Tips to Help Test Your Home’s Water Pressure

Going through water pressure issues can be a real nuisance. Regardless if your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual intensity, understanding and managing your home’s water pressure is necessary for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, evaluating your water pressure is an easy task that doesn’t demand special training. Find out about the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to understand the results and what a professional can do to correct any irregularities 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 deterioration. Similar to how you routinely check the oil in your car, getting a read on your water pressure a couple of times a year can prevent bigger problems down the road.

After all, low water pressure is irritating, but high water pressure can significantly damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The possibility of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, is greater with high water pressure, potentially leading to leaks and extensive water damage. Testing your water pressure and making corrective actions after looking at the results can prevent these issues.

Necessary Equipment for an At-Home Water Pressure Test

To start out, you need a simple and affordable tool called a pressure gauge. These are readily available at hardware or home improvement retailers. When selecting 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).

Detailed Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at the ready, you’re set to check the water pressure. Just follow these steps:

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

2. Get out the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an external faucet or hose bib. If your water is derived from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter to ensure the most accurate reading. For homes with a well system, connect 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 as far as it will go. Now, check the readout to determine the pressure. A suitable reading ranges from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is lower than 40 psi or above 80 psi, it’s time to seek assistance.

Addressing Water Pressure Problems

Here are remedies to solve water pressure problems:

• High pressure: Set up a water pressure regulator on your water main. This hardware keeps the pressure at a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s smart to review the pressure routinely, as regulators can fail without obvious symptoms.
• Low pressure: To begin with, inspect any pre-existing pressure regulators, which should be set to approximately 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should improve flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the issue, the problem may possibly be with the municipal water source. In this situation, using a water pressure booster may aid in raising the pressure.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure has a reading that falls within the appropriate range, no further action is necessary. Just keep in mind to test your water pressure periodically to ensure it continues to be within this range.

When to Call an Expert for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S.

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure on your own, or if you’ve found an issue that needs professional evaluation, don’t hesitate to call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our talented plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose problems and make sure no fixtures have been negatively affected by high pressure. We can also help with putting in a pressure regulator or booster if the situation requires. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to make the correct fix the first time around. The next time you face water pressure problems or other plumbing difficulties in the U.S., call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you!