Have you ever dealt with weak shower pressure, slow faucets, or loud pipes? These are all signs of water pressure problems, which are common but can cause more issues than you might realize. Water pressure issues, both high water pressure and low water pressure, can be a sign of a deeper-rooted issue with your plumbing system. We are going to discuss how water pressure problems affect your entire plumbing system and what you can do about them if you are experiencing them in your home.
What is “Normal” Water Pressure?
If you’ve dealt with high or low water pressure, then you might be wondering what is actually considered “normal” water pressure. Firstly, water pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). It’s also important to understand that PSI can vary by home and time of day. With that said, a “normal” PSI range is 50-60, with higher ranges around 80 PSI. For low water pressure, the minimum is 40 PSI for plumbing systems to work properly. Ultimately, you want your water pressure to be between 50 and 60 PSI for your plumbing to work properly, without low pressure or stress from high pressure.
What is Pounds Per Square Inch, or PSI?
PSI is the unit of measurement used to describe water pressure and how pressurized it is. It measures exactly how much force your water exerts as it passes through the pipes. To break it down, low water pressure means the water moving through your pipes has less force, and high water pressure means the water moving through your pipes has excessive force. It is quite comparable to tire air pressure, and it’s measured the same way.
What is Abnormal for Water Pressure?
As we stated, there is a sweet spot for normal water pressure, but everything outside of that range is abnormal. If your water pressure is consistently below 40 PSI, this can indicate a blockage or a leak. If you have water pressure above 80 PSI, this can lead to a variety of issues, such as leaks, pipe stress, fixture damage, and appliance failure. Keeping track of your PSI ensures you know your water pressure and what it means for your plumbing system.
Why Water Pressure Can Change Throughout the Day
Water pressure fluctuates slightly during the day, depending on what is happening with the city or your neighborhood water system. Some of the reasons this happens are:
Peak Usage Times
There are certain times of day when water pressure may drop because it is during high-demand hours. Usually, these peak times are early in the morning, when people are showering, doing laundry, brushing their teeth, or running appliances. It can be in the evening when people are taking baths, cooking dinner, or watering the lawn.
Water Supply Adjustments
Cities may adjust pressure levels depending on water tower levels, pumping station output, and maintenance work. This isn’t something that happens consistently, but if you notice a one-off moment when your water pressure is low, it could be due to water supply adjustments.
Seasonal Demand
Some seasons will lead to higher water usage, which can cause pressure fluctuations. For example, in the summer months, sprinkler systems, pool use, and overall water demand increase, which can lead to lower water pressure.
How Water Pressure Can Affect Plumbing
Water pressure can cause damage to your internal plumbing by increasing stress on pipes, toilets, and other components. It can cause leaks, running toilets, shortened lifespan of plumbing applications, and damaged pipes. Because water runs throughout the entire plumbing of your home, it can affect every area of your plumbing system, including the outdoor spigots, pipes, valves, fixtures, appliances, and your water heater. This makes it extremely important to get water pressure issues solved as soon as possible to avoid potential damage elsewhere in your plumbing system.
Why High Water Pressure Can Be Worse Than Low Water Pressure
When it comes to water pressure, many people are concerned mainly about low water pressure and how it can affect their water use. However, high water pressure is actually more detrimental and can cause more problems than low water pressure. High water pressure can strain pipes, faucets, toilets, washing machine hoses, and water heater components, leading to a range of issues throughout your home.
How to Check Your Own Water Pressure
If you are concerned about your water pressure and want to ensure it is within the right range, it’s best to check it yourself. One of the easiest ways to check your water pressure is with a water pressure gauge. You can buy this at most hardware stores, making it accessible for most homeowners. Place the gauge on an outdoor hose spigot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check your own water pressure:
- Make sure the water is turned off in the house. No washing machines, dishwashers, or faucets are running.
- Screw the gauge onto the outdoor spigot.
- Turn on the spigot fully, with the full pressure.
- Look at the PSI reading on the gauge to determine your water pressure.
Keep in mind what a normal PSI reading is and what isn’t when looking at the gauge. Be sure to determine if you have normal, high, or low water pressure and what that means for your home. If you suspect you have water pressure issues, it’s important to test your water at different times of day. A single test can give you a general idea, but to get a more accurate representation of your water pressure, it’s crucial to test multiple times a day at different times. This is also the case because if you do high usage, you get low-pressure readings, so for accuracy, you should test at different times of the day.
Don’t Ignore Water Pressure Problems
Now that you understand more about water pressure and how it affects your plumbing systems, you must not ignore water pressure issues. Test your water pressure frequently and ensure that it is within range. If you notice your water pressure is too low or too high, contact a professional to determine the cause. Ignoring water pressure problems can cause damage and stress to your plumbing, leading to a variety of other issues in your home. If you suspect water pressure issues, contact All Year Cooling and Plumbing for a professional opinion.