Did you know that people use an average of more than 80 gallons of water at home each day?
Brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and watering the plants all contribute to your water consumption and bills.
If you want to make the most of your water and prevent unnecessary use, you should watch for high pressure.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common issues that arise from the high water pressure in your home!
Fast Flowing Faucet
One of the easier signs to notice if you have high water pressure is the flow of the faucets.
When you turn on the bathroom or kitchen sinks, is the water coming out fast and making noises trying to keep up with the flow? Sometimes these noises sound like a bubbling or gurgling sound. The recommended water pressure is 55 psi, however, if you go above 80 psi, you will start seeing the damage.
Although you can’t measure psi with your sight or hands, you can still base it off of previous use. Depending on the root of the problem, a simple adjustment to the water pressure could resolve the problem. Unfortunately, some people find that these adjustments make no difference because of other problems.
Damaged Pipes
If you are looking for signs of high water pressure, you don’t have to look— you can listen.
Unfortunately, a lot of people find that their pipes get damaged from water pressure and can make loud noises. If you hear something like a pounding hammer after you turn off a faucet, your pipes are likely impacting one another.
A hydraulic shock occurs when the faucet gets turned off because the flow of the water is so forceful. The abrupt change makes the pipes move and hit each other, resulting in a loud noise.
Once you start hearing the dreaded noise of the water hammer, you need to seek help. Letting the problem continue could burst the pipes and damage the framing.
Leaking Valves
Valves and joints can often indicate if you have high water pressure.
Check your home’s plumbing system, like the bathroom, kitchen, and pipes. Try to find any leaks, no matter how small, and get them sealed. When leaks don’t get filled, they invite mold into the pipes, which can cause further damage.
Since most of your pipes are in the walls, you might have to do some investigating. Rotting wood, small water drips, and soft spots can help you locate leaks in the house. You can also monitor the water pressure for fluctuations in the flow.
Water Heater Problems
If you have high water pressure, you probably also have water heater problems.
The lifespan of a water heater is dramatically reduced with too much pressure since it damages pipes and valves. Too much pressure quickly becomes expensive when you have to purchase a new one. Instead of damaging your water heater, you can control the pressure and make your money and heater last.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Although it’s a little obvious, most people forget that their water pressure impacts their appliances.
The water heater, dishwasher, and laundry machine can all malfunction due to the water pressure. Unless your appliances are old, they shouldn’t have issues with piping or leaks. It’s common for people to get a new appliance and think that something is wrong with it when the pressure is the cause.
Pay attention to the way that your appliances function when they get installed and as they age. There shouldn’t be any dramatic changes in performance if the water pressure is manageable.
The seals and structural features can also impact performance if high water pressure wears them down.
Flooding
If you are used to letting the tub run while you change and come back to a flooded bathroom, you might have flow issues.
When water pressure increases, more water pumps out of the faucets and can fill them up quickly if they’re plugged. Many people recommend that you get sump pump installation here so that you’re prepared for any type of flood.
Flooding can come from pipe damage, toilet problems, or fast-flowing faucets. Pay attention to your water pressure to prevent yourself from having to replace items or do a remodel.
You want to be extra-cautious with flooding issues since moisture can damage wood and invite pests or mosquitoes into the house.
Running Toilet
Does your toilet have a habit of getting stuck and constantly running?
Running toilets often happen after someone flushes the toilet, however, it can occur at any moment. Some people notice this problem when they think that a ghost is in the home because their toilet keeps flushing, which is normal.
High water pressure is great for toilets at the beginning of their use, however, it quickly changes. The valves and joints become damaged from the pressure and the water tank is unable to fill itself.
This can be a frustrating problem because not only is the sound annoying, but it’s also increasing your bills. Each time the toilet is filling the toilet with water, your consumption goes up.
Keep High Water Pressure Away
Identifying high water pressure is often the most difficult part of the process.
Once you start noticing changes in the flow of your water and the performance of appliances, you can look for the signs. Since most signs aren’t visible and fall in between the walls, you might need to call a professional.
Don’t wait to get these issues fixed, they can burst your pipes and cause flooding.
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Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.