Learn How to Tell If Your Home’s Water Pressure Is Too High or Too Low
Just as maintaining your blood pressure is essential for your body’s health, maintaining your water pressure is vital to your home’s health. You shouldn’t overlook the signs that it’s time to test your water pressure, but most homeowners only notice something wrong with their water pressure when their showers are uncomfortable and their dishes are only partially clean. However, routinely checking if your water pressure is in the right range can help you address any issues before you end up with uncomfortable showers, dirty dishes, or expensive plumbing mishaps. Know that your plumbing and water systems are in the best shape possible with regular water pressure tests.
Keep reading to learn more about why you should test your home’s water pressure, how to test your water pressure, how to fix the issue if the pressure is too low or high, and how Honest Air Conditioning And Plumbing LLC. can help with all your plumbing problems.
Why You Should Test Your Home’s Water Pressure
Most people don’t realize how many of their daily activities require adequate water pressure until their water pressure is too low. Low water pressure can affect your washing machine, dishwasher cycles, showers, faucets, and hoses, but low water pressure should only be half of your concern. High water pressure is very harmful to your plumbing lines and pipe connections. If your water pressure remains high for an extended period, pipeline and hose blowouts can occur, causing your home to turn into a flood zone.
Even if your home has a pressure regulator, don’t risk it. By regularly testing your home’s water pressure, you can catch a water pressure problem before it worsens and damages your plumbing system.
How to Test Your Home’s Water Pressure
Testing your home’s water pressure is not nearly as difficult as it seems. Usually, you’ll only need one tool to complete the project: an inexpensive pressure gauge, which you can purchase at any local hardware store. You’ll want to choose one that is easy to hook up, has a rubber gasket to form a tight seal, and can measure 300 pounds per square inch (psi). After obtaining the proper tools, follow these steps to test your home’s water pressure.
- Check for Running Water – Water pressure readings are only accurate when no water is being used. Make sure you check for running water both inside and outside your home. Washing machines, dishwashers, showers, and all faucets need to be turned off.
- Install the Pressure Gauge – To install your pressure gauge, remove the hose from the faucet (if there is one) and screw the gauge onto the faucet. You will find a rubber gasket inside the gauge. You should then be able to hand-tighten the pressure gauge on the faucet, but if there is a loose connection, you can use a wrench to tighten it. There needs to be a good seal between the gauge and faucet to get an accurate test.
- Check the Pressure – Once you turn on the faucet all the way, you’ll be able to read the pressure on the gauge’s dial. Most residential water pressures range from 40 to 75 psi in the Austin area and typically don’t exceed 80 psi. Austin Local and Texas state plumbing codes do not allow for pressure to be over 80 psi. If you get a gauge reading of 50 psi or lower or 75 psi or higher, consult with a reputable local plumbing contractor immediately.
What to Do If Your Home’s Water Pressure Is Too Low
If your home’s water pressure is too low, look at your pressure regulator. Your regulator is set by the manufacturer (usually) for 50 psi and set by the plumber when installed according to the system requirements for local and state plumbing codes if it’s set too low. An adjustment can be made to existing regulators, however additional factors need to be considered such as age, hard water, chloramine, improper installation. However, if you don’t have a regulator or if it’s already set correctly, your municipal water utility could be delivering low water flow to your home. To help solve your low water pressure, install a water pressure booster to improve your water flow.
What to Do If Your Home’s Water Pressure Is Too High
Although it may be nice to get increased water flow from your faucets, your pipes and fixtures could be taking on expensive damage. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi, you’ll need to install a pressure regulator. Most plumbing professionals also recommend them to protect the system from an unanticipated increase in municipality delivered pressure. Pressure regulators will help maintain your water pressure flow, lowering it if required.
Experiencing Water Pressure Issues? Contact Our Certified Plumbing Contractor!
If your home’s water pressure system isn’t working correctly, Honest Air Conditioning And Plumbing LLC. is here to help! You can count on our certified plumber to provide comprehensive plumbing solutions that keep your water pressure between 40 and 50 psi.
We’re also proud to offer our local Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Pflugerville, and Round Rock, TX communities a full slate of plumbing and HVAC services, including plumbing repair, furnace maintenance, duct cleaning, and much more. Reach out to us today to discuss your HVAC or plumbing project.
