While most of us certainly dislike low water pressure, high pressure can cause expensive damages to your plumbing system. Even though pressurized showers are enjoyable, the consequential repair costs can be expensive.
The costly consequences
- Busted water heaters
- Destroyed fixtures
- Leaks or even busted pipes
These are serious consequences, and Macon, GA is notorious for its high pressure problem. Depending on your area, your home or business may be prone to high pressure. How do you know for sure if your water pressure is too high?
Signs that your water pressure may be too high
- You hear banging noises coming from your pipes or fixtures.
- Toilets are running constantly, even without recent use.
- The relief valve on your water heater is blowing off.
- Your water heater sounds like its ready to explode.
- Water “spits” out of your faucets at high pressure.
How to check for high pressure on your home
The easiest way to check your water pressure is by attaching a pressure gauge to one of your outside hose bibs. Simply tighten the gauge and turn on the water – this will give you a reading of the water pressure. Plumbing systems are designed to handle up to 80 PSI. If your pressure is under 80 PSI during the day, you may want to check again late at night. Pressure is higher at night, when fewer people are using water. If your pressure reads over 80 PSI, you need to take action to protect your plumbing system.
How to combat high water pressure
The best way to correct this problem is by installing a pressure reducing valve (PRV) on your plumbing system. A pressure reducing valve is exactly what it sounds like – it reduces water pressure. Since a PRV only reduces pressure past the point of the valve, you should place it somewhere on your main water line. There are two great places to install a PRV – right by the meter or right under the house where the main water service enters. Just make sure that every pipe and fixture inside your home is beyond the point of the PRV.