Maintaining proper water pressure in your home is as essential as your body’s blood pressure. If the pressure is too high or too low, there is cause for concern.
How Much Water Pressure Should a House Have?
Homeowners often complain about low pressure; however, having high pressure can result in expensive damage. The pressure level can vary, but 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) is recommended for most residential homes.
Water pressure should be no higher than 80 PSI. Anything higher can cause major appliances, including water heaters and toilets, to stop working correctly because it stresses plumbing and other parts.
High pressure throughout your home can cause leaks, pipe damage, and wasted water. Here are some signs of high water pressure:
- Loud sounds such as banging or knocking noises coming from your plumbing
- Consistent or recurring leaks in appliances and other fixtures
- Constant breakdown of appliances, like ice makers or dishwashers, that take in water
- Cracks, holes, or minor leaks in hoses or lines
- Areas of moisture from drips or leaks
- A short-lived water heater, washer, or dishwasher
- Spitting noises from the faucet when being turned on
- Problems with toilets
To test your home’s water pressure, purchase a test gauge from a local home improvement store and follow the instructions. If your pressure is high, hire a professional to install a pressure-reducing valve to alleviate the issue. These types of valves adjust your water pressure automatically. A pressure regulator is also smart if your water pressure often fluctuates.
The excessive force of high water pressure can cause pipe joints to break, valves to leak, and expensive repairs. High pressure can also be caused by thermal expansion due to heating your water heater, so it’s always best to have a professional check the problem.
A running toilet, leaky faucets or pipes, or a water heater can also affect the water pressure in your home. If your home has a severe pressure issue, the problem could be old plumbing pipes. As pipes age, there is more potential for corrosion, causing water to barely flow. Replacing old pipes with new copper or plastic ones would be costly, requiring a permit and a licensed professional.