To be perfectly honest, people are usually more concerned with low water pressure than high water pressure. While we often hear complaints about showers and faucets that don’t provide quite enough oomph, it’s rare to hear grumbling about water that comes out too strongly.
That being said…
We do often get complaints about issues that may not seem to be related to high water pressure but actually are. And also, just because people aren’t complaining about high water pressure does not mean that it’s not a serious problem.
So, let’s take a quick dive into the world of home plumbing and give you some quick tips on how to diagnose and solve high water pressure:
What Is High Water Pressure?
High water pressure occurs when too much water is overloading your plumbing system. Water pressure is measured in psi (pounds per square inch) and ideally ranges between about 40-60 psi. Most pipes and appliances are not designed to exceed 80 psi.
Like high blood pressure, high water pressure puts a strain on your entire system and it can impact your pipes, appliances, and faucets alike.
What Causes High Water Pressure?
High water pressure can be caused by many factors with one common element: They’re all outside of your control. Living at the bottom of a hill, in a city with lots of tall buildings, or near a fire hydrant can all be among the culprits of high water pressure. Ultimately, though, solving the issue is more important than figuring out why the problem is occurring in the first place.
How Do You Know if Your Water Pressure Is High?
Short of measuring it with a pressure gauge (or hiring a plumber to do that for you), there’s no definitive way to know how high your water pressure is.
That being said, here are a few telltale clues:
Dripping Faucets
Faucets that constantly drip or spray when first turned on can be a sign of too much pressure.
Banging Pipes
Highly pressurized water can bang around in your pipes when you turn a faucet or appliance off.
High Water Bills
Bills that are higher than they used to be (or higher than those of neighbours with comparable houses) can indicate more water is coming out of your faucets than should be.
Worn-Out Appliances
Appliances that start leaking or need replacing sooner than expected may be exhausted from handling extra water pressure.
Dripping Pipes
Pipes are not designed to handle extreme pressure and can often leak (or even burst) under stress.
What Should I Do if I Suspect High Water Pressure?
If you suspect high water pressure in your home, call a professional plumber right away. It’s not worth waiting on this one, as damage can be extensive and costly. Also, there’s a relatively easy fix and it’s called a pressure reduction valve or pressure regulator. If you’ve got a newer home, chances are you’ve already got one of these devices since they’ve been mandatory since 2002. But, they can break or malfunction and require replacement every 7-12 years.
If you want to have your home water pressure checked or require other plumbing services in Winnipeg, give us a call at Clean Line Plumbing today!