Own A Home? You Need This Pressure Gauge!

High water pressure can cause several problems for your home’s plumbing system, appliances, and even your water bill. While it might seem like a good thing to have strong water flow, too much pressure can be detrimental in the following ways:

1. Damage to Pipes and Plumbing

Fixtures Pipe Stress: When water pressure is too high, it can put excessive stress on your pipes, joints, and fittings. Over time, this can lead to leaks, ruptures, or even burst pipes, especially in older or weakened plumbing systems. The increased strain on your pipes can significantly shorten their lifespan.

Leaking Faucets and Fixtures: High pressure can cause seals in faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures to wear out more quickly, leading to leaks. Even small leaks can waste water, increase your utility bills, and cause water damage over time.

2. Increased Risk of Water Damage

Burst Pipes: One of the most serious risks of high water pressure is the potential for pipes to burst. When water pressure exceeds the capacity of the pipes, they can rupture, leading to flooding and significant water damage in your home. Burst pipes often result in costly repairs and a lot of mess.

Water Hammer: High pressure can cause a phenomenon known as “water hammer,” where the sudden stopping of water flow (such as when you turn off a faucet) causes a loud banging or vibrating noise in the pipes. This is caused by a shockwave in the system, and over time, it can loosen pipe connections, leading to leaks or even burst pipes.

3. Wasted Water and Higher Utility Bills

Excessive Water Flow: With high pressure, more water flows through the system than you need for everyday activities like showering, washing dishes, or flushing toilets. This leads to wasting water, which not only impacts the environment but also drives up your water bill. You may end up using more water without even realizing it.

Inefficient Appliances: Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are designed to work efficiently with a specific water pressure range. High pressure can cause appliances to overuse water, leading to inefficiency and additional wear and tear.

4. Faster Wear on Appliances

Appliances that rely on water, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, are sensitive to water pressure. If the pressure is too high, the internal components of these appliances, such as hoses and valves, can degrade faster. This may result in more frequent breakdowns or the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

5. Hot Water Heater Damage

High water pressure can put strain on your hot water heater, particularly if it’s a tank-style model. The pressure can cause the valve to wear out faster, increase the risk of leaks, and even shorten the lifespan of the heater itself. If the pressure gets too high, it can lead to pressure relief valve failure, potentially causing leaks or flooding.

6. Overuse of Water Fixtures

With high pressure, faucets and showerheads may spray water more forcefully than needed, which can lead to splashing and inefficient water usage. It can also make it harder to control the temperature of water, leading to discomfort, particularly in showers.

How to Prevent or Fix High Water Pressure:

Pressure Regulator: Most homes have a pressure regulator (or PRV, pressure-reducing valve) installed near the main water supply. If your water pressure is too high, a plumber can adjust or replace the regulator to ensure that the pressure is within a safe range, typically between 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch).

Regular Monitoring: You can test your water pressure using a simple gauge, available at most hardware stores, to check whether it’s in the normal range. If it’s consistently higher than 60 psi, it’s a good idea to have it addressed.

Water Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): If your home doesn’t already have one, installing a PRV is an effective way to prevent high pressure. If you do have one, it may need adjusting or replacing if it’s malfunctioning.

In summary, while strong water pressure might feel good at first, it can lead to a range of issues, from water waste to potential damage to your plumbing and appliances. Keeping the pressure in check is essential to maintaining a healthy, efficient, and cost-effective plumbing system.