Having water pressure issues can be a real nuisance. Whether your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual power, understanding and managing your home’s water pressure is crucial for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, testing your water pressure is an easy task that doesn’t require special training. Learn the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to decipher the results and what a professional can do to address any issues you find.

Why Should You Test the Water Pressure?

Getting educated about your home’s water pressure ensures a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it shields your plumbing system from harm. Just like you consistently check the oil in your car, examining your water pressure a few times a year can prevent bigger problems in the future.

After all, low water pressure is aggravating, but high water pressure can actually damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The chances of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, goes up with high water pressure, potentially resulting in leaks and extensive water damage. Testing your water pressure and acting on the results can help avoid these issues.

Necessary Equipment for an At-Home Water Pressure Test

To get started, you need a basic and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are easily available at hardware or home improvement shops. When selecting a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the ability to measure as high as 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

An Easy Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at the ready, you’re set to check the water pressure. Just take these steps:

Preparation: First, ensure that all water outlets in your household are switched off. Make sure you check the following: faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water use during testing may impact your readings and give a false impression of low pressure.
Get out the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an outside faucet or hose bib. If your water is from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter to get the most accurate reading. For homes connected to a well system, attach it to a hose bib in the vicinity of the well’s pressure tank.
Determine the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet to the max. Now, check the readout to see the pressure. A preferred reading runs from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is lower than 40 psi or greater than 80 psi, it’s time to do something.

Fixing Water Pressure Problems

Here are remedies to solve water pressure problems:

High pressure: Install a water pressure regulator on your water main. This tool restricts your water pressure to a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s a good idea to review the pressure routinely, as regulators can fail without you knowing.
Low pressure: To start off with, examine any existing pressure regulators, which should be set to approximately 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should increase flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t what's causing the low pressure, the problem could be with the municipal water provider. In this case, installing a water pressure booster may aid in raising the pressure.
Normal pressure: If your pressure falls in the recommended range, no additional action is required. Just keep in mind to test your water pressure regularly to ensure it remains within this range.

When to Seek Professional Help for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S

If you’re uncertain about testing the water pressure on your own, or if you’ve found an issue that needs professional attention, don’t hesitate to contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose problems and check to be sure that no fixtures have been negatively affected by high pressure. We can also help with outfitting your home with a pressure regulator or booster if needed. Thanks to our Service Experts G uarantee, you can trust us to make the correct fix the first time around. The next time you encounter water pressure problems or other plumbing challenges in the U.S, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you!