Water Pressure Problems Are Worth Fixing
When it comes to the water pressure problems within your home, there is a big difference between too low of pressure and too high of pressure – it really comes down to personal preference. However, there are a lot of factors that can impact the water pressure in your home, pushing it to be either too high or too low.
While some people may think that an issue with the water pressure in their home is not something that is worth spending the time or money looking at, the truth is that some of the underlying issues that can cause fluctuations in water pressure can actually be a lot more serious and need to be resolved.
The Low End of Water Pressure
The first place where you may notice the low water pressure in your home is the shower. Low water pressure can cause the water coming from your shower to dribble out, which often makes it rather hard to rinse off soap and shampoo. However, it can also show itself in the kitchen when you notice that pots are taking a lot longer to fill up than they should. Sometimes low water pressure can even be accompanied by a slight whistling sound resonating from your faucets.
If you think you have low water pressure, you can check by using any water pressure gauge available at your local hardware store. While you may have a certain pressure range that is ideal for your own personal comfort, typically anything under 30 PSI is considered to be a problem.
Causes For Low Water Pressure
There are a few different things that can cause low water pressure in your home, and some of them are very serious issues that need to be addressed. One of the simplest reasons for low water pressure would be a leaky pipe somewhere in your home. A leaky pipe not only means you will have low water pressure, but will also mean that you are wasting a lot of water somewhere in your home which will result in much higher water bills than normal and can even end up causing severe damage to your home if left unchecked.
One of the best ways you can check for a leaky pipe in your home is by turning off all of your water-using appliances and then checking your water meter. Do not use any water for about two to three hours, and then check your meter again. If the meter reading has increased, you have a leak somewhere.
Another issue that can cause low water pressure in your home is a restricted pipe. This means a pipe that has a build-up of minerals due to hard water. This type of blockage can be diagnosed quickly and easily by a plumber using a simple camera inspection.
High-Pressure Issues
Some signs that you may have high water pressure are the water bursting from the faucets a little too hard, or if you hear a loud thumping noise when turning off your faucets. However, the best way to tell if you have high water pressure is to check using a pressure gauge. Anything above 80 PSI is considered to be too high.
Some of the issues that come with having high water pressure in your home include a high strain on your home’s pipes, fittings and fixtures. While this issue will not immediately cause problems, if left unchecked this pressure can build up and eventually cause cracking, fixture failings, and more.
One of the best ways to deal with having too high water pressure in your home is having a plumber install a pressure regulator to your main water line. If you are experiencing some of the issues and would like a trained professional to come out and check your water pressure then contact us today!
