Low water pressure is a troublesome issue for any household. However, excessively high-water pressure is just as much of a problem. When the water pressure exceeds standard levels, it can put a lot of stress on the pipes in your home. High water pressure can cause pinhole leaks and shorten the life of any appliances that use water. In addition, it is likely to increase your water bill each month.
Do you have banging pipes, dripping faucets, or constantly running toilets? Similarly, does your hot water run out faster than you think it should? These troublesome symptoms may indicate your water pressure is too high. To verify the issue, purchase a water pressure gauge at the hardware store. Attach it to a faucet and turn on the water. The pressure should read between 40 to 60 PSI. A higher rating means you must figure out what is causing the water pressure to increase.
High water pressure creates extreme wear and tear on your plumbing system. Left unchecked, it will cause damage to the pipes, plumbing and appliances in your home. If you are experiencing high water pressure in your home, the best thing to do is contact a plumber. This professional will diagnose the situation and provide a recommended solution.
Why is the water pressure too high in the house? There may be several explanations. Here are six common reasons for high water pressure:
Water Pressure Regulator
The water pressure regulator works as the name implies. This device regulates the water pressure from the public water main as it comes into your house. Many homes have the devices installed as a preventative measure to protect against sudden surges in water pressure. They are typically found at the main, where the water comes into your home.
If the water pressure regulator has failed, the result will be a sudden increase in your home’s water pressure. You may adjust or replace this component on your own. However, never hesitate to call a plumbing service if you want help.
Water Heater
When the water warms up, it expands. This scientific phenomenon causes the water pressure to increase. This additional pressure can become an issue if your water heater has a defective valve or expansion tank. If your water pressure is already on the higher side, the extra stress of this thermal expansion can lead to problems. If you believe there is an issue with your water heater, contact a professional plumber for an inspection.
Municipal Water Supply
If you live in a city, your water likely comes from a municipal supply. That means a local utility company is responsible for maintaining the water pressure in your area. Do you live in a neighbourhood with many tall buildings and fire hydrants? If so, the water company may have increased the water pressure to compensate for the high usage.
Due to the utility company, there could be some degree of fluctuations in the water pressure. The severity may vary depending on how far you are from the main. Try contacting your water company if you believe they are to blame for your pressure woes. They may send someone to verify if the issue is in the main supply line.
Backflow Prevention Device
A backflow prevention device ensures that water from your home doesn’t flow back into the main water supply, causing contamination. The purpose of this valve is to ensure that your home’s plumbing system maintains pressure. Over time, there can be a build-up of pressure that gets trapped in the pipes. This build-up leads to high water pressure. If there’s an issue with the backflow valve, this is a plumbing emergency. Call a professional right away.
Corroded Pipes
Over time, pipes can corrode. This corrosion can decrease the circumference of the pipe’s interior. As the inside diameter becomes smaller, there is less space for water to flow through the pipes. This restriction can impact the water pressure in your house. Similarly, high water pressure may cause pipes to wear out more rapidly. A plumber will be able to help diagnose this issue and come up with a plan to replace the affected pipes.
Well Water Systems
Does your home use a well water system? Water is pumped out of the ground and carried into the house. Sometimes, the well pump is set to a higher pressure than necessary, causing discrepancies. Likewise, the pressure switch may become corroded and can’t regulate correctly. That causes the pump to run continuously. You should contact a plumber for further assistance.