Tips to Help Test Your Home’s Water Pressure

Experiencing water pressure issues can be a real hassle. No matter if your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual force, understanding and dealing with your home’s water pressure is required for getting things flowing again. Thankfully, testing your water pressure is a simple task that doesn’t require special training. Discover the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to understand the results and what a professional can do to fix any issues you find.

Why Should You Test the Water Pressure?

Understanding your home’s water pressure ensures a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it helps defend your plumbing system from harm. Just like you consistently check the oil in your car, getting a read on your water pressure once or twice a year can prevent bigger problems later on.

After all, low water pressure is aggravating, but high water pressure can really damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The risk of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, is greater with high water pressure, potentially causing leaks and extensive water damage. Checking your water pressure and taking appropriate steps based on the results can prevent these issues.

Necessary Equipment for an At-Home Water Pressure Test

To start out, you need a common and affordable tool called a pressure gauge. These are readily available at hardware or home improvement stores. When choosing a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the means to measure up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

An Easy Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at your fingertips, you’re set to determine the water pressure. Just follow these steps:

1. Preparation: First, ensure that all water outlets in your home are shut off. Make sure you check the following: faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water usage throughout testing may affect your readings and give a false impression of low pressure.

2. Hook up the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an outside faucet or hose bib. If your water is derived from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet closest to the water meter for the most accurate reading. For homes that use a well system, affix it to a hose bib close to the well’s pressure tank.

3. Determine the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet to the max. Now, examine the readout to see the pressure. An ideal reading varies from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is less than 40 psi or greater than 80 psi, it’s time to seek assistance.

Resolving Water Pressure Abnormalities

Here are things you can do to fix high or low water pressure:

• High pressure: Set up a water pressure regulator on your water main. This tool ensures a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s wise to test the pressure on a regular basis, as regulators can fail without showing any signs.
• Low pressure: First, inspect any pre-existing pressure regulators, which should be set to roughly 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top usually will strengthen the flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t the culprit, the problem may possibly be with the municipal water supply. In this case, installing a water pressure booster may increase the flow.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure has a reading that falls within the appropriate range, no more action is necessary. Just remember to test your water pressure regularly to ensure it remains within this range.

When to Reach Out to a Pro for Water Pressure Problems in Edmonton

If you’re not sure about testing the water pressure yourself, or if you’ve identified an issue that needs professional repair, don’t hesitate to call McKinley Heating Service Experts. Our experienced plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose issues and make sure no fixtures have been harmed by high pressure. We can also assist with outfitting your home with a pressure regulator or booster if the situation requires. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rely on us to make the proper adjustments the first time around. The next time you encounter water pressure problems or other plumbing difficulties in Edmonton, call McKinley Heating Service Experts to schedule an appointment. We’re here when you need us!