About Household Water Pressure

The topic of household water pressure is important to any homeowner. Water is the fuel of life--it's used in washing, cooking, cleaning and even heating. Water damage leads to billions in expenses every year. Managing household water systems intelligently leads to a greater quality of life and a reduced risk of damage. Intelligently altering water pressure can also lead to making a house more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run.

Significance

Water pressure is crucial to keep the water moving through plumbing systems. Whether it is applied through gravity, electricity or otherwise, for most residential uses, water in plumbing remains at approximately 40 to 70 pounds per square inch (psi). Higher water pressure can lead to pipe damage beyond normal wear and tear, not to mention that it endangers appliances like dishwashers and washing machines and can potentially lead to uncomfortable showers.

Considerations

On the other hand, low water pressure can lead to the growth of bacterial colonies within pipes, along with low function for any appliance that uses water. Pressure regulators installed in the home can be used to either reduce or increase water pressure if necessary. Regularly monitoring water pressure for sudden changes can often prevent costly damages. Leaks and other issues can frequently be noticed because of decreased household water pressure.

Prevention/Solution

A pressure monitoring system is inexpensive to install and is a great plumbing protection system. Most are already installed at the supply line junction. Even for people without the time or inclination to learn how to maintain home plumbing systems, such a monitor can be easily read. Minor changes in water pressure are no cause for concern, particularly during times of the year with significant temperature fluctuations. To make minor adjustments in water pressure, simply use the pressure valve located at the supply line coming to the house. Read the guide in the References section for details.

Misconceptions

Reducing the overall water pressure in the home is not always a good way to reduce household electricity consumption. For homes that draw water from a well, water use is often the top source of electricity consumption for the household. Reducing water pressure can reduce the electrical load, but it also reduces water flow. Low water pressure can, in turn, increase the amount of time necessary to accomplish tasks like showering and cleaning--which will only increase the amount of water and electricity wasted. It is far more efficient to simply use the water effectively and intelligently than it is to cut down on overall pressure.

Potential

To really reduce household water consumption with reference to water pressure, full-scale renovations may be necessary, particularly to the plumbing system. Most homes are not built with plumbing efficiency in mind. Reducing the overall pipe distance in the household reduces the energy requirements necessary to keep water flowing at an acceptable pressure. Smaller homes--or simply those that are laid out more efficiently--will have fewer plumbing concerns.

Resources

• eHow: Adjusting Household Water Pressure
• Lowes: Water Damage Prevention
• Water Quality and Pressure