If you have ever noticed that the water coming out of your pipes suddenly felt as if somebody had turned on the pressure, you might suspect that something is wrong. For example, something is definitely wrong if suddenly the pressure hurts to touch. Likely, nobody wants to shower or wash their hands when the pressure is that high.
This guide will help you determine why your water pressure is so high and what you can do to remedy the situation.
Likely, nobody wants low water pressure. In fact, low water pressure is one of the biggest complaints associated with living in apartments and older homes. People want adequate water pressure, but they do not want to shower in water so hard it hurts them.
In addition to being uncomfortable, high water pressure is also damaging. The high pressure can actually damage your boiler or other tanks. You might also see damage to your appliances and fixtures. You can discover damage from high water pressure through leaky faucets or frequent replacement of appliances and fixtures — including your water heater.
High water pressure can also contribute to flooding in your home. Flooding occurs when the high water pressure leads to leaks in your pipes. The pipes could shoot water out near the floor or into the walls.
Lastly, high water pressure often causes you to pay more on your water bill each month. One reason for this is leaking and flooding, but more water shooting out of your faucets also uses up more water. The cost of heating this extra water also plays a role in your expenses.
Sometimes, people do not feel the increase in water pressure when they turn on the faucet. In cases like those, you can use other signs to determine the water pressure may be too high.
A water hammer is another sign you have a water pressure problem on your hands. Look for loud signs, like banging, that appear to come out of your pipes.
When you turn on the faucet, you might hear sputtering and then see some sputtering in the way the water comes out of the faucet. You might also notice that the toilet constantly runs. These odd occurrences are also signs of other problems, but when combined with these other signs, this may be a symptom of high water pressure.
Finally, monitor your water pressure and see what happens. Generally, water pressure is not supposed to be
over 80 psi
but is more commonly around
45 psi.
The first thing you should do if you have high water pressure you cannot fix yourself is to contact a plumber right away. Water pressure issues could indicate a problem that requires extensive work by a professional.
A professional may recommend installing a water pressure regulator. This device ensures your water does not exceed a specific pressure, saving your appliances and your wallet.
Additionally, the plumber may need to fix issues the high water pressure has already caused. For example, if you have leaks in your pipes, the plumber will repair them. You may also require some repairs for your appliances and fixtures to ensure no further damage occurs.
Michigan Plumbing
provides expert plumbing services throughout the state of Michigan. If you experience issues with water pressure, call us right away. We can assess your situation and recommend remedies to help you treat the issue. We are also happy to answer any of your questions and concerns about water pressure and related issues.
