What Is Your Home’s Water Pressure?

Going through water pressure issues can be a real pain in the neck. No matter if your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual power, understanding and maintaining your home’s water pressure is required for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, testing your water pressure is an easy task that doesn’t call for special training. Discover the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to interpret the results and what a professional can do to fix any irregularities you find.

Why Is It a Good Idea to Check Your Home’s Water Pressure?

Getting educated about your home’s water pressure is a way to make sure you’ll get a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it protects your plumbing system from deterioration. Just like you routinely check the oil in your car, assessing your water pressure a couple of times a year can prevent bigger problems later on.

After all, low water pressure is annoying, but high water pressure can significantly damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The chances of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, increases with high water pressure, potentially causing leaks and extensive water damage. Evaluating your water pressure and acting on the results can prevent these issues.

What You Need to Test Water Pressure

To start out, you need a common and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are easily available at hardware or home improvement shops. When selecting a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the potential to measure as high as 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

Detailed Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at the ready, you’re set to test that water pressure. Just use these steps:

1. Preparation: First, make sure that all water outlets in your household are turned off. Make sure you check the following: faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water use throughout testing may influence your readings and give a false perception of low pressure.

2. Hook up the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an exterior faucet or hose bib. If your water is derived from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter for the most accurate reading. For homes that use a well system, attach it to a hose bib in the vicinity of the well’s pressure tank.

3. Determine the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet all the way. Now, examine the readout to see the pressure. A preferred reading ranges from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is below 40 psi or above 80 psi, it’s time to do something.

Addressing Water Pressure Problems

Here are things you can do to fix high or low water pressure:

• High pressure: Install a water pressure regulator on your water main. This tool ensures a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s a good idea to check the pressure routinely, as equipment can fail without showing any signs.
• Low pressure: To start off with, look over any pre-existing pressure regulators, which should be set to approximately 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top usually will increase flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t what’s causing the low pressure, the problem may possibly be with the municipal water supply. In instances like this, using a water pressure booster may increase the flow.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure falls in the ideal range, no further action is needed. Just don’t forget to test your water pressure occasionally to ensure it continues to be within this range.

When to Reach Out to a Pro for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S.

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure yourself, or if you’ve found an issue that requires professional attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose problems and check to be sure that no fixtures have been damaged by high pressure. We can also assist with putting in a pressure regulator or booster if that’s what your home needs. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to make the correct fix the first time around. The next time you encounter water pressure problems or other plumbing challenges in the U.S., call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here when you need us!