed as soon as possible.
- If you're unsure whether or not you have a leak, locate the water meter. It will be either where the utility line enters your home or in a separate box. Turn off your home's water valve for a few hours to see if the meter continues to rise.
- Open the main shut-off valve if it has been closed. The main valve to your home is typically in your basement or outside the wall where the water line enters your home. The valve will have a brightly-colored wheel or a lever you need to turn to open it. Turn the handle clockwise to open the valve if it has a wheel. If yours has a lever, lower it so it's perpendicular to the valve.[10]
- Contractors sometimes shut off the valve and forget to open it back up all the way. If you have had construction or repair work done near your home recently, check the valve.
- Shut off the pressure-reducing valve if your home has one. Check for a valve along the main water line in your basement. It is a triangular cap with a screw on it. Turn the screw clockwise a couple of times using a wrench if you can't do it by hand. Then, test out the water flow in your shower to see how much the pressure has increased.[11]
- Pressure-reducing valves wear out over time. If yours looks old, shut off the water supply and use a wrench to twist off the connectors on its ends.
- Open the water heater shut-off valve if you can't get hot water. If you are able to get a good stream of cold water but not hot water, your water heater is to blame. Locate it in the bottom level of your home. It will have a control valve similar to the one on the main water line. Turn it counterclockwise to open it, then test your shower.[12]
- If the valve is open, flushing your water heater could fix it. Otherwise, call a plumber to take a look at it.
- Flush the hot water tank to clear out debris. If you haven't cleared out the hot water tank recently, debris could be blocking the pipes. Deactivate power to the heater, then run a garden hose from the heater's drain to your yard. Turn on all the hot water faucets in your home, letting the water run until it comes out of the hose completely clear.[13]
- If this doesn't work, call a plumber to take a look at your water heater. It may have a more serious problem.
- Water heaters need to be flushed at least once every 3 years to keep them in working order.
[Edit]Improving Continual Low Pressure - Test your home's water pressure using a pressure gauge. Purchase a gauge, then find the outlet closest to where the main water line enters your home. It will usually be an outside spigot, although it may also be an inside outlet attached to a device like a washing machine. Twist the gauge onto the outlet, then turn on the water to get a reading. If the water pressure isn't between 45 and 55 psi, then you know the problem isn't inside your home.[14]
- In order to complete the test, shut off anything in your home that uses water. That includes ice machines, running toilets, and refrigerators. Deactivate their water supply or turn off the appliances.
- Most hardware stores sell pressure gauge testing kits. You can also get them online.
- Call your utility provider if the water pressure is lower than normal. If a pressure gauge shows that the water entering your home is low pressure, see if someone else can fix it. Contact your local government's water department or your service provider. They may be able to solve the problem by replacing old utility pipes, fixing leaks, or taking other steps to improve their service. It depends on your area and where your home is located.[15]
- For a better idea of what is to blame, ask your neighbors if they are also experiencing low water pressure. If they are also having problems, then it's the city's fault.
- Your municipal provider may decide not to address the problem. In that case, your only option is to install a pressure booster.
- Install a pressure booster to deal with low-pressure city water. A pressure booster is a tank that connects to your water main near where it enters your house. You will need to use a pipe cutter to remove a section of the water line. Then, connect the line to the pressure booster by welding new pipes together. Finish by contacting an electrician as needed to wire the booster into your home's circuit breaker.[16]
- Pressure boosters can burst weak or clogged pipes. Watch the meter on the booster and adjust it to keep the pressure between 45 and 55 psi.
- Call a plumber if you need help installing a pressure booster. They can also make sure your home's water system is capable of handling the increased water pressure.
- Take showers during the off hours if all else fails. Do what you can to fix potential problems in your home, then try using the shower again. If you're sure your home receives water at the right pressure, then you may need to adjust your schedule a little bit. Water pressure decreases as more people tap into the utility line. Take showers when fewer people are using the water supply in order to avoid the problem.[17]
- You may still experience low water pressure at times even after fixing problems. It is normal in many areas.
- For example, don't expect to get good water pressure when you have a washing machine and sink running. Also, expect lower pressure in the morning and evening, since those are common times for other households to use lots of water.
