For many homeowners, the idea of low pressure in the shower or kitchen sink is a big concern. However, in the search for the perfect water pressure, some may begin to wonder if water pressure can be too high in the home.
Enjoying a strong shower in the morning may sound like a plus but having water pressure that is too high or powerful can actually cause damage to your home, pipes, or plumbing longer term, as well as affect your health or well-being. Learn more about the impact high water pressure has on your home and your body below.
Where does high water pressure come from?
Sometimes, the assumption is that whatever the water pressure is currently in your home is the correct pressure, or what it must stay at. In actuality, there are several factors that could affect the pressure of the water in the home.
- City water pressure
As more homes are built in the neighborhood, more homes will be hooked up to the same piping system. This means that existing homes may see a drop in water pressure. To account for this, cities may turn up the pressure at the water main that supplies the plumbing network. While this means that everyone will have adequate pressure as a whole, water pressure may be uneven. A home’s distance from the water main may affect the pressure – homes closer to the water main may have a higher pressure, while those further away will have low water pressure. - Residual pressure build-up
Another reason for high water pressure may be a build-up of residual pressure caused by the mechanical backflow prevention device that stops water already in the pipes from flowing into the city water system. This is a standard device meant to prevent contamination and help keep your plumbing system from losing pressure. However, when incoming pressure spikes, they are trapped in the pipes. Over time, these can lead to high water pressure. - Faulty water pressure regulator
One of the most common causes so high-water pressure is a faulty regulator, which is used to reduce the water pressure from the public main. This is installed downstream from the water meter, but if this regulator fails, you probably won’t know until it is too late.
Signs the water pressure is too high
As you flip on your kitchen faucet and watch the water spray off the sink basin – giving you a nice mist on your face – you may wonder if your water pressure is too high. A few signs that water pressure is too high in the home include:
- Leaking pipes
- Water hammer – this is a loud banging when water abruptly starts or stops
- Damaged appliances
- High utility bills
- Leaking faucets
- Running toilets
You can also keep an eye on your water pressure levels by using a water pressure gauge. These can be purchased for around $10 from most hardware stores. It is a good idea to test the water pressure regularly or annually to ensure you are not causing additional damage to your pipes or paying more utility bills than you should. It is also a good idea to test your water pressure if there have been changes in your neighborhood, such as new builds that may hook up to your water main.
Fixing high water pressure
High water pressure in the home can be damaging, but it is also easy to correct. One you are aware of the high-water pressure, the easiest fix is to install a water pressure regulator or repair it if you already have one installed. This can either be done on your own if you are comfortable with home plumbing repairs, or you can contact a licensed plumbing professional to complete the installation. A properly working water pressure regulator will help maintain the level of incoming pressure, regardless of the PSI at the water main.
Contact A Professional
If you are concerned your water pressure may be too high, or if you are experiencing signs such as leaking pipes, water hammering or an unexpected spike in your utility bill, the best option is to contact a professional plumbing expert to inspect the plumbing in your home. Contact the team at Central Montana today to schedule your inspection.