Water pressure is something that you never really notice until it's different. Sometimes your water pressure can be too hard or too soft, and it's important to know what proper pressure is like so you don't end up with significant damage from leaks. If you have ever wondered what the water pressure should be and how to measure it, keep reading to see what it should be like in your home.
How Is Water Pressure Measured?
Water pressure is measured in a few ways, but the most common is PSI (pounds per inch, a measurement you can achieve using a water pressure gauge) or liters per minute.
If you are measuring your water pressure by PSI, you want to stay in a range that is under 60.
Anything from 10-15 is considered average for your home if you are measuring in liters per minute.
Can I measure my water pressure myself?
We mentioned two ways you can measure your water pressure. The first one requires a water pressure gauge that you can find at any hardware store. It usually screws into your outdoor tap like a hose, and you simply need to open the flow of water to allow the gauge to measure it.
Look for the water source closest to the nearest street for municipal water. If you don't have an outdoor faucet, you can use a tap inside but try to use one closest to the water supply. Use one close to the well's pressure tank if you have a well. Turn off all other water sources in your home (make sure things like washing machines or dishwashers aren't running while you test) and firmly connect the pressure gauge to your water source, ensuring there are no leaks to provide you with an accurate reading.
The other way you can measure your water pressure is by the liter. Measuring by the liter will require a container that is equal to a liter, a stopwatch, and a calculator so you can determine how much water is flowing within a minute. Make sure there is no water flowing in the home, and time yourself to see how long it takes you to fill the jug full of water. Anything over 6 seconds means that the water is flowing at a rate of fewer than 10 liters per minute which is too low.
What can I do to help my water pressure?
Fixing the water pressure in your home might be possible, but it depends on where you get your water. If you have a well, you will need to adjust the pressure on the tank, but if you have water provided by the city, you will need to change the pressure on your main water gauge.
Well Water Owners
For those who have well water, check and see if there is any major buildup in your pipes before you adjust your water pressure. Well, water is notorious for clogging up pipes due to the extra minerals it usually carries, and this should be the first thing you check if your water pressure is low. If you have noticed a buildup of calcium on your shower head or in other water sources in your home, then hard water is likely the problem.
If you find your pipes are likely clogged, call a plumber to help you assess the situation. If you turn up the water pressure on clogged pipes, then you might end up bursting them and causing significant damage. A plumber can likely find the area that needs to be fixed and replace it, which will be much cheaper than fixing a blown-out pipe.
If your pipes are clear, you are good to adjust the water pressure. You will need to cut off the power to your water pressure system and adjust it based on the manufacturer's guidelines. It will likely be set in a specific range to cut on and off (30psi to go on and 50 psi to go off is average), and you will need to adjust it to be slightly higher (35psi to 55psi, for example). Some systems have a computer that programs the flow, while others rely on manual parts that are adjusted using tools, so make sure you check out the style of system you have and how to change it before you start.
City Water Owners
For those who rely on city water, you will need to adjust your water pressure at the main supply, which should be located near your water meter. Have a look for a cylindrical piece on top of the pipes with a bolt-on at its end. It might even be labeled with a tag to let you know which way it needs to be adjusted.
Turn the bolt clockwise once the pressure-reducing valve is located while watching the pressure gauge. Do this as slowly as you can, and make sure you watch the pressure, so it doesn't get too high. When you're done, check the pressure from the furthest water source away from your main pipe to get an accurate idea of the pressure.
If this adjustment hasn't worked, it's time to contact the city about your issue. You should explain all of the steps you've taken to try and fix it, and they will likely send out someone to check the pressure themselves. They might have to make a minor adjustment to the pipes leading to your home or a significant adjustment if it's affecting others in the area.
What other issues might change my water pressure?
If you have experienced a sudden change rather than a gradual change, the issue might be completely different.
Burst Pipe
If your water pressure changes quickly, a burst pipe might be your problem. This can happen for many reasons, and it's best to contact a plumber if you think this is the case. A pipe can burst in your home, but it can also become damaged underground, and a plumber is the best person to assess this issue for you.
Frozen Pipe
Some homes develop issues with older pipes becoming frozen at low temperatures in the winter months. There is no quick way to fix this as the problem is likely underground, but you can prevent it by allowing your tips to drip slightly in colder months, so the water has a constant flow. Frozen pipes usually lead to no water, but sometimes it will reduce your water pressure until it's very low.
Fire Hoses
Nearby sirens might mean that your water pressure will be reduced. A firehose connected to your system will likely reduce your water pressure until it's turned off.
Maintenance
When your water company does significant work on the line, they will usually let the public know online or by mail. If you experience a sudden pressure drop, look around your neighborhood to see if you missed the memo about the work.
Average water pressure is one of the keys to saving you money on your water bills, so make sure you test it whenever you can to stay within an average range. A sudden or slow change in your water pressure could mean many things, so it's good to test it out often and see what your home's average happens to be. It's the quickest way to determine if an adjustment needs to be made.
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