If you have recently discovered your home has high Water Pressure, it can mean bad news for your household's plumbing system. The water bill could skyrocket, and your pipes, fixtures, and appliances may also suffer damage in the process. There are countless reasons to be concerned as prolonged issues can lead to massive problems in the home with costly fixes. Homeowners who ignore these issues tend to regret their decisions within a short amount of time as a small problem can turn into a large one without much happening in the meantime.
Below are a few of the issues that can lead to bigger problems if left unfixed.
Leaking toilets and fixtures
If the water in the commode is constantly running or making a swooshing sound, you probably have a leak. The unit is made to cut off after the tank has filled with water. However, if the water pressure is too high, it will force the water out of the tank, resulting in water running straight down the drain.
High pressure can lead to pinhole leaks, which might not be evident. Even a small leak can cause problems if they aren’t repaired. The constant leaking could cause wall or floor damages and lead to costly repairs.
Water hammer
According to BobVilla.com, if the pressure in your home is too high, it can cause water hammer. You will notice a banging in the pipes which can be adjusted with a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) or water-pressure regulator. The regulator should be installed by someone who has good plumbing skills. A PRV valve is probably installed if your home was built after 2002. Every new home on the market is now required to have the valve, which can last for approximately seven to twelve years.
Appliance damages
Water pressure in a normal home runs between 30 and 55 psi (per square inch). It is important the pressure doesn’t exceed the maximum (not over 60 psi) setting, as most of the plumbing systems aren’t designed to have pressures over 80 psi.
Many warranties are voided if the water pressure exceeds 100 psi.
You can avoid some water pressure issues if you purchase a water pressure testing gauge from your local home improvement store. Attach the gauge to a water heater drain connection or outside faucet to test the psi. Wait for 48 hours to see if the pressure is at an appropriate level.
It is essential to be concerned if you have high water pressure in your home. You should always check your plumbing fixtures for leaks or other damage on a regular basis. High water pressure can cause many of these issues but wasting water is also part of the problem. If you have no idea what is going on, it is probably time to call a qualified plumber for the chore.