- If you're unsure where the problem is or need to perform maintenance on your water system, call a plumber. They can help you make repairs without the risk of damage to your home.
- The water pressure you can expect in your home changes depending on where you live. The water pressure is better for people who live in lower areas close to water facilities.
- If you live in the countryside, well water is a better option than utility lines. The water pump in the well can cause low pressure when it breaks down.
- If your showerhead leaks, wrap Teflon tape around the end of the shower arm before attaching the showerhead to it.
[Edit]Warnings - Increasing the water pressure can cause a lot of problems for your home water system. Too much pressure leads to burst pipes, so work at your own risk and have a plumber oversee pressure booster installs.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning and Changing a Showerhead - Towel
- Slip-joint pliers
- Wrench
- Bowl or bag
- Vinegar
- Old toothbrush or toothpick
[Edit]Fixing Problems on the Water Line - New pipes
- Epoxy putty
- Braided water hoses
[Edit]Improving Continual Low Pressure - Garden hose
- Water pressure gauge
- Pressure booster
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Tea Bags Posted: 13 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT Whether you've bought some tea leaves or want to experiment creating your own tea blends, loose tea can be difficult to enjoy without a tea bag. Luckily, there are several ways to quickly craft your own tea bags. Folding a tea bag from a coffee filter or fabric or sewing your own reusable cloth tea bag are easy ways to enjoy a warm cup of tea in just a few minutes. [Edit]Folding Coffee Filters - Flatten the coffee filter and cut off two sides. The goal is to make the circle into more of a rectangular shape, with two flat sides facing each other and two curved sides facing each other. This will make it easier to fold into the correct shape. [1]
- Use a disposable, paper coffee filter. It should be about across before flattening.
- Place your tea inside the filter. Scoop about 1 tablespoon, or of tea leaves onto the center of the flat filter. Check if there is a recommended serving size with store-bought tea leaves. Sometimes this is more or less than 1 tablespoon.[2]
- Adjust the amount of tea leaves you use to your own tastes. This can take some trial and error.
- Fold the filter in half so that the two flat edges touch. This will make a pocket with three open edges. The tea leaves should be inside, in the middle.[3]
- Roll the edges of long, open side towards the tea leaves. This will close one side of the pocket. You can use a few small () folds to hold the tea leaves securely, or a rolling motion.[4]
- Recenter the seam and fold the package in half. Rather than at the top of the package, the long, folded edge should be in the center. Think of the package as a cylinder that you roll towards yourself. Fold it in half so that the two short ends are touching.[5]
- If the bag looks too long at this point, cut off about from the open edges.
- Fold in the top two corners and staple them to twine. Fold the two corners of the open edge down, so that the top of the tea bag is shaped like an arrow. Place a piece of twine in the center of the folds and staple the bag closed.[6]
- You can buy baker's twine in most grocery stores.
- You can staple a decorated piece of paper to the other end of the twine to create a personalized design.
[Edit]Folding and Twisting Cheesecloth - Cut a square of cheesecloth that is about . This will give you enough space for about one spoonful of tea leaves. If the tea leaf mixture is very fine, layer two pieces of cheesecloth on top of each other.[7]
- You can usually buy cheesecloth in both grocery stores and fabric stores.
- Scoop your tea leaves onto the center of the cheesecloth. Most of the time, 1 tablespoon, or is about right, but check if there is a recommended serving size with store-bought tea leaves. For homemade blends, figuring out the right amount to use can take some trial and error.[8]
- Gather the four corners of the cheesecloth and twist them closed. Take each of the the four corners into one hand, with the tea leaves inside. Hold the part of the cheesecloth with the tea leaves in the other hand and twist a couple of times.[9]
- Tie baker's twine around the twist to hold it in place. Tie a tight knot to make sure the cheesecloth won't open up and spill the tea leaves. For extra security, you can staple the twine to the cheesecloth.[10]
- Baker's twine can usually be found at grocery stores and supermarkets. If you can't find any, unflavored dental floss is a safe alternative.
