
There’s something uniquely frustrating about stepping into a shower that’s just a weak trickle. Or, on the flip side, being startled by banging pipes every time your dishwasher fills. These common household annoyances often point to one thing: an imbalance in your home’s water pressure.
Water pressure is one of those invisible forces we rarely think about until it’s not quite right. But understanding what’s normal – and what’s not – is crucial for both your comfort and the longevity of your home’s plumbing system. As your trusted plumbing experts in Orange County, we’re here to break it down.
The Basics: What is Water Pressure, and What’s “Normal”?
Simply put, water pressure is the force that pushes water through your pipes. It’s measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).
For most residential homes, the ideal water pressure range is generally considered to be between 40 and 80 PSI.
- Below 40 PSI: You’re likely experiencing low water pressure.
- Above 80 PSI: You have high water pressure, which can be just as problematic as low pressure, if not more so.
Quick DIY Check: How to Test Your Home’s Water Pressure
Before you call a plumber, you can easily check your pressure yourself with a simple tool: a water pressure gauge. You can buy one at any hardware store for about $10-$20.
- Locate your outdoor spigot or a washing machine hookup. This is usually the easiest place to connect the gauge.
- Attach the gauge firmly to the spigot/hookup.
- Turn on the spigot/valve completely.
- Read the PSI measurement directly on the gauge.
For the most accurate reading, make sure no other water sources (showers, washing machine, dishwasher) are running inside your home when you perform the test.
The Frustration of Low Water Pressure: What You’ll Notice
If your gauge reads below 40 PSI, or you’re experiencing these symptoms, you likely have low water pressure:
- Weak Shower Streams: This is often the first and most annoying sign. Your shower just isn’t cutting it.
- Slow-Filling Appliances: It takes forever for your washing machine or dishwasher to fill up.
- Simultaneous Use Problems: If one person flushes a toilet, the shower pressure drops significantly.
- Garden Hose Trickle: Outdoor watering feels inefficient and slow.
- No Pressure at a Single Fixture: Sometimes, only one faucet or shower has low pressure, indicating a localized issue.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure:
- Clogged Pipes: Mineral buildup (scale) or rust can accumulate inside old pipes, narrowing the pathway for water. This is very common in older homes with galvanized steel pipes.
- Faulty Pressure Regulator (PRV): If you have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed (common in areas with high municipal pressure), it can fail and restrict water flow.
- Shared Water Supply: In some older neighborhoods or apartment complexes, if too many homes are drawing water at once, the overall pressure can drop.
- Partial Valve Closure: A main water shut-off valve that’s not fully open can restrict flow.
- Leaks: Even a small, hidden leak can lead to a noticeable drop in overall system pressure.
- Municipal Supply Issues: Less common, but sometimes the problem can originate with your city’s water supply (e.g., during peak demand).
The Hidden Dangers of High Water Pressure: What You’ll Notice
If your gauge reads above 80 PSI, or you notice these signs, your pressure is too high:
- Noisy Pipes (Banging or Humming): Also known as “water hammer,” high pressure can make pipes vibrate and bang when water is turned on or off suddenly.
- Frequent Dripping Faucets: High pressure puts extra strain on faucet washers and seals, causing them to wear out faster.
- Shortened Appliance Lifespan: Dishwashers, washing machines, and even your water heater will wear out more quickly under constant high pressure.
- Running Toilets: The fill valve inside your toilet might struggle to shut off completely, leading to a constantly running toilet.
- Burst Pipes: This is the most catastrophic consequence. High pressure can cause old or weak pipes to rupture, leading to significant water damage.
- Excessive Water Bills: You’re simply using more water than necessary due to the force.
Common Causes of High Water Pressure:
- Faulty Pressure Regulator (PRV): This is the most common cause. If your PRV is old or broken, it may no longer be regulating the pressure down from the municipal supply.
- No Pressure Regulator Installed: In some areas, municipal water pressure is naturally very high, and if your home was built without a PRV (or it was removed), you’ll experience that full, unfiltered pressure.
- Municipal Supply Changes: Sometimes, the local water utility can increase pressure for various reasons.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Water Pressure Issues
Ignoring either low or high water pressure isn’t just an annoyance; it can lead to costly problems:
- For Low Pressure: Inefficient appliance operation, prolonged showering times, and overall frustration.
- For High Pressure: Increased wear and tear on all plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes; higher water bills; and the significant risk of burst pipes and extensive water damage.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While testing your water pressure is a great first step, diagnosing and fixing the root cause of pressure problems often requires professional expertise.
- Pressure Regulator Issues: Replacing or adjusting a PRV is best left to a professional to ensure it’s set correctly and safely.
- Persistent Clogs/Pipe Issues: If your low pressure isn’t solved by a simple aerator cleaning, you likely have deeper clogs or pipe corrosion that needs professional assessment (e.g., camera inspection, re-piping).
- Hidden Leaks: A plumber has tools to detect hidden leaks that contribute to low pressure and can make the necessary repairs.
- Any Gas Water Heater Concerns: If your water heater is linked to pressure issues and it’s gas-powered, always call a pro for safety.
Don’t let water pressure problems drain your comfort or your wallet. If you’ve identified an issue, or even if you just suspect something’s off, it’s always best to get a professional opinion. Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Orange County, your trusted plumbing professionals, 949.371.2025