How to Test Household Water Pressure

Every homeowner should learn how to test household water pressure. Periodically testing the water pressure can not only detect household leaks, but it can also find symptoms of potential water system problems for the household. The process of testing a home's water pressure is not expensive or difficult. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not test the water pressure until there's a noticeable difference in their home's water flow. A little preventive maintenance ensures an even water flow, catches leaks early and saves the homeowner money on costly water damage and repairs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase a water pressure test gauge. Homeowners can go to their local home supply store such as lows for Home Depot and pick one up rather inexpensively. There are also available online.

2. Locate a functioning outside water faucet. It is important that the faucet is properly sealed and does not leak. Using an excessively leaking faucet may skew the results.

3. Attach the water pressure gauge to the outside faucet and turn the water on fully. The gauge will read the water pressure reading for the house. Depending on the area, house water pressure can range between 40 psi and 100 psi. Check with your town's local water department to find out what the average range should be in your area. If your reading is outside of the normal water pressure range, you might have a problem.

4. Turn off the outside faucets and test the water pressure for each level of the home. Go inside the house and test the water pressure in the bathroom shower, kitchen sink and any of the area where water runs. Remove either the shower head or the faucet nozzle and attach the water pressure gauge. Turn on the water full blast and test the pressure.

5. Narrow the area of the problem. If your pressure readings are not consistent, by attaching the water pressure gauge to various faucets in the house, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of the pressure variance.

Tips & Warnings

• Because water pressure gauges are relatively inexpensive, it might be in a homeowner's best interest to buy two--one that has a female point of connection and the other a male. This will come in handy when testing the water pressure on the various faucets inside of the house.

Resources

• Household Water Pressure Gauge

[danygirl65]

on 8/2/2009 Thank you very much!!! It solve my problem...Everybody should do that test....

[AVTrailBlazers]

on 7/5/2009 Water Pressure is intriguing

[AVTrailBlazers]

on 7/5/2009 Cool for sure

[smartz]

on 5/31/2009 Great article!