9 Reasons for High Water Pressure in Your House

July 02, 2016

High water pressure may be great while taking a shower or washing a car, but it’s not so great for your home or water bill. High water pressure in your house can cause significant damage to your plumbing system and require costly repairs.

At A.J. Perri, we’re here to help you understand the causes, symptoms, and solutions for this common problem. We specialize in diagnosing and fixing plumbing issues to ensure your home’s safety and efficiency. If you’ve noticed unusually high water pressure or suspect other problems with your home’s plumbing system, it’s essential to contact your local plumber for a plumbing inspection to prevent further damage.

Symptoms of High Water Pressure in a House

The easiest way to find out if you have high water pressure in your house is simply by observing it when it happens. Common signs you may notice include:

Water hammer (banging in your pipes)
Water spitting from faucet aerators when the faucet is turned on
Shortened lifespan of water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers
Running toilets

These symptoms of high water pressure in a house indicate that your plumbing system is under stress, which can result in needing costly repairs and replacements if not addressed promptly. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to protect your home’s plumbing.

How to Test Your Water Pressure (PSI)

If you’re still not sure if your water pressure is abnormal, buy a pressure gauge and screw it onto a faucet near your water meter. A water pressure gauge helps you determine the PSI (pounds per square inch) of your water pressure.

Here’s a quick guide on how to test your water pressure:

Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures.
Attach the pressure gauge to an outside faucet or a faucet near your water meter.
Turn the faucet on fully and read the gauge.

Ideally, water pressure should be between 40 and 60 PSI. If the reading exceeds that range, it’s time to take action. For professional help in New Jersey, call A.J. Perri at (732) 733-2541.

What Happens If Water Pressure in Your House Is Too High?

When water pressure reaches over 80 PSI, your home may experience several problems. High water pressure in a house puts extra stress on pipes, often leading to leaks and water damage. Additionally, this increased pressure can cause significant stress on appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, faucets, toilet parts, shut-off valves, and hot water heaters, resulting in shortened lifespans and more frequent repairs. High water pressure can also lead to wasted water, increasing your utility bills.

Is High Water Pressure an Emergency?

High water pressure in a house can indeed be considered an emergency, especially if left unaddressed. Excessive water pressure puts undue stress on your home’s plumbing system, increasing the risk of pipe bursts and leaks, which can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs.

Moreover, high water pressure can cause premature wear and tear on appliances, reducing their expected lifespan. If you notice symptoms of high water pressure in your home, schedule a service with A.J. Perri as soon as possible.

What Causes High Water Pressure in a House?

Several factors can contribute to high water pressure in a house. Understanding these causes can help you diagnose and address the issues more effectively:

1. Broken Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator controls the water pressure entering your home. If it malfunctions, it can fail to regulate pressure, causing the pressure to rise to dangerous levels and putting stress on your home’s plumbing system and appliances.

2. Clogged Pipes

Over time, mineral deposits and debris can build up inside your pipes, restricting water flow. This restriction forces the water to push through narrower passages, increasing pressure and potentially leading to leaks and burst pipes.

3. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe alters the pressure balance in your plumbing system, causing a sudden drop in one area and increased pressure elsewhere. This imbalance can strain the rest of your system, leading to further damage.

4. Temperature Changes

Seasonal temperature variations can affect water pressure. Colder weather can cause water to contract, increasing pressure, while warmer water can cause expansion, also affecting pressure levels.

5. Municipal Water Supply Fluctuations

The pressure from the municipal water supply can fluctuate due to maintenance work or changes in demand. These fluctuations can impact the water pressure in your home, making it essential to have a water pressure regulator to maintain consistency.

6. Tree Roots

Tree roots can infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and increasing pressure. As roots grow, they can damage pipes, leading to leaks and increased pressure within your home’s plumbing system.

7. High Municipal Water Pressure

Your water company may keep the water pressure high in your town to meet the needs of fire hydrants and tall buildings. This high pressure can directly affect the water pressure inside your home.

8. Living at the Bottom of a Hill

Living at the bottom of a hill can naturally cause high water pressure because water runs downhill, after all. This is one of the most common causes of high water pressure in homes situated in lower elevations.

9. Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion inside your home occurs due to water volume changes from your water heater heating up. If not properly managed, this can increase pressure within your plumbing system.

Why Is My Water Pressure So High All of a Sudden?

Sudden increases in water pressure can be alarming. A sudden increase can be due to a broken pressure regulator or a change in the municipal water supply. Additionally, temperature changes or a burst pipe could cause sudden spikes. If your water pressure increases unexpectedly, it’s essential to investigate as soon as possible.

Can a Bad Water Heater Cause High Water Pressure?

A bad water heater can contribute to high water pressure in a house. Thermal expansion occurs when water is heated, increasing the volume and pressure inside your plumbing system. If your water heater’s expansion tank is malfunctioning, this can lead to excessive pressure. Your local plumber offers professional help to ensure the water pressure in your home isn’t too high or too low.

How Do I Fix High Water Pressure in My House?

A plumbing repair is not something most people are qualified to tackle on their own. The best thing you can do is contact a professional plumber. A professional plumber will help diagnose your water pressure problem and provide the right solution for your home.

Water pressure in a home can be adjusted. Oftentimes, installing a pressure regulator on your main water line is all your plumber will need to do to fix the problem. A pressure regulator is a common solution and can be installed on the main water line to maintain optimal pressure levels. A professional plumber can assess your system and install or adjust the pressure regulator as needed. For expert assistance, schedule a service with A.J. Perri.

Schedule a Professional Water Pressure Inspection Today

At A.J. Perri, our licensed plumbers are experts in diagnosing and fixing high water pressure in houses. We offer special deals and guarantees on our services, ensuring you get the best value and peace of mind while safeguarding your property. Financing options are available to make necessary repairs more affordable.

Don’t let high water pressure damage your home or appliances. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and take advantage of our exceptional services. Call (732) 733-2541 or schedule a service online to ensure your home’s plumbing system functions safely and efficiently.