How to Test Your Home’s Water Pressure in 4 Simple Steps

The best way to fix a problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That’s why we go to the doctor for an annual physical and get the oil changed in our cars. The same idea applies to your plumbing. One thing you can periodically check to avoid a major issue is the water pressure of your water supply.

If the water pressure is too high, it can put extra stress on your pipes and fixtures, which can cause a break and major flooding in your home. Water pressure is usually well controlled by the water department or a pressure-reducing valve in your home, but failures can always occur. That’s why it’s a good idea to test the water pressure yourself. In this article, we’ll explain how.

Why do You Need to Test Your Home’s Water Pressure?

As mentioned above, if left unchecked, high water pressure can cause a lot of damage to your pipes and fixtures. It can also result in blowouts in washing machine hoses which can flood your house.

Low water pressure can also be problematic as it may prevent you from getting enough water for showers or running laundry machines efficiently. You wouldn’t want to be in the shower while the water pressure suddenly drops off, rendering it a trickle.

That’s why it’s important to periodically check your home’s water pressure. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to test your water pressure at home and ensure that everything is functioning as it should be.

Even if you have a pressure regulator, testing the water pressure in your home from time to time is important as it can help you detect a faulty regulator. Otherwise, you may not be aware that the regulator has failed until the high pressure damages your plumbing.

What You’ll Need:

  • Pressure gauge with female hose threads – you can find these at your local home improvement store
  • Adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers
  • Notebook to record results for future reference

Testing your home’s water pressure is relatively easy. Just follow these 4 simple steps:

Steps For Testing Your Home’s Water Pressure

  1. Choose the best testing location – Ideally, you’ll want to use the outside hose bibb to test the water pressure. If you have multiple outdoor faucets, use the one that’s closest to the main water supply line coming into your home. If an outside hose bibb is not an option, you can also use the cold water supply faucet for your laundry washing machine.
  2. Turn off all running water – For an accurate reading, it’s important that the water is not being used anywhere else in the home. That means turning off dishwashers, the sprinkler system, showers, etc. Let anyone else in your home know not to turn on a faucet or flush the toilet for a few minutes while you conduct the pressure test.
  3. Install pressure gauge – Take off the hose from the outdoor faucet (or disconnect the washer from the cold water line). Twist the pressure gauge on the spigot like you would a hose. For the first try, hand-tighten the gauge, but if there are any leaks when you turn on the water you can tighten it more with your wrench or pliers.
  4. Turn on the water – Open the faucet all the way. You’ll see the needle of the pressure gauge move. Once the needle settles, check the reading and write the number in your notebook.

Understanding The Water Pressure Reading

Ideally, you want your water pressure to be between 40 and 50 psi. If it’s not within that range and you have a pressure-reducing valve, adjust it to make sure it’s working properly.

If your water pressure is above 75 psi and you can’t reduce it yourself, you should call a plumber to fix the pressure before it causes a larger problem. 

What Are The Benefits of Regular Plumbing Maintenance?

Regular plumbing maintenance can help you identify and fix issues before they become more expensive problems. In addition, routine check-ups can extend the life of your plumbing fixtures, saving you time and money in the long run.

Not only that, but proper maintenance will also ensure that your water pressure is within a safe range, so you can get the most out of your plumbing fixtures without worrying about damage to them.

When it comes to keeping your home’s plumbing in top condition, testing the water pressure is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked. Taking just a few minutes each season to check and record the readings will provide you with peace of mind and help protect your home from potential issues.

The Experts at Liberty Plumbing Can Help

Testing the water pressure in your home is a smart idea and easy to do yourself. Of course, if you have any difficulties or would prefer a professional’s opinion, contact Liberty Plumbing. We strive to provide the best plumbing and heating services in the Murrieta and Winchester, CA area. Call us today at (951) 404-1978.

We are honored to serve you and will show the utmost integrity while taking care of your needs.

You can depend on our highly trained, certified staff and know we have the ability to exceed your expectations.

CALL US NOW (951) 760-4215

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