High water pressure might feel great when you’re taking a shower, but it could lead to bigger problems and a bigger bill down the road. There are several reasons why your water pressure could be at dangerous levels, so it’s important to know the cause.
How does high water pressure impact pipes?
Higher water pressure puts strain on your pipes, which can eventually cause damage. The stress can affect the joints, causing them to loosen. If the pressure is high enough or continues for an extended period, it can also lead to small leaks in your pipes or cause a pipe to burst.
How does high water pressure affect plumbing fixtures?
Increased pressure can also damage your plumbing fixtures, including your faucets. The forceful water flow through the faucets often ruins the components and could cause the faucet to leak or drip. In your shower, you might notice damage to the shower valves, leading to leaks or drips. High water pressure often wears out toilet fill valves more quickly than normal. Your toilet fill valve likely needs replacement if your toilet runs constantly.
Appliances in your home that use water also tend to sustain damage if you have long-term high water pressure. The increased strain could cause appliances to leak. It could also damage components so they can’t handle the higher pressure.
How do I know if I have high water pressure?
There are several indicators that you have high water pressure. Leaky faucets, a leaky water heater, banging pipes, running out of hot water quickly, unusually noisy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, or frequent breakdowns in appliances that use water are some signals that your water pressure is too high.
Manufacturers recommend pressure no higher than 80 psi for their appliances, but it can sometimes reach anywhere between 100-150 psi. Luckily, it’s easy enough to test your home’s water pressure with a gauge bought from a home center. They can range from about $10 for a cheaper one, up to about $25 for one that can record readings over a period of time. Simply attach the gauge to an outside faucet or the drain connection on a water heater. If it reads above 80 psi, it may be time to take further steps.
Why is my water pressure so high?
The Municipal Water Supplier
If you live downhill from the supplier, your water pressure is likely to be higher than your neighbor at the top of the hill. This is because the supplier needs to provide water to everyone, whether they live at the bottom of the valley or at the top of a mountain. If you live downhill, gravity is only helping the water get to you faster and at higher pressure. Living near tall buildings may have the same effect. Your area’s water needs may have changed, causing the increase in pressure.
Your Water Regulator
Your water pressure regulator may be broken. They’re designed to control the water pressure in individual houses, but just like any piece of equipment it won’t last forever. Debris and sediment buildup could lead to the loss of your pump, leaving your pipes vulnerable to the increased water pressure. There’s also the chance that your home may not have a regulator installed, so it’s important to check.
Maintenance Work
Has there been recent maintenance work to the pipes near your home? Sometimes air can get trapped in the pipes, temporarily increasing your water pressure. To relieve the pressure, run your taps for a few minutes to allow the air to escape. If the problem persists, you may have another or bigger issues.
How does high water pressure impact pipes?
Higher water pressure puts strain on your pipes, which can eventually cause damage. The stress can affect the joints, causing them to loosen. If the pressure is high enough or continues for an extended period, it can also lead to small leaks in your pipes or cause a pipe to burst.
How does high water pressure affect plumbing fixtures?
Increased pressure can also damage your plumbing fixtures, including your faucets. The forceful water flow through the faucets often ruins the components and could cause the faucet to leak or drip. In your shower, you might notice damage to the shower valves, leading to leaks or drips. High water pressure often wears out toilet fill valves more quickly than normal. Your toilet fill valve likely needs replacement if your toilet runs constantly.
Appliances in your home that use water also tend to sustain damage if you have long-term high water pressure. The increased strain could cause appliances to leak. It could also damage components so they can’t handle the higher pressure.
Our team at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is made up of experienced individuals who can determine the exact cause of your water line issues and fix them for you. Call us today.
