Understanding Your Home’s Water Pressure
You’re raising a family, working, and trying to squeeze in time for your sculpting hobby. To put it mildly, you’re a busy person. When it comes to your Laguna Beach home, you spend most of your time doing what you can to keep it clean and maintained.
However, something that doesn’t cross your mind as often is the water pressure. Even when showering or spraying off the remnants of uneaten vegetables from your kid’s dinner plates, the words “water pressure” probably aren’t what you’re thinking of.
Water Pressure Basics
When we talk about water pressure, we are talking about the measure of the force that water exerts on the inside of your pipes and fixtures.
Water pressure is measured in PSI or pounds per square inch. Residential homes generally operate with a water pressure range from 40-70 PSI. If your home’s water pressure starts out strong and then slows down to a trickle, it may be a sign that you have build-up in your pipes that needs attention.
On the other hand, if your water pressure is too high, it can lead to worn-out seals, leaks, and even damage to your plumbing fixtures. You want your water pressure just right, high enough for a great shower but not so high as to damage your plumbing.
Depending on where you live, your home will receive water from the city at a different pressure. There are a number of factors that play a role in this number, mainly being your local population and the elevation of your property.
It’s also important to note that some plumbing functions naturally raise water pressure. When you run your dishwasher or shower, the water heater kicks on, causing a spike in your water pressure. (When you heat water, it expands, increasing the pressure). Even with a pressure regulator, your water pressure can temporarily get up to 130-140 PSI. However, if your home routinely exceeds 70 PSI, you may have problems caused by high water pressure.
What Are the Dangers of High Water Pressure
As mentioned, high water pressure puts unnecessary strain on your home’s plumbing system. That can shorten the lifespan of your appliances while increasing your energy bills due to the amount of water that needs to be heated. The force of the excessive water pressure in your pipes can cause extensive damage to your pipe joints and increase your chances of leaks.
If you aren’t sure if your water pressure is too high, a good way to tell is to listen for any banging noises coming from your pipes. This is one of the first indicators that your water pressure is out of control. It’s also a sign that your pipes are in danger of loosening or leaking.
Water Pressure Safety Upgrades
Just like you can get your kids to eat their veggies with simple tricks like zucchini bread, there are simple upgrades you can make to your plumbing system that helps monitor your water pressure and relieve some of the strain on your system.
Your home may benefit from an expansion tank added to your water heater. The tank creates a larger space for pressure, relieving the amount of pressure applied to the water.
You can also get a smart home water device that can take away all the guesswork about water pressure and the health of your plumbing system. It is installed onto your main water line and monitors every ounce of water flowing through your pipes. You can review information, such as the PSI of your water and any leaks in your system, through an app on your phone.
The smart water device can shut off your water supply automatically via an automatic shutoff valve if it senses a leak, though you can also control your water supply through your phone. Basically, you don’t have to worry when you have a device keeping an eye on your water for you.
Barker and Sons Are Ready to Help
High water pressure may feel like a luxury, but it’s like letting your toddler loose with a garden hose—a disaster waiting to happen with you stuck cleaning up the mess!
We’re here to keep your home safe and comfortable with efficient and quality plumbing services. Reach out to us today if you suspect your water pressure is in need of an expert.
