If you’re like most people, you probably have no idea what the water pressure is in your home. But it’s more important to monitor than you may think. The plumbing inside your walls is a perfect system, down to the last fitting and bend. It should work as a healthy structure, so simple — yet often overlooked — until it becomes an issue.
The recommended pressure, as measured in pounds per square inch or PSI, for most fixtures and appliances is a maximum of 80 PSI. Anything higher than that, and you’re taking unnecessary chances with your appliances and your home plumbing’s overall health.
Fixtures do die eventually, but most should enjoy a long life. High water pressure can cause them to fail early. If you’re in doubt or have any reason to suspect issues with your water delivery, there’s only one way to know for sure: call a professional and get a plumbing inspection.
Know the Signs
Most houses should have a pressure regulating valve (PRV) to help prevent water pressure that’s too high. But it wasn’t required by law to have a PRV until 2002. A PRV curbs the common issues of having excessive water pressure. Still, it doesn’t replace a plumbing inspection.
While testing your water pressure is, in fact, something you can do yourself, it does require a test gauge. If you don’t have one laying around, hire a professional plumber for a plumbing inspection. If you see any of the following symptoms, it’s definitely time to check:
- Leaking faucets
- Unusually high water bills
- A burst of water when you turn on a faucet
- Plumbing that seems to be noisier than usual
- Banging pipes
- Constantly running toilets
If you notice any of these things, find out how old your pressure-reducing valve is. The PRV regulates the pressure in your plumbing system at the point where the water enters your building. Before 2014, these valves contained higher than the acceptable amounts of lead, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Too much lead contaminates the water passing through to your faucets. Check your valve for this symbol:
Is High Pressure That Bad?
Having high water pressure is similar to having high blood pressure. If you don’t get tested by a professional, you can go for years without knowing anything is wrong. But once the pipes or blood vessels start showing signs of the stress, it may be too late to prevent damage.
High water pressure can lead to early failures in appliances. Dishwashers and laundry machines typically have a minimum water pressure requirement, but to exceed the maximum pressure can lead to costly repair bills or even replacement. These are costs you can avoid with a simple plumbing inspection.
In addition to premature failures, high water pressure often voids the warranty on appliances — if the manufacturer can determine that the cause of failure is excessive pressure. High water pressure causes severe stress on your pipes.
What’s Worse: High or Low Pressure?
Too high or too low — they both stink. Low pressure leaves you wondering if you’re in a drought. You need enough pressure to do the things you need to do. While it may not cause permanent damage to your pipes in the same way as high pressure, it can leave you covered in suds from a wimpy shower.
High pressure, on the other hand, can cause some serious damage if not treated. Plumbing code manuals tend to recommend anything between 45 and 80 PSI, but if your plumber knows your appliances and your family’s lifestyle, he can ensure that high water pressure won’t cause unnecessary damage. Constant stress on your pipes, fixtures and appliances cause nothing but trouble. Keep your perfect plumbing system in check with a plumbing inspection from your friendly neighborhood Blue Planet Plumbing inspector.
