Right House Water Pressure
Whether you are browsing the housing market for a new home or have lived in your current residence for years, you likely want to have decent water pressure. Good water pressure in your home is convenient, reduces cleaning times, allows sprinklers and other appliances to run well, and gives off a luxurious feel during showers. However, high pressure can be problematic.
High water pressure increases the risk of severe plumbing damage. The force of the water flowing through pipes can put undue stress on them, their connectors, and fixtures.
Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. is the go-to plumbing company serving Bartlett, IL, and the surrounding communities. Excessive water pressure is a common cause of leaking pipes. To ensure that your home doesn’t experience the damage that comes with high water pressure, we outline everything you need to know about the problem below, including the best solution.
Do you suspect that your property does not meet the recommended house water pressure requirement? Reach out to our experienced Bartlett plumbing contractors for assistance.
Dangers of High Water Pressure
High house water pressure is a serious concern. If the force of water is excessive as it flows through your plumbing, it could lead to pipe leaks.
Since you might not realize how high water pressure affects your system right away, the resulting damage could be long-term. Some of the effects of a plumbing leak are structural damage, expensive property and plumbing repairs, and black mold.
How Water Pressure Affects Plumbing
Excessive water pressure can cause a persistent pipe leak or burst pipe because of the wear and tear the water causes as it forcibly travels through the pipeline and to your fixtures. Over time, the water flow can wear pipes and connectors down and cause the lines to shake and rattle. Not only can the noise be a nuisance, but it can also loosen the plumbing enough to cause a small leak.
High pressure can also cause extensive damage to a water heater. Water expands as its temperature rises, but water heaters usually have a thermal expansion tank to accommodate the heated water. However, if the pressure is too high, the tank might not have enough room for the expanded water, which could cause the water heater to burst.
Causes of High House Water Pressure
One of the main culprits of high house water pressure is adjustments to the water main pressure. The city is in control of the water main, and it may adjust its pressure based on the size and needs of the communities it serves. Sometimes, water main adjustments can cause uneven water pressures in residential plumbing systems.
If your backflow prevention equipment stops working, your home can also develop high water pressure. The device’s purpose is to prevent water in your pipes from traveling back into the city’s water system and contaminating it. However, the backflow prevention device also helps maintain water pressure, so a faulty or damaged backflow device can affect your home’s water pressure.
You should have a water pressure regulator installed in your plumbing system. The regulator effectively reduces water pressure from the local water main to ensure that the flow accommodates your plumbing system. If the regulator fails, your water pressure can spike.
Recommended House Water Pressure
Water pressure measurement is in pounds per square inch (psi). Psi is the force at which water flows into a residence from its water main.
Typically, a standard residential property would have a plumbing system with a pressure range between 40 to 80 psi. If your home’s pressure is higher or lower than the recommended range, then you may need to adjust, repair, or install a pressure regulator. Though house water pressure under 40 psi can create problems, pressure exceeding 80 psi can violate local plumbing codes.
Warning Signs of Too Much Pressure
Your home could have excessive water pressure for several reasons. For instance, your neighborhood’s water service could be the culprit, as well as the elevation of your property. Regardless of the reason, you can usually tell your water pressure range is not ideal if you notice the following warning signs.
1. Water Bills Are Higher Than Normal
Water bills sometimes spike and decrease throughout the year due to the frequency of use. However, if the bills increase dramatically without changing how your household is using water, the problem could be due to high water pressure and the leaks it causes.
2. Pipes Emit Banging Sounds
When water travels forcibly through pipes that cannot handle the pressure, the plumbing could create a “hammer effect” when someone flushes a toilet or turns on a faucet. The hammer effect refers to the knocking or banging sounds pipelines make with water flows too quickly through them. Ignoring the sound and not addressing the pressure issue can permanently damage the plumbing system.
3. Appliances Are Excessively Loud
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can also produce loud sounds while in use. However, loud noises that occur when water fills the machine could result from high water pressure.
4. Hot Water Supply Is Limited
Running out of hot water too quickly during a shower or while operating the washing machine could indicate a pressure problem. If your home’s pressure is too high, the water heater tank will fill up faster than it can warm the new supply.
How to Reduce House Water Pressure
The best way to bring your home’s water pressure to its optimal range is by installing a pressure regulator or repairing an existing unit. The gauge will keep the incoming pressure in a good range, regardless of the water main’s psi. Depending on your regulator type, you might have to adjust it manually or wait for it to adjust your home’s pressure automatically.
Quality Water Heater Services in Bartlett, IL
If you are struggling to maintain the recommended house water pressure at your residence, turn to our professional plumbers at Advantage Plumbing and Sewer Co. Proudly serving Bartlett, IL, and the surrounding areas, our team can address water pressure issues, including remedying the causes of low water pressure. Call us at 847-268-3553 today to request an appointment.
