DIY: Test and Improve Your Home’s Water Pressure

Maintaining proper water pressure is essential to the health and functionality of your home. If your water pressure is too low, you may notice that your sinks and showers take longer to put out a reasonable amount of water than they normally do. If the water pressure is too high, it can threaten the health of your pipes and appliances, ultimately causing leaks and costly damages.

As a homeowner, you want to make sure your water pressure is at the right pounds per square inch (psi), helping you to keep your home in top condition. First and foremost, you should test your current pressure by measuring its psi. Keep reading to learn the different ways you can test and adjust the water pressure in your home.

What Should Water Pressure Be In A Home?

If you feel that your water pressure is too high or too low, then it’s best to test it. Better safe than sorry! The best way to approach this issue is to purchase a pressure gauge from a home hardware store. Pressure gauges are specifically designed to test your home’s water pressure and can help you understand the force of water flowing through your plumbing system.

Here’s what you do:

1. Attach the pressure gauge to a hose faucet
2. Turn off all other faucets and appliances that use water
3. Measure a baseline reading (the general recommended home water pressure reading should range anywhere from 30-80 psi)

How To Test Water Pressure At Home Without a Pressure Gauge

If you are considering purchasing a new home and didn’t bring a gauge on the tour, or simply don’t want to purchase a gauge, there is an alternative to testing water pressure. This simple test shows you how to test water pressure at home without a gauge.

Here’s what you do:

1. Turn on the sink and shower in the bathroom
2. Flush the toilet once
3. Watch the flow of water in the shower
4. If pressure visibly drops when the toilet is filling back up, then there is a good chance that the water pressure in the home is compromised
5. Investigate the issue further before purchasing the home to avoid hidden plumbing repairs and costly fees

Causes for Bad Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of problems:

• Cracked or busted pipes
• A leak somewhere in your plumbing system
• Buildup blocking the flow of water in your pipes
• A main break or external issue with the municipal water supply

High water pressure is most likely due to the municipal water supply. If you live at the bottom of a hill, you are more likely to experience high water pressure then the house at the top. To prevent the pressure from damaging your household plumbing, you can install a pressure regulator that monitors the main water line and flow of water into your home.

This pressure regulator guards your home and helps you understand you water usage, ultimately helping you save on your water bill. If your home constantly experiences low water pressure, then you may want to consider purchasing a pressure tank and pump to give you more control and coverage.

Ask the Phoenix, AZ Pressure Experts

Remember, maintaining an appropriate water pressure will benefit your home’s plumbing systems and prevent further problems from occurring. If you need help testing, adjusting, or understanding the water pressure in your home, call your friends at ACE Home Services! We have live representatives standing by during normal biz hours, ready to help and answer all your questions.