Easy Ways You Can Test Water Pressure at Home

Experiencing water pressure issues can be a real nuisance. Whether your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual gusto, understanding and dealing with your home’s water pressure is crucial for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, checking your water pressure is a straightforward 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 correct any problems you find.

Why Is It a Good Idea to Check Your Home’s Water Pressure?

Understanding your home’s water pressure guarantees a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it protects your plumbing system from harm. Much like the way you routinely check the oil in your car, assessing your water pressure a couple of times a year can prevent bigger problems down the road.

After all, low water pressure is frustrating, but high water pressure can actually damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The risk of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, increases with high water pressure, potentially leading to leaks and extensive water damage. Testing your water pressure and making corrective actions after looking at the results can prevent these issues.

Necessary Equipment for an At-Home Water Pressure Test

To start out, you need a simple and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are readily available at hardware or home improvement retailers. When choosing 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 capability to measure up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

Detailed Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge in hand, you’re set to assess that water pressure. Just take these steps:

1. Preparation: First, ensure that all water outlets in your residence are shut off. This consists of faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water consumption while you are testing may affect your readings and give a false impression of low pressure.

2. Connect the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an external faucet or hose bib. If your water is derived from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet that is as close as possible to the water meter for the most accurate reading. For homes with a well system, connect it to a hose bib close to the well’s pressure tank.

3. Calculate the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet as wide as possible. Now, look at the readout to see the pressure. A suitable reading ranges from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is less than 40 psi or above 80 psi, it’s time to seek assistance.

Fixing Water Pressure Abnormalities

Here are the steps you should take depending on your pressure gauge reading:

• High pressure: Set up a water pressure regulator on your water main. This device keeps the pressure at a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s smart to test the pressure regularly, as equipment can fail without you knowing.
• Low pressure: First, inspect any existing pressure regulators, which should be set to roughly 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top usually will increase flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the issue, the problem might be with the municipal water provider. In this situation, setting up a water pressure booster may help.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure has a reading that falls within the recommended range, no additional action is necessary. Just don’t forget to test your water pressure occasionally to ensure it stays within this range.

When to Call an Expert for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S.

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure yourself, or if you’ve found an issue that requires professional evaluation, don’t hesitate to contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our skilled plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose what’s wrong and ensure no fixtures have been damaged by high pressure. We can also help with putting in a pressure regulator or booster if that’s what your home needs. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to fix the problem the first time around. The next time you face water pressure problems or other plumbing concerns in the U.S., call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here when you need us!