We usually think of high water pressure as a good thing, especially when it comes to showering. However, did you know that too high of water pressure can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing infrastructure? High water pressure can manifest in multiple ways around your home, including a dripping faucet or a sudden leak in the washing machine.
Most fixtures can only handle up to 80 psi — anything higher could start causing problems in your plumbing and all your appliances. Here are some tell-tale signs from the After Hour Plumbing & Drain team that your water pressure has climbed too high and what you can do about it!
What Should My Water Pressure Be?
Water pressure readings will gauge how high your water pressure is by telling you what your exact psi (pounds per square inch) is. You can purchase water pressure test gauges from your local hardware store and attach one to the exterior faucet of your water heater.
The average psi for a home falls between 40-60, with most homeowners opting for something right in the middle: 50 psi. If the number is too high, you may use more water than necessary, wracking up an expensive water bill. Too low of a number means it may take longer than needed to complete specific tasks, such as showering or cleaning.
It’s essential to figure out and adjust to what level works best for you and your household.
Loud Appliances
Most of our household appliances produce a certain amount of noise when operating. However, if you notice that your appliances are making more noise than usual, for instance, a loud dishwasher or noisy washing machine while it fills up, this may be a sign that you have high water pressure.
This is because the mechanical pieces and seals that are built into these appliances are being worn down at a faster rate by the high water pressure, causing your machines to strain and, by extension, make more noise.
Banging/Clanging Pipes
Whenever you flush your toilet or turn off your faucet, you usually should hear minimal noise from these actions. If you hear any shuddering, banging or clanging from your walls after finishing mundane tasks, this is a sign of high water pressure.
The shuddering you hear means that your pipes are most likely attempting to adapt to the increasing water pressure when you turn off the running water. This is also a sign that you’ll likely be dealing with leaks from your appliances soon. If you hear excessive noise from your pipes, we recommend calling your local plumber asap!
Short Hot Water Supply
Most water heaters are designed to take in a set amount of water, simultaneously maintaining a consistent temperature until the tank is empty. If your water pressure is too high, this could cause the water in your water heater to fill up more quickly, which results in more cold water than hot water.
Not only does this mean less hot water for your baths and showers, but it also means your water heater risks taking more damage. If your water heater is forced to heat water after incomplete cycles, this will cause wear and tear before the end of its expected lifespan.
Monterey Plumbing Solutions
Are you dealing with high water pressure? Leaks in your faucets? Don’t panic! The After Hour Plumbing team has you covered for all your plumbing needs. Call us today to find out more about our services.