What Is Your Home’s Water Pressure?

Having water pressure challenges can be a real pain in the neck. Whether your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual force, understanding and dealing with your home’s water pressure is necessary for getting things flowing again. Thankfully, evaluating your water pressure is a straightforward task that doesn’t call for special training. Discover the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to interpret the results and what a professional can do to fix any issues you find.

Why Test Your Water Pressure?

Knowing your home’s water pressure guarantees a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it protects your plumbing system from damage. Similar to how you routinely check the oil in your car, examining your water pressure a few times a year can prevent bigger problems in the future.

After all, low water pressure is frustrating, but high water pressure can significantly damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The chances of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, is greater with high water pressure, potentially causing leaks and extensive water damage. Testing your water pressure and taking appropriate steps based on the results can reduce the chance of your system experiencing these issues.

Tools You’ll Need to Test Water Pressure at Home

To start off this project, you need a simple and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are easily available at hardware or home improvement shops. When choosing a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the ability to measure up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge in hand, you’re set to determine that water pressure. Just follow these steps:

1. Preparation: First, make sure that all water outlets in your residence are switched off. Make sure you check the following: faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water consumption throughout testing may impact your readings and give a false perception of low pressure.

2. Hook up the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an exterior faucet or hose bib. If your water comes from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet that is as close as possible to the water meter to ensure the most accurate reading. For homes with a well system, affix it to a hose bib in the vicinity of the well’s pressure tank.

3. Measure the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet to the max. Now, look at the readout to determine the pressure. A suitable reading varies from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is less than 40 psi or higher than 80 psi, it’s time to take action.

Fixing Water Pressure Problems

Here are things you can do to fix high or low water pressure:

• High pressure: Set up a water pressure regulator on your water main. This device keeps the pressure at a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s wise to test the pressure routinely, as equipment can fail without obvious symptoms.
• Low pressure: To start off with, examine any existing pressure regulators, which should be set to about 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should increase flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the issue, the problem might be with the municipal water source. In instances like this, using a water pressure booster may help.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure is within the appropriate range, no additional action is necessary. Just keep in mind to test your water pressure regularly to ensure it remains within this range.

When to Reach Out to a Pro for Water Pressure Problems in Windsor

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure in your own home, or if you’ve identified an issue that needs professional evaluation, don’t hesitate to call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Our skilled plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose problems and ensure no fixtures have been harmed by high pressure. We can also give you a hand in installing a pressure regulator or booster if needed. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to make the correct fix the first time around. The next time you face water pressure problems or other plumbing challenges in Windsor, call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to schedule an appointment. We’re here when you need us!