Easy Ways You Can Test Water Pressure at Home

Going through water pressure problems can be a real hassle. Regardless if your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual gusto, understanding and managing your home’s water pressure is required for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, checking your water pressure is a simple task that doesn’t call for special training. Find out about the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to interpret the results and what a professional can do to correct any problems you find.

Why Test Your Water Pressure?

Understanding your home’s water pressure guarantees a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it protects your plumbing system from harm. Similar to how you regularly check the oil in your car, getting a read on your water pressure once or twice a year can prevent bigger problems down the road.

After all, low water pressure is aggravating, but high water pressure can really damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The possibility of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, increases with high water pressure, potentially leading to leaks and extensive water damage. Testing your water pressure and taking appropriate steps based on the results can reduce the chance of your system experiencing these issues.

What You Need to Test Water Pressure

To start off this project, you need a common and affordable tool called a pressure gauge. These are readily available at hardware or home improvement retailers. When selecting a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the ability to measure as high as 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

An Easy Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at the ready, you’re set to test the water pressure. Just use these steps:

1. Preparation: First, ensure that all water outlets in your home are switched off. This consists of faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water use while you are testing may alter your readings and give a false impression of low pressure.

2. Connect the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an external faucet or hose bib. If your water is from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter to ensure the most accurate reading. For homes that use a well system, attach it to a hose bib in the vicinity of the well’s pressure tank.

3. Measure the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet all the way. Now, examine the readout to find the pressure. A recommended reading runs from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is less than 40 psi or greater than 80 psi, it’s time to seek assistance.

Fixing Water Pressure Problems

Here are the steps you should take depending on your pressure gauge reading:

• High pressure: Set up a water pressure regulator on your water main. This tool ensures a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s a good idea to test the pressure routinely, as regulators can fail without showing any signs.
• Low pressure: To start off with, examine any current pressure regulators, which should be set to around 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should improve flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the culprit, the problem might be with the municipal water provider. In instances like this, setting up a water pressure booster may aid in raising the pressure.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure falls in the ideal range, no more action is needed. Just don’t forget to test your water pressure regularly to ensure it stays within this range.

When to Call an Expert for Water Pressure Problems in the U.S.

If you’re not feeling very confident about testing the water pressure in your own home, or if you’ve found an issue that requires professional evaluation, don’t hesitate to call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our skilled plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose issues and make sure no fixtures have been harmed by high pressure. We can also give you a hand in putting in a pressure regulator or booster if needed. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to fix the problem the first time around. The next time you face water pressure problems or other plumbing challenges in the U.S., call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!