Maintaining a plumbing system is imperative for smooth household activities. And guess what? Water pressure plays an important role in ensuring that! While adequate water pressure is necessary for efficient water flow, high water pressure can wreak havoc on your plumbing infrastructure. Let’s explore the importance of tackling high water pressure, learn all the relevant information you need to know about it, and share some other amazing measures you can take to keep your plumbing system in top-notch condition!
What is Water Pressure?
Before we delve into the details of how to tackle water pressure, let’s understand the basics of what water pressure is. It is the force that propels water through your plumbing pipes and into your appliances, fixtures, and faucets. Water pressure is generally measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
While having sufficient water pressure is necessary for a smooth water flow, excessive water pressure can lead to various unwanted problems, compromising the performance of your plumbing system. Getting water pressure problems fixed by expert plumbing technicians is a wise thing to do. Therefore, always hire a professional plumber to fix any water pressure-related problems.
The Impact of High Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause problems such as damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances, strain on water heaters, pipe leaks, bursts, and more. Let’s discuss these issues in detail to gain a better understanding.
Damage to Plumbing Fixtures & Appliances
Excessive water pressure can cause wear and tear on your plumbing fixtures, including showerheads, faucets, and toilets. It stresses the components unnecessarily, leading to cracks, leaks, and a shortened lifespan of these fixtures. High water pressure can damage appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, etc, affecting their performance and life.
Pipe Leaks & Bursts
One of the most severe consequences of high water pressure is the potential for pipe leaks or bursts, which you will never want as they cause you stress and can be heavy on your wallet. The excess pressure puts stress on the plumbing pipes, making them susceptible to ruptures and cracks. This leads to extensive damage in your residential or commercial building, requiring costly repairs.
Strain on Water Heaters
Did you know that your water heater can suffer from high water pressure? It’s true! With too much force, the heating components can become strained, leading to premature failure. This can result in costly repairs or even the need to replace the entire plumbing system. But don’t worry, there’s an easy solution. By having professional plumbing technicians regularly inspect your water heater and plumbing system, you can avoid these problems and save money in the long run.
How to Detect High Water Pressure?
To effectively tackle high water pressure, it’s important to be able to detect it. You must know some signs that may indicate excessive water pressure in your office or home’s plumbing system.
Constantly Running Toilet
When a toilet is experiencing difficulty in flushing or is constantly running, it could be a sign of underlying plumbing issues caused by excessive water pressure. These problems may include filling valve malfunctions, worn-out flappers, or a damaged flush valve. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is suggested to prevent unwanted water wastage and avoid costly repairs in the long run.
Short Lifespan of Appliances
Home appliances such as washing machines and water heaters may have a shorter lifespan if consistently exposed to high water pressure. Staying proactive and hiring professional plumbers for regular inspections is a smart move to avoid all these problems.
Frequent Pipe Leaks
If you notice a recurring pattern of pipe leaks, especially in different locations, it may indicate excessive water pressure, which must be addressed immediately.
Unusual Sounds
Do you hear vibrating or banging sounds when you turn on or off faucets? If yes, it could indicate high water pressure causing a water hammer.
A water hammer happens when the water flow is abruptly stopped or changes direction, causing the pipes to vibrate or shake. High water pressure is often the reason behind the water hammer, and it can damage pipes in your home or office building over time. Therefore, it’s essential to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system and adjust the water pressure to prevent any further damage.
Preventive Measures: Water Pressure Regulation
To protect your plumbing system from the effects of high water pressure, it’s important to follow preventive measures. Let’s talk about some effective steps you can take to avoid this situation.
Upgrade Plumbing Pipes
If your home has older plumbing pipes, upgrade to materials that can withstand higher water pressures. Modern materials like PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene), CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride), or copper are often more resistant to the effects of high water pressure. You can also use stainless steel or polypropylene (PP), which are durable materials.
Install a Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator, or a pressure-reducing valve, is a device that can be installed near the main water line to regulate and control the incoming water pressure. This guarantees that the pressure remains within safe limits for your plumbing system. Pressure regulators are easily available in the market; you can install one on your own or hire a professional plumbing technician to install it for you.
Monitor Water Pressure
It is also suggested that you regularly check your water pressure using a gauge. This device can be easily attached to a faucet or hose bib to measure the water pressure. If you notice readings consistently above the recommended range of 40-80 psi, consider installing or adjusting a pressure regulator.
Professional Plumbing Inspection
It’s essential to have your plumbing system regularly inspected by professional plumbers. This will help identify and fix any potential issues related to water pressure before they become major problems and cost you a lot of money.
Avoiding the Havoc of Untamed Water Pressure
To wrap it up, It is crucial to understand the significance of tackling high water pressure to maintain an efficient plumbing system. By recognizing the signs of excessive water pressure, implementing preventive measures, and staying proactive with regular plumbing maintenance, you can protect your residential or commercial building from the potential damage linked to high water pressure.
These steps protect your plumbing infrastructure and seal the deal for a long-lasting water supply for your household. Always hire a professional team of plumbers as they ensure the professional standard of plumbing work.
Tommie’s Plumbing Serves Your Local Plumbing Needs
Are you facing any issues with the water pressure in your residence or office? Tommie’s Plumbing is always at your service to offer Pro-level water pressure fixing and other plumbing solutions to ease your worries.
We are experts in Sewer & Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Installation, Garbage Disposals, and more! With more than three decades of professional plumbing experience, the Tommie’s Plumbing team has earned a reputation for excellence in Tennessee. We are proud to serve the cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, Erwin, Gray, Elizabethton, Greeneville, Jonesborough, Morristown, Unicoi, Bristol, and surrounding areas. So, why wait? Don’t hesitate to contact us today and avail yourself of the best plumbing services!
