Does your home have high water pressure? Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem. Even though the opposite issue may sound like a shower-time solution, excessively high pressure can cause serious issues. Take a look at the things homeowners need to know about high water pressure, the red flags to watch out for, and the simple solutions.
What Is Normal Water Pressure?
A gentle trickle coming from your shower or a barely there drop from your sink’s faucet point to a low flow problem. While you can easily spot these issues, you may have more difficulty diagnosing high water pressure.
To understand the differences between high and low water pressure, you need to understand what normal values are. Water pressure is the force necessary to move water from one place to another. Most residential plumbing systems have a pressure between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (or psi). Psi numbers at the upper end or above this range result in high water pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of High Water Pressure?
Is your shower powerfully uncomfortable? High water pressure is likely at fault. If you don’t have a new showerhead and the flow suddenly feels more like sharp shards than a flow of raindrops, it may have an excessive psi.
Along with the feel of your shower or sink flow, high water pressure can also cause other symptoms. These include leaky faucets, water that comes out in irregular spurts, quick loss of hot water, loud plumbing sounds, premature failure of appliances that use water (such as your clothes washer or a dishwasher), or pipe leaks.
Why Is High Water Pressure a Problem?
Discomfort is one of the primary problems high water creates. A high psi can make it difficult (if not impossible) to shower comfortably, wash your hands, or handwash your dishes. Even though high water pressure can make showering and washing painful, it can also cause problems for your home’s plumbing system.
If you fail to correct a high water pressure issue, the force could strain the plumbing system. Without the proper pressure, your pipes and water-using appliances could wear out quickly. This can result in leaks, burst pipes, or excessive wear and tear. High psi numbers can also cost you money in unnecessary water bills.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the static service pressure shouldn’t exceed 60 psi. This can help to reduce your home’s overall water use and prevent leaks. Low-flow fixtures such as showerheads, faucets, and toilets and those designated as water-efficient should fall under the 60 psi number.
How Can You Evaluate Your Home’s Water Pressure?
Again, you can often feel or see high water pressure. While you can easily feel the force of an excessive psi, you can’t judge the exact number. To better understand how high your home’s water pressure is, talk to a plumbing professional. A plumber can inspect your home’s system and determine the general pressure range.
What Can You Do About High Water Pressure?
Has the plumber verified your home has a high water pressure issue? A water pressure regulator valve can help to reduce the overall psi number in your home. The plumber can look for this valve. If the plumber can’t find the valve (meaning your home doesn’t have one) or the valve doesn’t work properly, they can install or replace it.
Valve installation or replacement isn’t a do-it-yourself job. While this service may seem easy, it requires a high level of knowledge and experience. The plumber will need to inspect the main water valve, the water-service support, distribution pipes, and other parts of your home’s plumbing system.
Do you need help with your home’s high water pressure issue? Contact
Quality Plumbing for more information.
The total process from booking a service call, by phone, to the installation of a steel reinforced waterline hose on our refrigerator, was a pleasurable experience. A retired plumber recommended QP. Jeff had to pull out the refrigerator, remove the plastic waterline, install the new waterline, check to make sure the water dispenser was working and put the refrigerator back. Jeff was careful and mindfull of our wooden floor as the refrigerator was in a built-in cabinet. Since we live in a condo we want to eliminate all possibilities for a water leak. Jeff not only did his skillful job, he also educated us on the different water supply lines. I would recommend QP.
- Janeine G.
Quality Plumbing did a rough-in plumbing install for a bathroom and kitchen sink in my basement. Very communicative, helped plan the space, and did a great job on the install. Will be using them again!
- Ian H.
Called them when my water heater broke, they were over same day with a new one. Logan is great, he's fixed a couple things over the last year and is always professional and informative.
- Nick B.
Quality plumbing is amazing 👏 when my brothers home had a problem with water pressure, they were able to schedule quickly, identify the problem and provide cost effective solutions quickly. When they did the work, they were on time on budget and cleaned up everything afterwards. Thank you for your great service Quality Plumbing! …
- Rich R.
Quality Plumbing is my go-to plumbing company for all my projects. I had one big project and after meeting Jeff, I’ve specifically requested him to come out for my other 2 projects. He’s incredibly punctual, efficient, and keeps the area nice and clean. Great to communicate with and provides clear answers to all my questions. Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable in his craft. Every time I call, Delaney will always pick up my phone calls and get me scheduled right away. Never had great success with plumbing companies until I started working with Quality Plumbing. They have unbeatable prices and will provide you with an honest solution to your problems. Highly recommend choosing Quality Plumbing!
- Alex D.
The total process from booking a service call, by phone, to the installation of a steel reinforced waterline hose on our refrigerator, was a pleasurable experience. A retired plumber recommended QP. Jeff had to pull out the refrigerator, remove the plastic waterline, install the new waterline, check to make sure the water dispenser was working and put the refrigerator back. Jeff was careful and mindfull of our wooden floor as the refrigerator was in a built-in cabinet. Since we live in a condo we want to eliminate all possibilities for a water leak. Jeff not only did his skillful job, he also educated us on the different water supply lines. I would recommend QP.
- Janeine G.
Quality Plumbing did a rough-in plumbing install for a bathroom and kitchen sink in my basement. Very communicative, helped plan the space, and did a great job on the install. Will be using them again!
- Ian H.
Called them when my water heater broke, they were over same day with a new one. Logan is great, he's fixed a couple things over the last year and is always professional and informative.
- Nick B.
Quality plumbing is amazing 👏 when my brothers home had a problem with water pressure, they were able to schedule quickly, identify the problem and provide cost effective solutions quickly. When they did the work, they were on time on budget and cleaned up everything afterwards. Thank you for your great service Quality Plumbing! …
- Rich R.
Quality Plumbing is my go-to plumbing company for all my projects. I had one big project and after meeting Jeff, I’ve specifically requested him to come out for my other 2 projects. He’s incredibly punctual, efficient, and keeps the area nice and clean. Great to communicate with and provides clear answers to all my questions. Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable in his craft. Every time I call, Delaney will always pick up my phone calls and get me scheduled right away. Never had great success with plumbing companies until I started working with Quality Plumbing. They have unbeatable prices and will provide you with an honest solution to your problems. Highly recommend choosing Quality Plumbing!
- Alex D.