The amount of force that comes from
the main water pipe inside your home is called water pressure. Measured in
pounds per square inch (PSI), the water pressure inside a house is usually
anywhere from 30 to 80 PSI.
If you're wondering if your water
pressure is on the high or low side, you can measure it with a water pressure
gauge. Optimum water pressure is between 60 to 70 PSI.
To better understand water pressure,
here is some helpful information on high and low water pressure, the signs and
causes, and what to do about it.
High Water Pressure
Homeowners that prefer high water
pressure might not think anything is wrong with water that comes out of the
shower or faucet with a stronger force. What these homeowners may not realize
is that water pressure that is too high can cause a myriad of problems. High
water pressure is difficult to contain. Plus it can lead to worn seals and
plumbing leaks.
High water pressure can also shorten
the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and
boiler systems.
One way to tell whether your water
pressure is too high is that your hot water runs out more quickly than it
should. You might also experience banging or clanging sounds in the pipes when
you shut off a running faucet. Noise in the pipes might also occur after you
flush the toilet.
Another indication of high water
pressure is loud appliances. If the dishwasher is louder than usual or the
washing machine is noisy while filling with water, it could mean high water
pressure is adding extra strain on the seals and mechanical pieces, which leads
to more strain and noise.
A big utility bill is another sign
that your water pressure is too high, as you use more gallons of water than you
need to.
If you notice any of these signs,
the first thing you should do is check whether you have a water pressure
regulator. This is located past the main shutoff valve, which is where the main
water line enters the house.
If you don't have a water pressure
regulator, contact a plumber to install one. If you already have a water
pressure regulator, you may need to either repair or replace it. If your water pressure
regulator works as it should, contact a plumber to determine the cause of your
high water pressure.
Low Water Pressure
Water pressure that is too low won't
cause any damage like high water pressure can. Low water pressure is more of an
annoyance than anything. It takes more time to clean your dishes or wash your
hair. Plus, you might not feel like your dishes or clothes get clean enough. It
also takes much longer to fill the bathtub or home appliances.
If you want to increase your water
pressure, you must first figure out why it is low. Some of the most common
causes of low water pressure include:
- You have too many plumbing
fixtures running at the same time.
- Your faucets, shower heads, or
other fixtures don’t work properly.
- Your water pressure regulator
has gone bad.
- Your water shutoff valves are
closed instead of fully open.
- Your pipes are clogged with
hair, food, or other debris.
- Your plumbing pipes have become
corroded.
If water pressure is too low in all
your plumbing fixtures, it may be due to any of the above reasons.
Sometimes low water pressure only
affects one plumbing fixture in your home. To determine this, go around and
test the water pressure in your sink faucets, toilet, shower, bathtub, washing
machine, and outdoor faucet. Turn on the hot and cold water for each fixture.
If water pressure is low when you turn on the hot water, you may only have a
problem with your water heater.
When you look for the cause of low
water pressure, one more thing you may want to consider is that it is a problem
with the city's municipal water system. To determine if this is the case, ask
your neighbors if they have low water pressure. If they also have low water
pressure, the city's plumbing system is likely clogged or corroded.
Low water pressure might also be due
to the fact that your home is far away from the city's municipal water system
or the water travels uphill before it reaches your home. In either of these
cases, installing a water pressure booster pump can increase your water
pressure.
Is your water pressure too high or
too low? If you need to find a solution to your water pressure problems,
contact Michigan Plumbing. We have been providing plumbing services to our customers in Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, and
Shiawassee Counties since 1992, and are happy to help you solve your plumbing
problems. We look forward to working with you.
