Many homeowners assume more water pressure is better. But pressure that's too high puts constant stress on pipes, fittings, fixtures, and appliances, and it can quietly shorten their lives.
What's a healthy range?
Home water pressure is generally considered healthy between about 40 and 60 psi. Plumbing codes generally call for a pressure regulator when pressure is over 80 psi.
Signs of high pressure
- Banging or hammering pipes when a faucet or appliance shuts off
- Faucets or toilets that leak, drip, or run
- Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines failing early
- A water heater relief valve that drips
- Spraying or splashing from faucets
- Recurring small leaks at fittings
How to test your pressure
- Buy an inexpensive water pressure gauge at a hardware store. It screws onto an outdoor hose bib.
- Make sure no water is running in the house.
- Attach the gauge, turn the faucet on fully, and read the pressure.
- For a fuller picture, test at different times of day, since pressure can be higher overnight when neighbors aren't using water.
What to do if it's too high
Most homes with high pressure need a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), which is installed where the water line enters the house and set to bring pressure to a safe level. Homes that already have one may need it adjusted or replaced, since these valves wear out over time. Homes with a PRV or a closed system may also need a thermal expansion tank.
Adjusting or replacing a pressure regulator is a job for a licensed plumber, since it involves the main water line. If your gauge reads over 80 psi, or you're seeing the signs above, it's worth having it checked before it causes a leak.
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