Is your water pressure too high? Most plumbing fixtures are designed to handle a maximum water pressure of 80 psi or lower. If your water pressure is higher than that, it can potentially cause the parts for your faucets, water heater, toilets, and shut-off valves to fail. To keep this from happening, here’s what you should know about high water pressure and how to fix it.
The team at Allbritten is here for all your plumbing repair needs. Contact us today to learn more about having a water pressure regulator installed in your home.
Signs your water pressure is too high
Just as the human body shows certain symptoms if blood pressure is too high, the plumbing system in your home will probably give you indications if your water pressure is too high. The key is to pay attention, so you know what to watch for. Here are a few common signs of high-water pressure:
- Leaking faucets
- Banging pipes
- Short water heater life
- Premature breakdown of dishwasher or washing machine
- Spraying faucets
- Running toilets
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to fix water pressure issues right away. Correcting the problem early on can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
How to check for water pressure issues
Besides watching for common signs of high-water pressure in your plumbing system, there are other things you can do to check your water pressure and make sure it’s within the appropriate limits. For example, you can purchase a water pressure gauge from a nearby home improvement store.
Follow the directions on the packaging to make sure you use the gauge correctly. Most water pressure gauges are designed to be attached to a drain on your water heater or an outside faucet.
It’s important to note that it takes time for these gauges to deliver an accurate reading. In most cases, you need to leave the gauge attached for at least 48 hours and check it frequently during that time to see if the pressure fluctuates.
Anything under 60 psi should be OK for your plumbing system to handle. Is water pressure too high? You can try to fix it yourself or hire a professional to handle the problem for you.
How to fix high water pressure problems
If your water pressure gauge delivers readings above 80 psi, it’s a good idea to get a water pressure regulator installed. This type of regulator will keep your water pressure from going too high without your knowledge. It’s usually installed near your water shut-off valve. If you want peace of mind that the regulator is installed correctly, contact the professionals at Allbritten to do it for you.
Call Allbritten for all your plumbing needs
At Allbritten, we offer plumbing repair services and can get your plumbing system in good working order if it’s been damaged from high water pressure. We can also inspect your water pressure, correct it if it’s too high or too low, and install a regulator to prevent future water pressure damage.
To schedule an appointment or request a consultation, give us a call during regular operating hours. Alternatively, you can contact us online at any time
