What are risks of extremely high water pressure?
Extremely high water pressure poses significant risks including burst pipes, leaks, damage to water-using appliances like water heaters and washing machines, and accelerated wear on faucets and fixtures. It can also lead to excessive water consumption and higher utility bills.
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Understanding the Dangers of High Water Pressure
Extremely high water pressure, typically exceeding 80 psi (pounds per square inch), can lead to a range of severe and costly problems within a plumbing system. The constant, excessive force strains pipes, connections, and internal components of appliances.
Damage to Plumbing and Appliances
High pressure significantly increases the likelihood of burst pipes, especially in older or weaker sections of plumbing. Even without bursting, it can cause persistent leaks at joints, faucets, and fixture seals. Water-using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and particularly water heaters, are also vulnerable. Their internal mechanisms are not designed to withstand sustained high pressure, leading to premature failure, voided warranties, and potential flooding.
Increased Water Bills and Wear
Beyond immediate damage, high water pressure contributes to excessive water usage. Faucets and showerheads discharge more water than necessary, leading to higher utility bills. This constant stress also accelerates the wear and tear on all plumbing fixtures, requiring more frequent repairs and replacements of components like washers, gaskets, and cartridges. Unchecked high pressure reduces the lifespan of your entire home's water system.
Key Considerations
None identified. The risks associated with extremely high water pressure are inherent to the condition itself, affecting all plumbing systems over time. While the severity or speed of damage may vary based on the age and quality of the plumbing, the potential for damage, leaks, and accelerated wear remains a universal concern.
Immediate Steps to Address High Water Pressure
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Test your home's water pressure using a simple pressure gauge, widely available at hardware stores, connecting it to an outdoor spigot.
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Locate your main water shut-off valve and your pressure reducing valve (PRV), if present, to understand your system.
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Consult a qualified plumber to assess your system and professionally adjust or install a pressure reducing valve (PRV) if your readings are consistently above 80 psi.
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Regularly monitor your water pressure and inspect visible pipes and connections for signs of leaks or stress.
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Document any appliance damage, as some warranties may require proof of appropriate water pressure for coverage.
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