Why High Pressure In Your Plumbing Pipes Is Bad And How A Plumber Might Lower The Pressure

The water pressure in your plumbing pipes should be in a certain range. Pressure that's too low is annoying when you shower or use water for washing dishes and rinsing food. Pressure that's too high might feel great when you're taking a shower, but the high pressure can cause damage to your pipes over time. Here are some disadvantages to having high water pressure and how your plumber can lower the pressure to a normal range.

Disadvantages Of High Water Pressure

The higher the water pressure in your plumbing, the more water you use for every minute the water runs. That could translate into a higher water bill all due to high water pressure. The pressure can be bad on pipes too. The constant stress could cause pipes to crack, leak, or burst. The pressure can also make your toilet run and your faucets leak. This adds up to an even higher water bill and a risk of water damage from leaking pipes.

Signs Of High Water Pressure

You may not notice that your water pressure is higher than it should be. Your pipes might make banging or knocking sounds they didn't make before. You might also notice you have continual plumbing problems and as soon as you fix one leaky faucet another one starts leaking. One way to tell for sure if the pressure is high is to test it at your water main. A plumber can do this for you and let you know if the water pressure is too high, too low, or just right.

Ways To Reduce High Water Pressure

One of the first things the plumber checks is the pressure reducing valve on your plumbing line. These valves can wear out over the years and stop functioning. If you have one of these valves and it no longer works, the plumber can install a new one. If your plumbing system is old, you may not have a pressure reducing valve on the line. In that case, a plumber can install one and then adjust it so the pressure reading is in the correct range.

The pressure in your plumbing can fluctuate for several reasons. Sometimes, the problem can be with the municipal water supply. Other times it can be due to problems with your pipes or water heater. A pressure reducing valve helps keep the pressure constant, but it might need to be adjusted occasionally, and that's something your plumber can do after making sure there is no underlying plumbing problem causing the change in pressure.