[Edit]Sewing a Muslin Tea Bag - Cut a piece of unbleached muslin that is . Muslin is an inexpensive fabric that you can buy at any fabric store. Making sure the fabric is not dyed or bleached means that none of the chemicals used in those processes will make it into your tea.[11]
- Fold the fabric down on one of the long sides. This will become the casing for a drawstring. You may want to experiment with with the size of the casing depending on the thickness of the string you are using.[12]
- Stitch a casing for the drawstring. Place a piece of string along one of the long sides of the fabric, around from the edge of the fabric. Fold of fabric over the string. Stitch the edge of the fabric down to create a tunnel. [13]
- Be careful not to sew over the string.
- Fold the fabric in half and sew the 2 open edges. Fold the fabric so that the two short sides touch each other, with the drawstring at the top. Sew 2 seams, from the edges of the fabric.[14]
- Turn the bag inside out. The seams will end up inside the bag. At this point, you should be able to tug on both ends of the string to close the bag. [15]
- You can tie something heavy, like a bead, to the end of the string to add some weight, or you can staple a small square of paper to the end to make it look like a store-bought tea bag.
- Scoop some tea leaves into the bag and tug the drawstring closed. The tea bag is ready to use! The drawstring makes this tea bag reusable. Simply turn it inside out again to rinse out tea leaves and enjoy a fresh cup.
- There are many kinds of cheesecloth. The main difference is how loosely the threads are woven. In most cases, a low grade, cheaper cheesecloth will work just as well as a higher grade cheesecloth for tea leaves.[16]
- Unbleached muslin can be used as a substitute for cheesecloth.[17]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Coffee filter, unbleached muslin, or cheesecloth
- Baker's twine (substitute: dental floss)
- Staples
- Sewing machine and thread
[Edit]References |
| How to Use a Hot Tub or Spa Safely Posted: 13 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT Spending time in a hot tub or spa is very fun and can also release stress and relax your muscles. However, it is important to follow safety procedures in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases, maintain appropriate body temperature, and prevent injury. If you own your own hot tub, you'll need to take the right precautions to keep you and your guests safe and happy. If you're using a public hot tub, follow basic safety procedures so that you can relax and have fun with your friends. [Edit]Maintaining Your Own Hot Tub for Safety - Maintain a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 with pH increaser or decreaser. When you own a hot tub, it's important to maintain proper levels of pH in order to reduce eye and skin irritants caused by the disinfectants in the water. pH is a scale that tells you how alkaline or acidic a substance is. Pure water has a pH of 7, and a spa or hot tub should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If your water's pH is too high or too low, purchase pH increaser or decreaser at your local home improvement store to change the levels accordingly.[1]
- You can use hot tub test strips to test the pH of the water. To use a strip, submerge it in the water for about 15 seconds. The strip will change color according to your water's pH, and you can match that color to the label to identify it.
- Test your calcium levels to protect the water from impurities. If your calcium levels are too high, you'll notice cloudy water and scaling on the sides of the tub. On the other hand, if the calcium levels are too low, the water can cause erosion and damage to the tub. You can use water hardness test strips to check the calcium levels, then take action to make the necessary adjustments.[2]
- It is recommended that calcium levels remain between 175 and 275 ppm (parts per million). But keep in mind that the ideal calcium hardness depends on the type of hot tub you own. Make sure to check with your hot tub's manufacturer for this information.
- Add calcium booster if calcium levels are low. If calcium levels are too high, drain water from the hot tub and add low calcium water to balance it out.
- Add chlorine or bromine to sanitize the water and prevent the spread of germs. You can choose either bromine or chlorine to keep your hot tub clean. Both of these chemicals come in either powder or tablet form. Bromine levels should stay between 3-5ppm, depending on whether you use tablets or powder. Chlorine levels should always stay between 2 and 5 ppm. Check the levels of these chemicals using test strips, and then make adjustments accordingly.[3]
- Bromine and chlorine in tablets are added to a dispenser that floats around the pool and gradually dissolves in the water. These chemicals in powder form are measured and poured directly into the water.
- Whether you use chlorine or bromine is up to you. Some people prefer bromine because it doesn't have that chlorine bleach smell. However, it will break down from sun exposure, so it should only be used in spas that are not in direct sunlight. Some advantages to chlorine are that it is cost effective, easy to manage in the water, and it's very aggressive when killing bacteria.
