There are few things more frustrating than trying to shower or wash your car with low water pressure, but the inverse – high water pressure – isn’t as much of a luxury as it may seem. High water pressure can put stress on your wallet and your home, and when you’re in search of a new home, having a home inspector experienced in measuring water pressure can be incredibly valuable. Let’s discuss some of the ways high water pressure can cost you and how to identify the signs.
The Cost of High Water Pressure
If a home has high water pressure, the obvious financial repercussion is an increase in your water bill. Unnecessary water pressure can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a month. However, your water bill isn’t the only expensive consequence of elevated water pressure:
- Damaged Pipes and Fixtures: High water pressure leads to a shorter lifespan for pipes and fixtures as it can cause cracks, breaks, or leaks, resulting in further damage from flooding or mold growth.
- Irrigation Misting Fine: Some areas of the US have a ban on irrigation overspray, which is identified when the pressure from a sprinkler is so strong, the water atomizes and is carried off in the wind.
The ideal water pressure to avoid these problems is between 45 and 55 pounds per square inch (PSI). If you’re approaching 60 PSI or above, you run a high risk of encountered expensive issues.
How to Identify High Water Pressure
Fortunately, even if you’re not a certified home inspector, there are still a few signs that indicate when the water pressure is too high. If you notice the following, the building likely has too much water pressure:
- Banging Pipes: When high-pressure water travels through pipes, it can jolt them, causing banging or knocking sounds in your walls or basement.
- Running Toilets: Excessive water pressure can lead to constantly running toilets.
- Leaky Faucets: High water pressure can cause faucets to occasionally leak, especially when using a plumbing fixture.
An experienced home inspector will easily spot these issues during a plumbing inspection, as well as the more complex telltale signs of high water pressure, which is why if you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to hire a professional.
Understanding what high water pressure can cost you should be incentive enough to keep you vigilant of these signs. Fortunately, a home inspector is well-trained in identifying water pressure and water quality issues, as well as many other costly problems. Homeinex Corporation is well-equipped to uncover any issues with your home with our comprehensive home inspection services. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, contact us today.