Do you hear loud noises coming from your pipes? Do your appliances seem to be leaking? Have you recently noticed costly water bills? If your answer is yes, then there is a good chance that your water pressure is too high.
High water pressure can cause significant damage to your plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances. If you suspect there’s an issue with your water pressure, you should call a professional plumber as soon as possible to avoid total system failure.
Is My Water Pressure Too High?
Before discussing the signs of high water pressure, let’s discuss the ideal water pressure for residential homes. The ideal water pressure ranges between 40-60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Anything higher than 60 PSI can cause significant plumbing issues that require expensive repairs.
3 Signs Your Water Pressure Is Too High
Here are some of the most common signs that you have high water pressure:
1. Your Faucets are Leaking
High water pressure causes unnecessary strain on your plumbing system, which can loosen the joints connecting your pipes and cause leaks. Once your lines start to leak, it’s critical to repair them right away. Ignoring even the most minor pipe leaks can lead to mold growth, water damage, and more expensive repairs.
Look for streams of water spraying from your pipes, water dripping underneath your bathroom or kitchen sink, and other signs of leaks. Even tiny water droplets around your plumbing joints should be immediately checked. Water pressure above 80 psi can cause your pipes to break or collapse. As the damage progresses, some pipes could require replacement.
2. Banging Noises from Your Plumbing
Do you hear some unusual hammering noises coming from your faucets, especially when you first turn them on or off? As the water flows through your pipes, banging noises can occur if your water pressure is too high. This is because of the abrupt start or stop of water flow. These sounds will be even worse in metal pipes. Since this water hammering can break down your plumbing pipes, you need to contact a professional immediately for repairs.
3. Rise in Your Water Bills
If you have recently noticed a rise in your utility expenses, you could have an issue with your water pressure. Keep a close eye on your water bill to check for any unexpected spikes in your costs. With high water pressure, you can use a substantially larger amount of water when running your faucets and appliances.
On average, you use around 30 gallons of water when you run a normally functioning faucet at 50 PSI for ten minutes. This increased to 36 gallons at 60 PSI. Since the amount of water you use increases as the PSI increases, high water pressure can lead to significant water waste.
Consistent water pressure is a vital component of a properly functioning plumbing system. Even minor plumbing problems can significantly impact your home’s water supply. Since high water pressure can lead to significant damage, you need to contact your local plumber immediately if you think you have an issue with your water pressure.
If you need a reliable Plumber in Fontana, Big Mike’s Rooter Service is here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team.