Why is High Water Pressure Dangerous?
Although you may like high water pressure when you have a shower, it’s unlikely you will enjoy replacing appliances or forking out money for expensive plumbing repairs. Water pressure in your home is like your body’s blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure stresses organs and can result in major problems. Similarly, although the signs of high water pressure often go unnoticed, it still exerts significant stress on your home’s plumbing system.
Why Does Water Pressure Vary?
Water flows to your home across different water supply areas. With reservoirs being situated at high points in each supply zone, water flows from the reservoirs to your home using gravity. The water pressure you experience will vary depending on how far your home is from the reservoir and the elevation of your property in relation to the reservoir. Therefore, if your property is located in low areas you may receive higher water pressure and oppositely if your home is in a high area you may receive lower water pressure.
What Are the Signs Of High Water Pressure?
If your home plumbing has any of the following symptoms, you may have high water pressure and you should contact a plumber as soon as possible to check your pipes. If left untreated, problems can be magnified and you may be up for a bigger bill in the long run.
- Banging pipes or water hammer sounds
- Spitting from the tap aerator
- Short hot water heater lifespan
- Leaking taps that regularly need servicing
- Washing machine or dishwasher breaking down
- Running toilet
What Should My Water Pressure Be?
You may be unaware you have high water pressure until it’s too late. To avoid damage to your appliances and plumbing fixtures, water pressure should ideally be between 40 psi (pounds per square inch) and 80 psi. If your water pressure is higher than 60 psi, the warranties on your appliances may be voided and fixtures such as water heaters, taps and toilets may fail prematurely. These problems could result in significant out of pocket repair expenses.
How Can I Test My Water Pressure?
For a simple way to test your water pressure follow these steps. Firstly, turn off all taps and water-using devices on your property. Write down the black and red numbers in your water meter. Next, fully turn on your front garden tap for one minute then go and take another meter reading. Subtract the first reading from the last and this will tell you how much water you used within a minute. If you receive 18 litres a minute or more from your front garden tap, you are receiving at least 15 metre head pressure which is the Sydney Water minimum standard. Another method to test your water pressure is by purchasing a simple pressure test gauge from your local hardware shop which usually costs less than $50 and then following the included instructions.
How Can Silverwater Plumbing Help?
Silverwater Plumbing is currently offering a free water pressure test with every plumbing service. We can diagnose and fix high-pressure water problems for residents Sydney-wide. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, please call Silverwater Plumbing on (02) 9199 2055 to book a water pressure inspection.
