When it comes to water pressure in your home, it’s always best to be like Goldilocks and the Three Bears and get it just right. Low water pressure will always be unsatisfactory, especially when you’re standing under the shower or trying to fill the bath or kitchen sink.
But surely it’s not that much of a problem having high water pressure, right? Right?
As it happens, when the water pressure is too high, the consequences for your home can be significant. Even more so if you don’t do anything about your high water pressure in a timely manner.
Thankfully, high water pressure is easy to detect and get under control before it causes severe damage. So let’s find out how to detect high water pressure, the best ways to rein it in, and how to prevent it in the future.
Signs that your water pressure is too high
There are several common indicators to look out for that point to your home’s water pressure being too high. Catch them early and save yourself from costly repairs later. Look out for:
- Banging or hammering pipes (AKA water hammer): This phenomenon occurs when water flow suddenly stops, which causes the pipes to vibrate.
- Leaking taps: Constant drips from leaky taps can indicate high water pressure damaging the washers in your tapware.
- Running toilets: If your toilet won’t stop running, don’t rule out excess water pressure as a possible cause.
- Burst appliance hoses: Water pressure that is just too high can cause your washing machine and dishwasher hoses to split.
Catch these issues early and, with help from licensed plumbers, you can keep your plumbing system healthy.
How to check your water pressure
Checking your water pressure is a simple task that will save you from bigger plumbing issues later. All you need is a water pressure gauge which you can find at most hardware stores.
Attach the gauge to any tap – it could be at the kitchen sink or even outside in the garden – and turn the water on to full flow. The gauge will give you a reading in kilopascals (kPa), which is the standard unit for measuring water pressure in Australia.
Mr Emergency Plumbing suggests that your home’s water pressure should be around 500 kilopascals (kPa) – 300kPa at a minimum. That’s your sweet spot range. Any higher than 500 kPa, and yo’’ll likely need a licensed plumber to adjust your water pressure as it is currently too high.
Why high water pressure is a problem
High water pressure may seem like a major win when you’re soaking underneath a hot shower. For your home, though, it’s a bigger problem than you perhaps might realise.
Excessive pressure puts unnecessary stress on your water pipes. Over time, this can result in anything from minor leaks to major pipe bursts. Not only will you need to pay for their repairs but for the lost water as well.
Appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher are also at risk, as their hoses and internal components aren’t made to handle constant high pressure. The relentless force of too much water can also wear out their seals and valves, causing premature failure and costly repairs.
Beyond the obvious damage consequences, high water pressure also simply means you’ll use more water. It’ll leave you with higher bills and water waste.
Effective steps to reduce water pressure
So your water pressure is too high. No stress – you can take a few relatively simple steps to return it to where it should be. These tips will help you avoid damaging your plumbing and appliances:
- Install a pressure regulator: You can control water pressure by fitting a pressure-reducing valve to your main water line.
- Adjust your existing regulator: If you’ve already got a pressure regulator, make sure it’s set correctly and adjust if necessary.
- Call your water provider: Sometimes high pressure comes from the main supply and your provider may be able to get you back on track.
- Check the pressure-reducing valve: Make sure your home has a working valve that manages pressure.
These steps will keep your water pressure safe while also protecting your home from avoidable stress caused by your plumbing system.
Call on a licensed plumber
Sometimes tackling high water pressure on your own isn’t enough, particularly if you’re unsure what’s causing the problem or how to fix it. That’s when calling a licensed plumber is necessary.
A professional and experienced plumber has the right tools, skills and knowledge to comprehensively assess your entire plumbing system and make the necessary adjustments. They can install or fine-tune a pressure regulator, check for system leaks or worn-out valves and make sure everything is working correctly. Trying to do it yourself could lead to more problems down the track. Not only that, but in most (if not all) states and territories it can be against the law.
By calling a licensed plumber, you can enjoy the confidence of knowing they’ve safely and effectively fixed the issue. You’ll have also saved yourself valuable time and avoided unnecessary future repairs.
Preventing future water pressure issues
Preventing future water pressure issues is all about consistent maintenance and keeping an eye on your plumbing system.
Start by checking your pressure regulator at least once a year to make sure your pressure is at the right levels, and adjust if necessary. If your home has old pipes or valves, consider replacing them as they are more vulnerable to problems relating to high water pressure.
Monitor your water usage for any sudden inexplicable changes as these could point to a pressure issue. Finally, keep on top of small leaks or signs of wear and tear as these can be early signs of pressure problems.
By doing these steps you’ll keep your plumbing system healthy and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Keep your home safe from high water pressure
High water pressure may seem harmless but the damage it can do to your plumbing system and appliances is no joke. By checking your water pressure regularly and taking the appropriate action when necessary, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your home’s plumbing fixtures.
Simple steps like installing a pressure regulator or calling a licensed plumber can make all the difference. Keeping your water pressure under control will save you money in the long run and preserve the good condition of your home’s plumbing system for years to come.
If you have high water pressure and need it fixed, get a quote from a local Sydney plumber, Melbourne plumber, Brisbane plumber and almost everywhere in between. With upfront pricing and guaranteed workmanship, from Best Plumbers Club members, you’re in good hands.
