Does it seem like it takes forever to take care of one plumbing problem, only to have another sneak up on you by the time you fix the other? Are you constantly dealing with leaking taps and toilets? If so, there may be something wrong with your water pressure at home. In fact, it could be running a little higher than normal. Below are some tips on how to check if your water pressure is too high.
Detecting signs of high water pressure
Now, low water pressure can be detected easily or can be recognized with one glance but signs of high water pressure may often go unnoticed until pipes and other fixtures start breaking. Too much water pressure can damage your pipes and other fixtures like the taps or toilet.
You can check for high water pressure by purchasing a pressure test gauge and following the instructions. These can be bought from your local hardware or home improvement stores and should cost you no more than $50. If you want an accurate reading, make sure no one’s using the plumbing in any part of your home.
The ideal water pressure range is between 40 psi (pounds per square inch) and 80 psi, so if your water pressure falls within this range, your water pressure is alright and the causes of your recurring plumbing problems may come from another source. If you have low water pressure or the reading is below 40 psi, try to call your local water department and ask about the sudden drop. If the water pressure is too high, you need to install a pressure regulator to help you save money on your water bill and recurring plumbing repairs.
To make sure that you’re fully protected, you can call the services of a professional plumber to check your water pressure and to give you a complete diagnostics on your home’s waterworks.