Water pressure is what pushes water through pipes to your taps, shower, or kitchen sink. If the pressure is low, it can make your daily routine frustrating — especially during bathing, washing clothes, or using appliances like geysers and washing machines.

In most homes, the water supply comes from an overhead tank. If you’re wondering how to increase water pressure from overhead tank, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue, but the good news is — it can be fixed.

What is Water Pressure from Overhead Tank?

Water pressure from overhead tank depends mainly on two things:

Height of the tank above the tap or outlet
Diameter and type of pipes used

The higher the tank is placed, the more gravity helps in creating pressure. This pressure is known as head pressure.

For example:

A tank placed 10 meters above ground level can give about 1 bar of pressure, which is usually enough for daily home use.

Why You May Have Low Water Pressure

Here are a few reasons why water pressure from overhead tank might be low:

Tank is not high enough
Clogged or old pipes
Airlocks in pipes
Narrow pipe diameter
Leaks in plumbing
Debris inside the tank

If your tank is dirty, it may also cause blockages. A simple solution here is regular Overhead Water Tank Cleaning.

How to Increase Water Pressure from Overhead Tank

Let’s look at easy and effective methods to increase pressure from an overhead tank.

1. Raise the Tank Height

This is the most natural method. When you raise the tank higher, gravity increases the pressure.

✅ Tip:

For every 10 feet (or 3 meters) height, you get around 0.3 bar of pressure.

If you want to increase water pressure from overhead tank, try adding a steel or RCC structure to lift the tank.

2. Use a Booster Pump

A booster pump helps push water with force. It’s ideal if your tank can’t be raised.

Where to use:

Geysers
Showers
Washing machines

Just connect the booster pump to your plumbing line. It will increase water pressure from overhead tank instantly.

3. Check for Clogs and Airlocks

Sometimes, the issue is not with the tank but with the pipelines.

Open all taps for a few minutes to release airlocks.
If water flow is still low, consider pipe cleaning or replacing old pipes.

Also, remember to clean water tanks regularly to avoid sludge and bacteria build-up.

4. Change to Wider Pipes

Narrow pipes restrict flow. Replacing old half-inch pipes with three-quarter or one-inch pipes can boost pressure.

A larger diameter allows more water to flow freely, which helps increase water pressure from overhead tank.

5. Install Pressure Regulators

A pressure regulator balances water pressure. You can install it in your plumbing to keep pressure stable, especially if you use a booster pump.

6. Use Gravity Wisely in Design

If you’re building a new house, plan your water line so that:

Pipes run in straight vertical lines (less friction)
Bathrooms and kitchens are closer to the tank line
No unnecessary bends or joints

Smart design helps increase water pressure from overhead tank naturally.

How to Calculate Pressure of Water Coming from Overhead Tank

This is a basic but important formula.

Formula:

Pressure (in Pascal) = Height of water (in meters) × 9.8 (gravity) × 1000

Example:

If your tank is 10 meters high:

Pressure = 10 × 9.8 × 1000 = 98,000 Pascal = 0.98 Bar

This is usually enough for daily household tasks.

So, if you want stronger showers or faster filling buckets, calculate pressure of water coming from overhead tank using the height.

Pro Tips to Maintain Water Pressure

Keep your tank clean to avoid blockages
Clean filters in taps and appliances regularly
Use underground tanks only with pumps (they don’t use gravity)

Speaking of hygiene, don’t forget to check Underground Water Tank Cleaning if you use a dual setup (underground + overhead).

FAQs About Water Pressure from Overhead Tank

Q1: Can water pressure damage my pipes?
If it’s too high and unregulated, yes. Use pressure regulators to avoid burst pipes.

Q2: What is the ideal pressure for home use?
Around 1 to 2 bar is good for showers and kitchen use.

Q3: Can I fix low pressure without a pump?
Yes, by increasing height, cleaning pipes, or using wider pipes.

Water Tank Services for Better Pressure

For homes in North India, here are reliable cleaning services that can improve water quality and flow:

These services can help restore flow by removing sludge, sand, and algae that clog your system.

Conclusion: Strong Pressure, Simple Fixes

To increase water pressure from overhead tank, you don’t need to spend a lot. Most fixes are easy and cost-effective:

Raise the tank
Use booster pumps
Clean your tank and pipes
Choose wide plumbing pipes
Plan for gravity during home construction

Also, keep your tanks in good health. You can read more on overhead water tanks and their maintenance.

If you’re tired of low flow and weak showers, just follow this guide and enjoy the comfort of strong, steady water pressure every day.