Easy Ways You Can Test Water Pressure at Home

Going through water pressure issues can be a real nuisance. Whether your shower has become a mere drizzle or your garden hose lacks its usual power, understanding and maintaining your home’s water pressure is crucial for getting things flowing again. The good thing is, checking your water pressure is an easy task that doesn’t require special training. Find out about the simple process of testing your water pressure at home, how to interpret the results and what a professional can do to fix any irregularities you find.

Why Test Your Water Pressure?

Understanding your home’s water pressure ensures a satisfying shower, but more importantly, it protects your plumbing system from deterioration. Similar to how you regularly check the oil in your car, examining your water pressure once or twice a year can prevent bigger problems later on.

After all, low water pressure is aggravating, but high water pressure can significantly damage your plumbing system, including pipe connections, water heaters and appliances. The possibility of blowouts in flexible lines, like those connecting to your washing machine and dishwasher, goes up with high water pressure, potentially leading to leaks and extensive water damage. Checking your water pressure and taking appropriate steps based on the results can prevent these issues.

What You Need to Test Water Pressure

To start out, you need a simple and low-cost tool called a pressure gauge. These are often available at hardware or home improvement retailers. When picking out a gauge, look for one with female hose threads (to easily attach to an outdoor faucet or hose bib), a rubber gasket for a tight seal and the potential to measure up to 300 pounds per square inch (psi).

An Easy Guide to Testing Water Pressure

With a pressure gauge at the ready, you’re set to test that water pressure. Just take these steps:

1. Preparation: First, make sure that all water outlets in your household are switched off. Make sure you check the following: faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and sprinkler systems. Any water use during testing may influence your readings and give a false perception of low pressure.

2. Connect the pressure gauge: Attach the gauge to an external faucet or hose bib. If your water comes from a municipal source, connect it to the faucet that is as close as possible to the water meter for the most accurate reading. For homes with a well system, connect it to a hose bib in the vicinity of the well’s pressure tank.

3. Calculate the pressure: Tighten the gauge by hand and open the faucet as wide as possible. Now, check the readout to find the pressure. A suitable reading ranges from 45 to 55 psi. If your reading is lower than 40 psi or above 80 psi, it’s time to seek assistance.

Resolving Water Pressure Issues

Here are things you can do to fix high or low water pressure:

• High pressure: Install a water pressure regulator on your water main. This tool keeps the pressure at a maximum flow of 75 psi. Even if you already have a regulator, it’s wise to review the pressure regularly, as regulators can fail without you knowing.
• Low pressure: To start off with, look over any existing pressure regulators, which should be set to about 50 psi. Adjusting the screw on top should increase flow. If a pressure regulator isn’t what’s causing the low pressure, the problem may possibly be with the municipal water source. In this situation, setting up a water pressure booster may aid in raising the pressure.
• Normal pressure: If your pressure is within the recommended range, no further action is needed. Just keep in mind to test your water pressure occasionally to ensure it remains within this range.

When to Call an Expert for Water Pressure Problems in Edmonton

If you’re not feeling very confident about testing the water pressure on your own, or if you’ve identified an issue that requires professional attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Our skilled plumbers can help you test your water pressure, diagnose issues and make sure no fixtures have been harmed by high pressure. We can also give you a hand in putting in a pressure regulator or booster if needed. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us to fix the problem the first time around. The next time you have water pressure problems or other plumbing difficulties in Edmonton, call Rob's Albertan Service Experts to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you!