High Water Pressure
Most people think high water pressure is a good thing—like, who doesn’t want a powerful shower? But here’s the twist. High water pressure isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it can actually cause damage to your home’s plumbing system, and that can lead to some costly repairs.
Why Is My Water Pressure So High?
The water pressure in your home depends on a few things: your local water supply, the elevation of your home, and the condition of your pipes. In places like Murrieta, where homes might be at different heights or near large water mains, high water pressure isn’t uncommon.
Water companies pump water at high pressure to get it to all homes, especially the ones on hills or further from the main source. But sometimes, this pressure ends up being more than your plumbing system can handle.
The Hidden Costs of High Water Pressure
- Worn Out Appliances:
Excessive water pressure puts extra stress on appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. These appliances are designed to handle water at a certain pressure, and when it’s consistently higher, they’ll wear out faster. And as anyone who’s had to replace a water heater knows, that’s not cheap! - Leaks and Bursting Pipes
High pressure pushes on every joint, connection, and weak spot in your pipes. Over time, this can lead to small leaks or even burst pipes. Not only are leaks a hassle, but they can also cause serious water damage to your walls, floors, and furniture if left unchecked. - Running Toilets and Dripping Faucets
You might think a dripping faucet is just an annoyance, but it’s actually a sign that your water pressure might be too high. Faucets, toilets, and showerheads are made to handle a certain flow, and when that’s exceeded, they start to drip or run continuously. This wastes water and adds to your water bill.
How to Tell If Your Water Pressure Is Too High
A good pressure is generally between 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything over 80 psi is too high for most homes and can cause the problems we’ve mentioned. If you’re noticing leaky faucets, banging pipes, or appliances that aren’t lasting as long as they should, it might be time to check.
Most hardware stores sell water pressure gauges that you can screw onto a faucet. They’re easy to use, and in just a few minutes, you’ll know if your pressure’s in the safe zone or not.
What You Can Do About It
If you find out your water pressure is high, don’t worry—there’s an easy fix. A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) can be installed where your main water line enters your home. This valve will bring down the pressure to a safer level for your pipes and appliances.
Not only will this save you money on repairs, but it’ll also help you conserve water, which is always a good thing here in Southern California!
Need Help? Call Donnie’s Plumbing!
If you’re dealing with leaks, dripping faucets, knocking, or just want to check your water pressure, Donnie’s Plumbing in Murrieta can help. We’ll make sure everything is just right, saving you from potential headaches down the road.
Give us a call at (954) 636-0085, and let’s make sure your plumbing is set up for the long haul!
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