If the water pressure is over 100 psi, that's too much. This increase in pressure is usually the fault of the municipal water company, which sets the pressure higher in order to accommodate fire hydrants and tall commercial buildings. Some water companies even set the water pressure above 150 psi!
Standard home water pressure is designated as 80 psi, but when higher pressures are required to provide water for other facilities and services (often in the 100-110 psi range, but sometimes as high as 150 psi), this pressure can reach levels hazardous to your plumbing.
Most residential plumbing systems are designed to handle 40 to 60 PSI of pressure, with 80 PSI being the typical maximum and anything over 100 PSI being possibly detrimental to plumbing components.
If it's above 80 psi, you probably need to lower your water pressure.
When the pressure reaches levels of 100 PSI or above, it usually indicates an issue within the water network, rather than something within the home. Get in touch with a representative from your water supplier to discuss the problem, and they'll be able to advise you on what they can do to fix the pressure.
If your pressure is higher or lower, then you'll need to install, repair, or adjust your pressure regulator to comply. Adjusting your regulator is easy, as long as it's working properly. Simply tighten the screw down clockwise to increase pressure and counter-clockwise to decrease pressure.
The best way to reduce a home's water pressure is to use a pressure regulating valve, or PRV. A PRV attaches right to your pipe. A professional technician can install it, and then you can easily change your plumbing's water pressure to the correct psi.
This causes damage to essential water pipe joints, fixture heads, and valves. In addition to the failure of such fixtures, high water pressure can lead to pipes bursting when they cannot contain the water.
If, on the other hand, your home's water pressure is high, this can cause many problems such as burst pipes, leaks, or rattling pipes. These issues are likely to increase the amount of water your family is using, which will affect your water bill.
The average cost to replace a water pressure regulator ranges from $300 to $650 for most homes, including labor and materials. However, the cost to install a water pressure-reducing valve can vary significantly depending on your location, the regulator type, and the installation complexity.
Normal water pressure range
In general, residential water pressure ranges between 45-80 psi (pounds per square inch). If your water pressure is under 40 psi, it's considered low.
A sudden increase can be due to a broken pressure regulator or a change in the municipal water supply. Additionally, temperature changes or a burst pipe could cause sudden spikes. If your water pressure increases unexpectedly, it's essential to investigate as soon as possible.
Constant exposure to high-pressure water can dry out your scalp, leading to irritation and inflammation. This kind of environment is not conducive to healthy hair growth. The scalp may become dry and flaky, leading to conditions such as dandruff.
A limit of 80 psi (551.6 kPa) is the maximum static pressure of any water supply system.
Anything over 80 psi is considered too high and could damage your plumbing system. On the other end of the spectrum, anything below 40 psi is considered low pressure, and anything below 30 psi is considered too low.
Anything above 80 PSI is considered too high and can cause serious damage to your pipes and equipment. Keep reading below to learn more about the effects of high-water pressure.
If you're dealing with ongoing high water pressure, you should check on your regulator. You may be able to lower your water pressure by adjusting the regulator, or you might need to replace it with a new one. Older homes may not have been constructed with a water pressure regulator.
If your water usage is unchanged, your city hasn't implemented a rate hike, and you have a high water bill with no visible leaks, the problem may be that you have an issue with your water meter. This isn't a common problem, but it's also not unheard of. To test your water meter, turn off your water.
You might also have lower water pressure if an issue at a water treatment plant briefly reduces the amount of water that your city can supply. If your water supplier is at fault, you will typically notice a sudden drop in pressure throughout the house.
Most home plumbing systems are not equipped to handle pressure above 80 psi, so if yours exceeds the limit, you should seek a remedy.
Unexplained Water Pools and Dampness
One of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe is the presence of water where it shouldn't be. If you notice puddles forming under sinks, near water pipes, or along walls, it's likely a sign of a leaking or burst pipe. Water stains on ceilings and walls are also telltale signs.
The regulator will have a screw or bolt and a locking nut system. Loosen the locking nut with a wrench and using quarter-turn increments, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise (to the left) to decrease water pressure, and clockwise (to the right) to increase water pressure.
The required type of PRVs can cost anywhere from $90-$200 and can be purchased at a big box store. A plumber will charge anywhere from $200-$800 for materials and labor but a homeowner with a moderate level of maintenance knowledge might be able to switch out their PRV. Don't water utilities like WCID No.
Yes, a malfunctioning water heater can lead to both hot and cold water pressure loss. While it's more common for issues to arise with hot water pressure, if the problem is severe enough, it can also impact the cold water supply, especially if the issues stem from shared components or piping.