Most people don’t realize that high water pressure puts undue stress on the entire plumbing of the house. In fact, many think that high water pressure is a good thing. While you don’t want weak water pressure, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.
While high water pressure may fill the bathtubs in no time, the reality is that an extended period of high water pressure can cause great damage to your home plumbing.
Think of it this way: water pressure is similar to your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on the heart muscle, can damage arteries, and increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Similarly, high water pressure will put pressure on the plumbing pipes.
In this article, we will talk at length about how high water pressure can harm your home’s plumbing and the steps that you can take to fix high water pressure plumbing problems.
How does high water pressure harm my home’s plumbing?
High water pressure can cause many different types of plumbing problems. If left untreated, high water pressure can lead to the following plumbing issues:
- The decreased lifespan of appliances such as your dishwasher and water heater
- An increase in energy bills due to increase in amount of water that requires heating
- Extensive damage to pipe joints
- Plumbing leaks
- Older water heaters also run the risk of exploding. This can result in a plumbing nightmare
So, what can you do to prevent these problems?
#1. Have Reimer install a water pressure gauge
You can buy a water pressure gauge for a few bucks online or from your local home improvement store. The gauge will display a pressure reading in your home. You should attach the gauge to the drain connection of the water heater or an outside water heater. If you need assistance with this, give the plumbers at Reimer a call.
Consider calling a professional if the water pressure reading goes above 80 psi.
#2. Buy a water pressure regulator
Installing water pressure regulator is the recommended way to solve a high water pressure problem. Also known as pressure regulator valve, it is installed on the water supply line near the shut-off valve. In case your home was built after 2002, the valve may already be installed as it was mandatory for all homes built after that year.
Keep in mind that the typical life span of the regulator is around 7 to 12 years. If you need a new one installed, give Reimer a call for professional plumbing services.
What are the signs of high water pressure?
- You should call a professional plumber if you hear banging of pipes. The banging occurs due to excessive pressure in the plumbing system that results due to thermal expansion.
- Also, spitting from the faucet aerator when turning the faucet can be an indicator of high pressure.
Call Reimer for all your plumbing needs
Reimer Home Services is here for all your plumbing needs. We have a team of experienced and certified plumbing professionals who can solve all types of plumbing issues. Contact us today!