A common problem with home plumbing is high water pressure. Too much water being forced through the pipes can cause damage to your appliances, fixtures, or even just make it difficult to wash dishes without getting splashed. If you’re wondering how to fix high water pressure in your house, we’ve got some simple solutions for you!
- Install a flow regulator: This device will reduce the amount of water flowing into the system and should be installed by a professional plumber who knows what they’re doing.
- Purchase an air release valve: This type of valve releases air bubbles from the main line and helps relieve some of that extra pressure on your system. It’s not as effective as installing a flow regulator but it’s cheaper and easier.
There are 3 main reasons that homeowners should know as to why they should fix their high water pressure issues.
- It may cost you about 2x as much on your water bill
- High water pressure can put excessive wear and tear on your pipes
- It has been shown to decrease the lifespan of your appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine and water heater.
Bottom line is that avoiding problems caused by high water pressure can save you money in the long run.
What Causes High Water Pressure In A Home?
The cause could be a problem with your water pressure regulator or your thermal expansion relief device. It could also be that the location of your home. If your home is at the bottom of a hill, this location plays a part in your water pressure levels.
Here are the 3 most common causes of high water pressure in your home.
- If you are on city water, call a neighbor or two and see if the same thing has happened to them. If so, it may be that your water company (for whatever reason) increased their distribution pressure.
- If the high water pressure only lasts a few seconds, then it may be that you are having a problem with your expansion tank (if you have one installed).
- If the water pressure remains high the entire time your water is running, then the problem may be with your water pressure regulator.
We recommend that you have your plumber come out to assess the problem in your home.
What Is Good Water Pressure For A House?
There actually is no specific number when it comes to how much water pressure you should have in your home. Some homeowners like it when water comes out in force whereas others prefer that it comes out slower.
But, we can give you some averages and what is considered low water pressure and high water pressure.
- On average, the water pressure in residential homes ranges between 45 psi and 80 psi. But a good professional plumber will tell you that it really should be within the range of 45 psi to 55 psi.
- If your water pressure is below 40 psi then it’s considered low and any number less than 30 is considered extremely low.
- If your water pressure is above 80 psi it’s considered to be too high and may actually end up damaging
How Do I Lower The Water Pressure In My Home
You might be experiencing high water pressure problems because of the location of your home. For example, if you live near a fire hydrant or tall buildings then it’s possible that these locations are keeping more fluids in motion than they would otherwise have been without this interference. However if gravity due to being on a downslope is causing or contributing to your issue (which happens often here in Georgia) you’ll have to discuss with your plumber about options to help you with your high water pressure problems.
After all, you can’t pick up your home and move it to a new location! But there are some solutions. Each individual case is different so please call us and we’ll be happy to send out one of our plumbers to help you solve your high water pressure problems.
Otherwise – for most other causes of high water pressure you can fix the problem by using a water pressure regulator (aka water pressure reducing valve). If you’re a DIY kind of person you can install it yourself or you can call in a plumber to do the work for you.
If you have any questions about water pressure or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.