Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you probably don’t even notice your water pressure. Good water pressure is something that’s easily taken for granted, but your home’s water pressure is an issue that may need to be addressed from time to time.
When your water pressure is too high, your water bill will be elevated, when it’s too low, everyday activities like washing dishes and taking showers can be arduous.
It can be difficult to understand at times, but this article will help you understand the differences between water pressure and water flow, how to test the two, and how to keep your plumbing working smoothly.
What is Water Pressure?
Water pressure is what determines how water moves through a home’s plumbing. It measures the force of the water moving through your pipes. You won’t notice it moving through your pipes, but you will notice how it exits openings like your showers and faucets. Typically your water pressure will largely depend on your proximity to your water source. For many people, it’s a reservoir, but for others, it could be a well or another municipal supply source. The water is pumped into a treatment facility, and then into pressure tanks located in higher elevations through the distribution area. It is the height and the weight of the water that helps to generate your water pressure. From these tanks, the water is then moved into community water mains where booster stations help to maintain the water pressure before it is distributed into your home where plumbers Nampa can help you maintain your plumbing system.
What Should My Water Pressure Be?
The typical water pressure in a residence ranges between 40 and 85 pounds per square inch (psi). A pressure below 30 is considered to be extremely low and below 40 is simply low pressure. When the pressure reads above 80, it is too high and likely to cause changes in your water bill and household water consumption. High water pressure also increases the risk of damage to pipes, joints, fixtures, and seals. While low water pressure is far more of a nuisance than a danger to your home, it should be addressed to increase efficiency and have optimal operation of appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.
Measuring and Correcting Water Pressure
To learn your home’s water pressure, all you need is a simple and inexpensive water pressure gauge. They easily thread onto a hose bib on one end and a pressure gauge on the other end. Depending on the type of pressure gauge you have, you can also learn whether you’re experiencing pressure spikes, which are also problematic. If you are experiencing high pressure, you’ll need to install a pressure-reducing valve just after the water meter. The great thing about pressure-reducing valves is that you can select your home’s water pressure. Many households range between 45 and 55 psi comfortably. Check with your municipality to learn if you need a water heater expansion tank alongside your pressure-reducing valve.
Although there’s a lot of science to your water pressure, the long and short of it is that you can do something about your water pressure if you need to. If you’re uncomfortable handling your water pressure situation on your own, it’s best to contact a trusted plumber to take care of your situation properly.