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Why is High Water Pressure Bad?

You probably know that low water pressure can be troublesome, but having high water pressure can also cause issues. If you have water pressure that’s too high, it can cause plumbing issues, wear out your appliances, and put strain on your plumbing system and pipes.

At Three Way Plumbing, it is important to educate you on high water pressure so you know what to look out for.

Symptoms of High Water Pressure in Houses

You may have high water pressure in your house if you experience one or more of these issues:

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can signal that you have high pressure water. High water pressure puts unnecessary strain on your home’s plumbing system, often causing pinhole leaks or loose joints in your pipes. If not repaired, this can cause serious water damage or mold growth.

Damaged Appliances

If your water pressure is too high in your house, it can cause damage to your appliances, such as your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. Warranties for many appliances do not cover damage from high by water pressure. Look for leaks in your appliances or loud noises, which could signal damage.

Running Toilet

If your toilet constantly runs or flushes independently, it can be because of the fill valve or any of the parts inside your toilet tank. However, it can also be a symptom of high water pressure. High water pressure can cause the fill valve to wear out, causing the toilet to constantly run water from the tank into the bowl. This reduces the lifespan of every part of your toilet, including the shutoff valve.

High Utility Bills

If you notice that your water bill is higher than normal, it’s possible you have a leak somewhere in your home or outside in the yard. High water pressure is a common culprit of leaks as it works it’s nefarious magic on your plumbing. If you believe you are paying more for your water than a neighbor with a similar-sized home, your water pressure is likely too high.

The Dangers of High Water Pressure

If your water pressure is too high, it can be dangerous. It can increase the risk of damage to literally everything your water touches including – piping, valves, fixtures, faucets, water heater, appliances, etc. While high water pressure won’t cause these problems immediately, just like high blood pressure in the body, issues can arise over time. A combination of issues due to water pressure being too high can be costly.

Ideal PSI for Water Pressure: Is 75 PSI Too High?

The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for water pressure in homes is between 30 and 80, so 75 PSI is on the verge of being too high, and anything under 30 PSI is too low. It’s important to know that pressure fluctuates throughout the day due to municipalities increasing it during peak times. This is a major reason it’s so important to make sure your PRV (pressure reducing valve) is functioning properly and ensuring your PSI never goes above 80.

Conclusion

At Three Way Plumbing, we specialize in all plumbing repairs, including correcting high water pressure. Many times, you the homeowner will not even know your home is experiencing high water pressure until it’s too late. Being proactive and vigilant with monitoring your water pressure is crucial, but can be difficult without the proper tools and experience. Whether you want information on water pressure for your home or need help fixing your high water pressure, we are available 24/7 by phone to discuss your needs.

They don’t call us “The Good Guys” for nothing. Our upfront pricing, services, and availability are some of the best in the industry.

For more information or help regarding high water pressure, request service today.