Did you know that checking your home’s water pressure is a simple task that you can do yourself?
In today’s blog post, we’ll show you how to check your water pressure and provide some tips on how to improve it if necessary.
So whether you are a property owner who wants to take care of their home or a tenant who wants to understand more about the property they live in, read on for information on how to check your home’s water pressure!
Check out this page if you’d like to learn what you can do about low water pressure in your home.
How to check your home’s water pressure in five simple steps
Want to learn how to check the water pressure in your home? It’s rather simple!
Here’s a quick, detailed guide that you can reference the next time you need to test the water pressure in your home:
Check the pressure gauge on your water pressure regulator
The pressure gauge is located on the front of the water pressure regulator, and it will have a needle that indicates the current water pressure. If the needle is in the “green zone”, then the water pressure is good. However, if the needle is in the “red zone”, then the water pressure is too high and you will need to adjust the regulator.
Turn on a faucet and let the water run temporarily
Once the water has been running for a few minutes, check the pressure gauge again. The pressure should have dropped slightly from when you first checked it. If the pressure has not dropped, then your home’s water pressure may be too high.
Adjust the screw on your water pressure regulator clockwise to reduce the water pressure
Turning the screw clockwise will reduce the amount of water that flows through your home’s pipes, which will lower the water pressure.
Check your home’s plumbing for leaks
Leaks in your home’s plumbing can cause your water pressure to increase. To check for leaks, turn off all of the faucets in your home and make sure that no one is using any appliances that use water (such as dishwashers or washing machines). Then, check your home’s water meter. If the meter is still moving, then you might be dealing with a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.
Call a plumber if you cannot reduce your home’s water pressure yourself
If you have followed all of the above steps and you are still not able to reduce your home’s water pressure, then you should call a plumbing technician to come and assess your home’s plumbing system.
Five causes of low water pressure
Here are five potential reasons why you’re experiencing low water pressure:
Leaky plumbing system
Leaks can occur in the pipes that supply water to your living space or in the fixtures themselves. If you have reason to believe that you have a leak, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to have it repaired.
Corroded piping
Another potential cause of the low water pressure in your home is corroded pipes. Over time, the pipes that deliver water to your home can become corroded, which can restrict the flow of water and lead to low water pressure. If you have an older home, it is especially important to have your pipes inspected regularly for signs of corrosion.
Mineral buildup
Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can build up on the inside of piping, which can restrict the flow of water and lead to low water pressure. If you live in a town or city with particularly hard water, it is especially important to have your pipes cleaned regularly to prevent mineral buildup.
Pressure regulator valve
If your home has a pressure regulator valve, it may be set too low, which can cause low water pressure. The pressure regulator valve is typically located near the main water shut-off valve and is responsible for regulating the amount of water pressure in your home. If you think that your pressure regulator valve may be set too low, you should contact a plumber to have it adjusted.
Municipal water supply issues
In some cases, low water pressure may be due to issues with the municipal water supply. If there are problems with the pumps or treatment facilities that supply your community with water, it can lead to low water pressure for everyone in the area. In these cases, there is typically an announcement made by the municipality so that residents are aware of the issue.
How to check your home’s water pressure — Conclusion
If you have any concerns about your home’s water pressure, it’s always best to consult with a professional. A plumbing service can help identify any potential problems and make the necessary repairs to ensure that your home has adequate water pressure.