- Clean your hot tub on a monthly basis. It is important to keep your hot tub clean in order to remove any impurities and buildup. To give it a proper cleaning, you'll first need to completely drain the hot tub. Then, using the manufacturer's recommended hot tub cleaner, wipe down the entire surface. Make sure to clean the filters thoroughly by spraying them with water and soaking them in an oil-cutting solution.[4]
- Clean your hot tub cover when you clean the rest of the hot tub because it is constantly exposed to dirt and other germs.
- Keep surfaces around the hot tub clean. When you have a group of people using a hot tub, users will be constantly getting in and out and walking around. Make sure the areas around your hot tub are clear of debris. If there is a lot of dirt and grime near the hot tub, someone may step in it and get it into the dub, dirtying up the water.[5]
- Keep a broom nearby to sweep any dirt, leaves, or other loose items from around your hot tub.
- Maintain an appropriate temperature during use. The maximum temperature in a hot tub depends on a few different factors. The ideal hot tub temperature for adults is . For children at least 10 years of age, the temperature should not be above . As a general rule, a hot tub should never be hotter than . Most hot tubs have thermostats that read the water temperature, but they may be inaccurate by as much as 4 degrees. It's better to check the water temperature using a thermometer.[6]
- Pregnant woman should not be in a hot tub over , and should only stay in for 10 minutes at a time.
- Check the hot tub water and equipment regularly. Regular hot tub maintenance is important for both safety and to keep in good working condition. You should have your spa checked by a professional on a quarterly basis. They have access to advanced testing equipment and can perform tune-ups to evaluate any hardware or wiring issues.[7]
- Keep in mind that if you're about to enter a hot tub, you should be able to listen and hear the pumps and filtration systems running. This is a good sign that the hot tub is working effectively.
- Always keep the hot tub locked and covered when you're not using it. Keeping the cover on will save energy and prevent animals and young children from falling in. Plus, it will keep dirt and debris out. Consider using a locking cover to prevent children and unwanted guests from using it when you are not around.[8]
[Edit]Following Basic Hot Tub Safety Procedures - Shower or bathe with soap before entering the hot tub. Having a good wash before getting in a hot tub will get rid of perspiration and common skin bacteria. When you wash, make sure to remove lotion, deodorants, and creams that can reduce the effectiveness of the hot tub disinfectant and filter efficiency.[9]
- Limit the time you spend in the hot tub. Sitting in a hot tub for too long can make users nauseous, lightheaded, faint, or dizzy. To prevent these symptoms, you should spend no more than 15-20 minutes in a hot tub at a time. If you'd like more time in the water, get out after 15 minutes, and then return after cooling down for a few minutes. You can also lower the temperature to normal body temperature () to stay in for a little while longer.[10]
- Pregnant women should spend no more than 10 minutes in a hot tub at a time. If you're pregnant and you feel uncomfortable at all during your soak, you should get out immediately. It is also important to sit with your arms and chest above the water at all times in order to keep yourself from getting too warm.
- Children should also limit their time in a hot tub to no more than 10 minutes.
- Avoid drug and alcohol use in the hot tub. Drinking alcohol increases your body temperature, which can lead to overheating when combined with the warm water from the hot tub. Drinking alcohol can cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and like drug use, can impair your judgment and increase the risk of downing due to loss of consciousness.[11]
- Accompany children in the hot tub and prohibit use under 10 years old. Children under the age of 10 should be nowhere near a hot tub. The hot water is dangerous because their small bodies have trouble with temperature regulation. Children age 10 and older should be watched carefully by an adult, especially near suction vents. If available, use raised seats to make sure their heads stay above the water at all times.[12]
- When children are in the hot tub, keep the temperature under .
- Keep your head above the water. Hot tubs are equipped with powerful suctions that keep the water warm and bubbly. If your head goes under the water near these vents, your hair can get caught and become tangled. If your hair is long, put it up in a ponytail or bun to avoid getting it caught in the filter or drain.[13]
- Avoid using electrical devices in or near the hot tub. This includes phones, radios, TV, or any other corded device. If you have to use an electrical device, use one that's battery-powered, and keep it on a table far away from the water. You should also make sure there aren't any electrical outlets near the hot tub, since corded devices and outlets are an electrocution hazard if they get wet.[14]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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