Let’s face it; everyone wants good water pressure when they wash their car or take a refreshing shower. But, if the water pressure is too high, it can waste a high volume of water, and every 10 minutes of use could use as much as 26 gallons of water. This can significantly raise your water bills, but there is a more serious problem because high water pressure can damage your plumbing system and water using appliances.
What is the Ideal Water Pressure?
Plumbing professionals consider a water pressure of 60 PSI or pounds per square inch to be too high for domestic use. The plumbing systems in our homes are simply not designed to deal with water pressures above this level for extended periods of time. The ideal water pressure for most plumbing systems and water using appliances is 45-55 PSI. This offers a decent level of water pressure without placing these systems under too much stress.
How Does High Water Pressure Cause Damage?
Every plumbing system is designed to deal with a certain level of water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it creates a great deal of stress on seals, joints, and connections. This increases the risks of cracks and breaks, which can cause localized flooding and extensive water damage. High water pressure reduces the useful lifespan of your plumbing system and any water using appliances.
3 Common High Water Pressure Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following three warning signs, your water pressure may be too high, and it should be adjusted by a local professional plumber.
- Knocking or Banging Pipes
The excessive water pressure will cause the water to pass through the plumbing pipes with considerable force. If these pipes are not secured correctly, they may move, and this can result in knocking or banging when the water is running.
- Leaky Faucets
A single leaking faucet can be caused by a failing seal or washer, and this is easy to fix. But, if there are multiple faucets leaking at the same time or if they leak at certain times, the problem could be caused by high water pressure. When plumbing fixtures or appliances are used this could force water to the faucets where it escapes.
- A Running Toilet
This is a less common problem than the others listed here, but in certain cases, high water pressure can cause one or more toilets to run constantly.
How Can You Fix a High Water Pressure Problem?
Once a high water pressure problem has been confirmed, it’s important to get the water pressure down into the safe range. This is achieved with a pressure reducing valve or PRV that’s installed on the incoming water line. A PRV typically lasts for 7-12 years, and it can be installed quickly by a professional plumber. Installing a PRV will reduce the household water consumption in most homes by up to 30% and protect your
plumbing systems and water using appliances.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
