People equate high water pressure with powerful and hot showers. This is wonderful but can also result in running out of hot water quickly. There are many other problems caused by high water pressure that most homeowners are unaware of. Many may not even know they have the pressure that is too high.
Other Reasons Pressure is High
Water pressure can be high without occupants of the home raising it. Municipalities will raise water pressure in an area to accommodate the needs of businesses, hotels, schools, and other commercial entities. Homes around commercial buildings may find pressure high as a result of this practice.
High pressure can also be caused by gravity. Water runs downhill, so homes located at the middle or bottom of a hill will have high pressure. Many developments are constructed after the excavation of a sloped landscape, leaving buyers unaware that groundwater is affected by gravity.
Ideal Residential Pressure
Water pressure is measured in psi, which stands for pressure per square inch. Fifty to seventy psi is the appropriate pressure for residential settings. The pressure that rises above seventy-five begins to damage plumbing systems and fixtures.
Measuring water pressure can be done by a certified plumber as part of a routine system check. Information regarding plumbing services is available at any plumbing website such as maplewoodplumbing.com. A pressure relief valve can be installed to keep water pressure at normal levels.
Homeowners can check their pressure to make sure it is within recommended psi with a water gauge. The tool can be purchased at any home improvement store and is easy to use. Testing includes installing the gauge on an outside faucet to get a pressure reading.
Signs of High Pressure
Warning signs of high water pressure range from barely noticeable, such as a faucet with a slow leak, to a damaged water heater. Between those extremes banging pipes, running toilets, and short life spans of appliances that use water are other signs.
Signs that are not visible include eroding pipes and bursting hoses and inlet lines leading to dishwashers, ice-makers, and washing machines. Thousands of gallons of wasted water per year is also not noticeable day today.
Water Heater Damage
Issues with a water heater can also cause damage to flooring, drywall, and any items stored in the basement. Thermal expansion is a process that will ruin the heater. High pressure completely fills the heater, leaving excess water nowhere to go when it becomes hot. This results in several small leaks or seams becoming loose and causing the heater to burst.
Additional Costs
While fixing damages are obvious costs, one cost can take some time to associate with a water pressure increase. Leaks and wasted water will cause water bills to spike. Homeowners receive bills for water monthly or quarterly in most regions, so making the connection to water pressure is not common.
Replacement of fixtures and appliances that utilize water will not happen at the same time. Reasons for replacing an appliance may be attributed to the quality of the brand name or the skill level of those who installed it. Extensive use may also be considered the cause for replacement.
The desire for a hot shower is hard to resist, but the consequences of setting your water pressure too high are not worth it.