How to Tell If Water Pressure Is Too High
In most municipal water systems, water pressure comes from the force of gravity pulling water from towers. If you have a well, pressure is generated by your water pump. Either way, plumbing is intended to work with water pressure between 40 and 70 psi (pressure per square inch). Diagnosing high water pressure is difficult because the first sign is often leaks around pipe fittings. It is good practice to check your water pressure with a gauge at least once a year to avoid damage to water lines. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Water pressure gauge
- Faucet adapter (possibly)
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase a water pressure gauge if you do not already own one. They are available at most hardware stores and generally cost between $10 and $20.
-
2
Connect the water pressure gauge to an outside spigot or the spigot that supplies your washing mashing with cold water. If your home has neither of these, you can instead purchase an adapter that connects the pressure gauge to a regular faucet. Remove the aerator from the faucet before attempting to attach the adapter.
-
-
3
Open the spigot or faucet that you have connected the gauge to completely. Check that the gauge is between 40 and 70 psi. Water pressure above 70 psi is too high and could cause damage to your water lines and eventually leaks.
-
4
If your water pressure is, in fact, too high, the solution is to install a water pressure regulator. You will most likely want to have a plumber install a regulator since installation requires cutting the existing water line to make room for the device and welding and soldering to reseal the line.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your home has its own well, your system will most likely already have its own pressure gauge. The gauges are usually mounted near the bottom of the pressure tank and should also read between 40 and 70 psi.
References
- Photo Credit broken hose. image by Paula Gent from Fotolia.com
