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 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.
Temperature changes – As the temperature increases in your plumbing system, water will expand and pressure will increase. This can occur as water is heated by the water heater, especially if it has a defective expansion tank or pressure relief valve.
If your water pressure gauge delivers readings above 80 psi, it's a good idea to get a water pressure regulator installed. This type of regulator will keep your water pressure from going too high without your knowledge. It's usually installed near your water shut-off valve.
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
High water pressure in the home isn't only a nuisance, but also damaging to a home's plumbing and appliances. On average, the water pressure in a home should not be more than 80 psi. When water pressure reaches over 80 psi, signs of trouble may start to occur.
The ideal water pressure for a house will be somewhere in the range of about 45 to 65 psi. Anything higher than 80 psi can cause damage, and anything much lower than 45 psi may result in issues when you use your shower, toilet, dishwasher and other water-consuming appliances.
Banging or Clanging Noises in Pipes
This is a sign that the pressure in your pipes is already extremely high, and the shuddering is your pipes adapting to the pressure increasing when you turn off the water. This also means that you could find yourself dealing with plumbing leaks within a short period of time.
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.
Pressures above 80 psi are too high. Whereas low water pressure is more of a nuisance than a serious problem (some fixtures, like washing machines, have minimum pressure requirements), high water pressure carries with it a significantly increased risk of damage to pipes, joints, fixtures and seals.
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
Some people may think that high water pressure is something good, but a home having too much water pressure can lead to expensive and annoying damage. Excessive water pressure is a major cause of pipe damage, leaks and wasted water.
Some of the first signs of a failing pressure regulator are a leaking water heater or commode. The water coming from a faucet may also exit with such force that splashing or water “hammering” may occur.
Water pressure regulator replacement: $250 to $1,000. Pipe section replacement: $500 to $4,000.
Consider calling a professional if the water pressure reading goes above 80 psi.
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.
Water Pressure Readings
Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI. Once you measure the water pressure in your house, you can adjust it to a setting that is ideal for all family members and household uses.
It means center tread wear, an uncomfortable ride, and increased risk for a blowout. Note that a few PSI over your recommended tire pressure generally won't put you in the danger zone.
Shower Heads - The optimal water pressure for a shower head is between 40-60 PSI. Below 40 PSI the flow of water may be weak and unsatisfying, while over 60 PSI it may be uncomfortable or even painful.
For instance, if 35 psi is recommended, and the maximum safe pressure listed on your sidewall is 44 psi, you can safely put 38 or 40 psi in your tires. You can even go to 44 psi. You'll experience a harder ride, but you won't create a blowout danger. You may even experience sharper cornering and increased fuel economy.
Choking off your supply by closing down the inlet valve flow area will only reduce pressure downstream of the valve as long as you have flow through the pipes (that's Bernoulli for you). The second you stop flow the pressure downstream will equalize to the same pressure as upstream of your valve.
As previously stated, plumbing codes dictate a maximum pressure of 80 psi to any plumbing fixture. Minimum pressures depend on the fixture or service type.
Your home's water pressure typically ranges between 40 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Water pressure below 40 psi is considered low, and water pressure above 80 psi is considered too high. Having the water pressure set too high, over 80 psi, can lead to broken water pipes and costly bills.
After installation, test the water pressure, and adjust the regulator, if necessary. To adjust, loosen the locknut on the adjustment screw, then turn the screw up or down until the water pressure is at the desired level, as measured by a pressure gauge attached to a threaded hose bib somewhere in the home.