kitchen sink

Water Pressure

If you are like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the water pressure in your home.  However, this is one aspect of your home’s plumbing you should always be aware of in the back of your mind.  Water pressure is defined as the number of pounds per square inch (PSI) pushing through a water system.  In order for your home appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, showers, and sinks to work properly, your water pressure needs to be between 40 and 60 PSI.

If your water pressure is too low, it is important to call a licensed plumber to determine the cause.  Low water pressure is typically the result of leaky pipes, faulty water valves, defective pressure regulators, mineral deposit build-up in your pipes, or mineral debris in your water.  All of these issues would need to be addressed and repaired for your health and safety.

If you are unsure if your water pressure is where it should be, there is a simple test you can conduct.  While your washing machine or dishwasher is running, begin turning on sink and shower faucets throughout your home.  If you notice that water is trickling out of some faucets, or the flow of water is different depending on what floor you are on, your water pressure is likely too low.

If your water pressure is too high, it can quickly lead to pipe damage, leaks, and sky-high water bills.  While high water pressure is not as obvious to the naked eye as low water pressure, it does have a telltale sign, which is a banging noise occurring in the pipes when the water is shut off.  When water is rushing through a pipe at high speed and is stopped abruptly, the force causes a noise that sounds somewhat like a hammer hitting the pipe.  Any type of noise in your pipes should be immediately investigated by a licensed plumber.