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 managing your home’s water pressure is required for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, evaluating your water pressure is a straightforward task that doesn’t call for special training. Learn the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to decipher the results and what a professional can do to address any problems you find.

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

Getting educated about your home’s water pressure ensures a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it helps defend your plumbing system from damage. Similar to how you consistently check the oil in your car, getting a read on your water pressure once or twice a year can prevent bigger problems down the road.

After all, low water pressure is aggravating, but high water pressure can really damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The possibility of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, is greater with high water pressure, potentially causing leaks and extensive water damage. Evaluating your water pressure and making corrective actions after looking at the results can prevent these issues.

Necessary Equipment for an At-Home Water Pressure Test

To start off this project, you need a common and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are readily available at hardware or home improvement retailers. 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 means to measure up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

Detailed Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge in hand, you’re set to assess your home’s water pressure. Just use these steps:

1. Preparation: First, confirm that all water outlets in your household are turned off. This includes faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water consumption while you are testing may affect your readings and give a false impression of low pressure.

2. Hook up the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an exterior faucet or hose bib. If your water is from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter to ensure 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. Calculate the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet as far as it will go. Now, check the readout to see the pressure. A recommended reading varies from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is less than 40 psi or greater than 80 psi, it’s time to take action.

Addressing Water Pressure Problems

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

• High pressure: Put a water pressure regulator on your water main. This hardware restricts your water pressure to a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s wise to test the pressure routinely, as equipment can fail without you knowing.
• Low pressure: First, examine any existing pressure regulators, which should be set to around 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should improve flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the issue, the problem could be with the municipal water source. In this case, setting up a water pressure booster may increase the flow.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure is within the appropriate range, no additional action is required. Just remember to test your water pressure regularly to ensure it continues to be within this range.

When to Seek Professional Help for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S.

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure on your own, or if you’ve identified an issue that needs professional repair, don’t hesitate to call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our skilled plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose what’s wrong and ensure no fixtures have been negatively affected by high pressure. We can also assist with installing a pressure regulator or booster if needed. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to make the proper adjustments the first time around. The next time you encounter water pressure problems or other plumbing difficulties in the U.S., call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you!