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Water pressure is something most homeowners don’t give much thought to, but it plays a critical role in the health of your plumbing system. While proper water pressure ensures everything runs smoothly, overly high pressure can put unnecessary stress on your pipes, appliances, and fixtures. The consequences? Costly repairs, wasted water, and increased utility bills. Here’s how to determine if your home’s water pressure is too high and what you can do about it.
Signs That Your Water Pressure Might Be Too High
1. Strange Noises in Your Plumbing
If you hear banging, clanging, or whistling noises in your pipes when turning on faucets or flushing toilets, it might be due to excessively high water pressure. This is often referred to as a "water hammer" and occurs when water moves too forcefully through your plumbing system.
2. Leaky Faucets or Burst Pipes
Water pressure that’s too high can overwhelm your plumbing system. If you find yourself frequently dealing with dripping faucets, leaking pipe joints, or even pipe bursts, high pressure may be to blame.
3. Unexplained High Water Bills
Do your water bills seem unusually high despite not changing your usage habits? High water pressure can lead to more water being forced out of your faucets and fixtures, causing unnecessary waste.
4. Shortened Appliance Lifespan
Household appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are not designed to handle sustained high water pressure. If these units start breaking down or requiring more frequent repairs, it could be due to the added strain of excessive pressure.
5. Difficulty Tuning Your Showers or Faucets
Does your shower go from a trickle to an overwhelming blast with the smallest adjustment? High water pressure could be making it harder to find a comfortable flow.
What Causes High Water Pressure?
There are several reasons why your home’s water pressure might be higher than it should be. Here are some common culprits:
- Municipal Supply Issues: Sometimes, the water coming from your local water supplier is already at a high pressure to serve taller buildings or nearby facilities.
- Thermal Expansion: When hot water expands in a closed plumbing system, the additional pressure can push beyond safe levels.
- Faulty Pressure Regulators: If your home already has a pressure regulator but it’s not working properly, you might experience higher pressure than intended.
How to Measure and Control Water Pressure
The good news? Diagnosing and addressing high water pressure is simpler than you might think. Here’s how:
1. Use a Pressure Gauge
To measure your water pressure, attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet or hose bib. Home water pressure should typically range between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your pressure exceeds 80 PSI, adjustments are needed.
2. Install or Repair a Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator is a device installed on your main water line that controls the pressure entering your home. If you don’t already have one, consider installing it. If you do, and the pressure still feels excessive, have it inspected or replaced to ensure it’s functioning properly.
3. Check for Thermal Expansion
If you notice fluctuations in pressure after using hot water, consider installing a thermal expansion tank. This device absorbs the extra pressure and prevents it from damaging your plumbing system.
4. Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections
A professional plumber can identify whether high water pressure is causing stress on your system. Regular inspections allow you to address issues before they become costly.
Protect Your Plumbing with Proactive Maintenance
High water pressure might not seem like an urgent issue, but its effects can lead to significant expenses if left untreated. By taking steps to measure and regulate your water pressure, you can extend the life of your plumbing system, save on water bills, and avoid unnecessary repairs.
Contact Smith's Plumbing Services for Expert Water Pressure Solutions
Don’t wait for high water pressure to wreak havoc on your home. At Smith's Plumbing Services, we specialize in diagnosing and addressing water pressure problems to keep your plumbing system running safely and efficiently. Whether you need a pressure regulator installed or a full system inspection, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and protect your home’s plumbing system!