The Dangers of High Water Pressure
Many people believe that high water pressure can only be a good thing, contributing to powerfully hot showers and bathtubs that fill up in no time at all. While high water pressure may seem harmless it can, over an extended period of time, wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. In addition to causing a plumbing leak, high water pressure can shorten the lifespan of your water heater as well as increase the amount of water being heated, which will raise power and water costs. Older or low-quality water heaters may also run the risk of exploding under higher water pressure, and this would be a plumbing nightmare.
There are a number of signs that your water pressure may be too high: leaky pipes, banging or noisy water pipes, water spitting out of the faucet and a running toilet. It’s a good idea to be aware and keep an eye out for any signs of high water pressure and any related damage, but if it’s too late call us: we can fix it!
When is water pressure too high?
The most common cause for high water pressure is when the municipal water supplier adjusts the pressure to suit the area’s needs. New, tall apartment buildings often need heightened water pressure to service the residents all the way on the top floors. On the other hand, water pressure may be increased for shorter periods of time when a fire hydrant is being used. In most places, water pressure does not exceed 80 psi and this is considered to be ideal. High water pressure is defined as any measurement upwards of 80 psi; anything close to 100 psi and your plumbing system will start having problems. If you’re uncertain of whether your plumbing problems are being caused by high water pressure, give us a call and we’ll send a professional plumber to find out.
What are the risks of high water pressure?
Some areas of the country are experiencing a severe drought at the moment, which makes one of the risks of high water pressure even more important: water wastage. When water pressure is too high water starts to drip and dribble out of faucets, showers, and toilets. Over an extended period of time this loss of water can add up to a lot, and as a precious resource water should be conserved. High water pressure will begin to erode pipes and over time the damage to household plumbing can be a major problem. Apart from functional damage, high water pressure can be incredibly irritating! The term ‘water hammer’ is used to describe that loud banging noise when highly pressure water encounters a valve. Changes in water pressure can cause your house’s plumbing to creak and groan, and this can be a very disruptive experience.
What should I do if I have high water pressure?
Luckily, it’s never too late to solve any of the problems associated with high water pressure. If you’ve noticed any leaky pipes or strange noises and your plumber has confirmed that these are indeed caused by high water pressure, the next step will most likely be to replace some pipes and seal any leaks. Then, it will be assessed whether a water pressure regulator can be successfully installed to reduce the potential damage to your household plumbing. If you need help, we’ll send a plumber before it’s too late – so give us call now.