Why Is My Water Pressure So High?

July 02, 2016


High water pressure may be great while taking a shower or washing a car, but it’s not so great for your home or your water bill. Did you know the average home plumbing system is not equipped to handle pressure that is over 80 psi?

When water pressure reaches over 80 psi your home may exhibit the following problems:

• Extra stress on pipes, often leading to leaks.
• Stress on appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, faucets, toilet parts, shut-off valves, and hot water heaters) often leading to shortened lifespans.

The easiest way to find out if you have high water pressure is simply by observing it when it happens. Common signs you may see include:

  • Water hammer (banging in your pipes).
  • Water spitting from faucet aerators when the faucet is turned on.
  • Short water heater life, washing machine life, and dishwasher life.
  • Running toilets.

If you’re still not sure if your water pressure is abnormal, buy a pressure gauge and screw it onto a faucet near your water meter.

What causes high water pressure?

  • You live at the bottom of a hill. (No joke) it’s one of the most common causes of high water pressure in a home. Natural water does run downhill after all.
  • Your water company is keeping the water pressure high in your town to meet the needs of fire hydrants and tall buildings.
  • Thermal expansion inside your home, due to water volume changes from your water heater heating up.

What can you do?

A plumbing repair is not something most people are comfortable tackling on their own. The best thing you can do is contact a professional plumber. A professional plumber will help diagnose your water pressure problem and provide the right solution for your home. Oftentimes, a pressure regulator install on your main water line is all your plumber will need to do to fix the problem.

As New Jersey’s leading plumbing company, we have your plumbing repair covered. Contact us today, we’d be glad to help!

Last Updated: March 21, 2024