How to Know When Too Much Water Pressure Is Going in to the House

Excess water pressure can cause unseen damage to pipes.

High home water pressure is best detected early. The effects of long-term excess water pressure can be disastrous for water lines and result in much more expensive repairs than any initial preventive procedure could possibly cost. Every home differs in age, region and pipe material, so some of the warning signs are not readily apparent. If you don't know your home water pressure, you can check it easily, saving you thousands of dollars in plumbing expenses.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• PSI gauge (range 0-120 psi)

Instructions

1. Look for basic warning signs around the home. Increases in water usage over previous years can mean leaks, which sometimes result from excess pressure. At times, the pressure can be so great that showers and faucets are painful when used at full force.

2. Visit a local hardware store to obtain a water pressure gauge with a 0-120 psi range.

3. Turn off every water outlet in the home.

4. Screw the psi gauge onto an external water hose spigot.

5. Turn on the spigot at full capacity and read the gauge.

6. Install a pressure regulator if the psi is over 60.

References

• Irrigation Tutorials: Measure Your Water Pressure
• Keidel: Water Pressure/Flow