High water pressure is a good thing, right? It means comfortable showers, easier dishwashing, quick garden watering and faster filling bathtubs. However, too much water pressure can be a safety hazard and can cause costly damage to your plumbing system and home. Excessively elevated water pressure is often the cause of leaks, pipe damage, failing hot water systems and wasted water.
Signs of Excessive Water Pressure
There are several signs that your water pressure may be too high. This includes a “water hammer”, which is a loud banging noise in your pipes caused by a pressure surge when fast moving water brought to a sudden stop when shutter down. Other signs include:
- Leaking faucets
- Running toilets
- Taps splitting on the outlet
- Water spitting out of faucets
- Leaks from hot water system valves
- Higher costs of heating water because of unnecessarily high-water pressure
- Flooding in the septic drain field and failure where a private septic system is used
- Increased sewer bills in areas where charges are based on metered water usage
- Shorter lifespan of appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and hot water systems.
When is Water Pressure Too High?
Water pressure is adjusted by the local water authority to suit the needs of the area. For example, tall apartments require higher pressure to reach all the residents at the top of the building. It may also need to be adjusted for properties on high hills. It may also be increased for short periods if a fire hydrant is being used.
Properties at the bottom of hills are more prone to having excessive water pressure. Water pressure that is between 60 to 70 PSI (400-500 KPA) is normal. Australian standards state that water at any outlet within a building shall not exceed 70 PSI/500 KPA. However, many homes are supplied with water pressure well above this. When it’s above 80 PSI, things start to get dangerous.
When Happens When Water Pressure is Too High?
The most common problem with high water pressure is the deterioration and failure of plumbing systems inside homes. Excessive water pressure can cause small pinhole leaks that may damage flooring, walls and ceilings as well as cause mildew and mould. When water pressure is extremely high (80 to 100 PSI), drastic things can happen, such as the hot water system exploding.
Fixing Water Pressure Issues
If your water pressure is higher than 80 PSI, sometimes all your water line needs is a pressure regulator. This will slow down the volume of water entering your home, keeping the pressure at reasonable levels. This allows you to reduce your water bill so you aren’t paying for water you don’t need while saving your appliances, faucets and plumbing from early wear and tear. A plumber can install this for you.
Need a Plumbing Company? Brisbane’s EPG Can Help
Need plumbing issues fixed in your home? Get in touch with the expert plumbers at EPG today. In addition to fixing residential plumbing issues around Brisbane, we offer a range of other services:
- Industrial plumbing (Brisbane wide)
- Commercial plumbing (Brisbane wide)
- Industrial automation (Brisbane wide)
- Commercial electrician (Brisbane wide)
Call us on (07) 3823 1630 to discuss your requirements or contact us online.
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