What Is the Ideal Water Pressure? Signs It Is Too High

Most people want decent water pressure in their homes to shower, do dishes, or fill a pot to boil water. Yet, when the water pressure is too high, it can cause damage to the home’s plumbing system. As such, it is worthwhile to know the symptoms of high water pressure in a house and the ideal water pressure.

What Is the Normal Water Pressure for a House?

The ideal range of normal water pressure for a house is between 30 psi (pounds per square inch) and 80 psi. Anything over 80 psi is considered too high and could damage your plumbing system.

On the other end of the spectrum, anything below 40 psi is considered low pressure, and anything below 30 psi is considered too low. Low water pressure can create issues with being unable to run more than one faucet or appliance at a time. Furthermore, it can be below current building and plumbing codes if it is too low.

Most people strive to have their water pressure to be somewhere between 50 psi and 70 psi. This range is considered the “sweet spot,” where pressure is sufficient enough to handle multiple faucets and appliances without any noticeable differences.

Signs of High Water Pressure in a House

It is easy to recognize the signs of high water pressure in a house when you know what to look for, including the following:

Frequent Appliance Repairs

High water pressure puts a lot of stress and wear and tear on appliances. Hoses and water supply lines can burst. The seals and water pumps are also easily damaged.

Frequent Fixture Repairs and Replacements

Excessive water pressure can cause seals and washers inside fixtures to be pushed out of the way, even when shut off. This causes leaks that gradually worsen.

Hearing Banging in Your Pipes

Water hammer is a condition where the water flow is abruptly stopped and bangs into the pipe. If you are hearing banging sounds whenever the water is turned off, the water pressure could be too high.

High Water Bills

Water flows at a much faster rate when it is under more pressure. For example, if you turn on the tap at full speed, you will use about 15 gallons of water in about 5 minutes at 50 psi. At 70 psi, you will use about 21 gallons of water in about 5 minutes. So, if you notice your water bills seem a bit much, high water pressure could be the cause.

Plumbing Leaks

High water pressure places additional strain on your home’s plumbing system. Over time, it can push apart pipe fittings, joints, and other connections. As it does, small water leaks start that will eventually become bigger, causing water damage to your home.

If you hear dripping water or the sound of running water and your water is off, you most likely have a water leak from high pressure.

Toilet Tank Overfills

High water pressure will damage the shutoff valve on toilets. When it does, the water will continue to run and will cause the toilet tank to overflow.

The Location of Your House

When your house is located toward the bottom of a hill or at the very bottom, water pressure will be naturally higher. This is because water flows downward due to gravity and can increase the pressure of the water coming into your home.

Your Home’s Pressure Regulator Failed

Most modern homes have a pressure regulator connected in between the main water supply line and where the plumbing enters the house. The pressure regulator allows you to set the psi on the water flowing into the home. So, if you notice the water pressure has increased, your pressure regulator probably failed.

You Have City Water

Some municipalities keep their water pressure turned up much higher than is needed. This is to ensure water can reach higher floors in highrises, condos, and other tall buildings. Higher pressure is also required for fire hydrants.

How Is High Water Pressure Fixed?

When there are symptoms of high water pressure in a house, it is crucial to have a plumber fix the problem as soon as possible. Some of the potential solutions include the following:

• Install a pressure regulator valve. If your home does not have a pressure regulator, one can be installed and adjusted to lower the water pressure.
• Replace a pressure regulator valve. If your home has a pressure regulator and it is broken, it can be replaced.
• Have a detailed plumbing inspection performed. You will want your plumber to do a detailed inspection of all faucets, fixtures, and plumbing lines to ensure high water pressure has not caused any damage.

What if My Pressure Is Too Low?

The first thing to check, especially if you have city water, is to see if your house has a water pressure regulator. It may be turned all the way down, which means the water pressure going into the home will be low.

If your home does not have one or you have well water, your plumber can install a water pressure booster pump. The pump should be installed and configured by a professional plumber to ensure it meets current building codes.

You do need to be aware that the pump will increase your electricity use. However, you will have higher water pressure inside your home.

Another common cause of low water pressure is water leaks. So, if you used to have decent pressure and it recently dropped, you probably have a water leak.

How Can I Find Out What My Home’s Water Pressure Is?

Most home improvement and hardware stores that sell plumbing supplies will sell water pressure gauges. You can pick up one of these and connect it to the faucet to check the pressure.

Once it is connected to the faucet, make sure all other water lines are turned off. Turn on the faucet and it will show the water pressure on the gauge.

You can also use the water pressure gauge on different faucets and fixtures to verify the pressure is consistent throughout your house. If your pressure is too high or too low, you will want to schedule a plumber to help resolve the problem.

Alternatively, you can schedule a water pressure test with your plumber, such as the plumbers at Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We are happy to test your water pressure in the San Antonio and Austin Metro areas.

If you notice signs of high water pressure in your house, or you want to have your pressure tested, call us at 512-246-5400 today.