You depend on your water supply almost constantly on a daily basis. You need a solid supply of running water to take a shower, wash your hands, do the dishes, and run your laundry machine. You also depend on your water system to provide you with a steady supply of drinking water. This is only possible if your house has the right water pressure, but how do you know if your water pressure is appropriate?
You need to know what a normal household water pressure is. In general, the average household water pressure is between 45 and 80 PSI, which is short for pounds per square inch. If your water pressure dips below this range, it is considered low. On the other hand, if your water pressure is above this range, it is considered high. You might need a pressure regulator to help you fix your home’s water pressure.
Your household can experience problems if your water pressure is too low or too high, so it is critical to take a closer look at what your normal water pressure should be, why it is important, and what you should do if your water pressure is a bit off.
Your Water Flow Is About Functional Flow
When we talk about your water pressure, we are referring to the amount of force that your water generates when it moves through your plumbing system. While it is important to think about the pressure in your pipes because you do not want your pipes to burst, it is all about ensuring that you have enough functional flow to your individual appliances.
Think about it like this. Your functional flow refers to the amount of water that actually flows out of the various appliances you have in your home. Your functional flow is important because it dictates the amount of water you have coming out of your washing machine, your dishwasher, your refrigerator, your shower head, your bathtub faucet, and your sink.
If you have more plumbing appliances, you may need more water pressure because you have more functional flow needs. On the other hand, you do not want your water pressure to be too high because it could cause damage to your pipes. So, what do you need to do if you need more functional flow, but don’t want your pressure to be too high? You need to get bigger pipes, or you need to find other ways to reduce the pressure in your pipes in other areas without impacting your water supply.
Your Pounds Per Square Inch Are Low: Why Your Functional Flow Is Too Low
On the other hand, there could be situations where your functional flow is a bit low. There are plenty of reasons why this might be the case. Some of the most common culprits include:
- You might have some corrosion present in your pipe systems, and this corrosion could restrict the flow of water throughout your home. This is usually a problem if your plumbing is a bit older.
- You may also have some calcium or lime buildup in your pipes. This is typically caused by hard water, and it could eventually restrict the flow of water through your home.
- There is also a chance that your overall plumbing system itself might be poorly installed. While this is unusual, it is something to consider if you have recently moved into your home.
- You should also take a close look at your water main. If the valve is partially closed, it could be the reason why your water flow is a bit low.
- You may also want to pay close attention to your supply connector hose. If it is kinked, it could be the reason why your functional flow is a bit off.
- If you have well water, there is a chance your well pump is running but not building pressure.
Keep in mind that you need to figure out whether this is an issue with your appliances or the water supply throughout your entire home. If you only have an issue with one appliance, it could be a sign that something is wrong with that appliance. On the other hand, if every appliance appears to be flowing a bit slowly, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the entire plumbing system in your house.
How Do You Measure Your Water Pressure?
Time needed: 30 minutes
If you don’t have a DROP pump controller or Home Protection Valve to tell you your water pressure in the app, you will need to measure it the old school way.
As you start troubleshooting this issue, you need to make sure you measure your water pressure appropriately. Some of the most important steps you need to complete if you want an accurate measure of your water pressure include:
- Pick Your Spot
You need to figure out where you will measure your water pressure. Typically, you should measure your water pressure using an outside faucet that is connected to your home.
- Turn Off the Water
You need to make sure that you don’t have any water running inside or outside your home, as this could otherwise throw off your measurement. This means that you need to turn off your refrigerator, sink, shower, and sprinklers.
- Attach the Water Pressure Gauge
If there is a hose attached to the exterior faucet of your home, you should remove it. Then, install the pressure gauge. Make sure you follow the instructions closely, and do not forget that you need to tighten the device to get a strong seal.
- Run the Test
Now, it is time for you to run the test. Go ahead and turn the faucet all the way up. Take a look at the pressure reading on the dial. If the reading is high or low, it is a sign that you need to address a serious issue. You might be able to handle some simple issues on your own, but if you cannot identify the root cause of the problem, you need to reach out to a plumber who can help you.
Install a Pressure Reducing Valve for High Water Pressure
If have high pressure on the water pressure gauge, then you may need to install a pressure reducing valve. This is important because it can reduce the pressure of water flowing into your house before it has an opportunity to damage your pipes.
Keep in mind that you do not want to restrict your water pressure too much. If you do so, you may have a difficult time washing your hands, washing your dishes, and showering at the same time. You need to think about how high your water pressure is, how much you want to drop your water pressure, and what size valve is appropriate for your home.
Look for a Leak
On the other hand, if your water pressure is low, you may want to check throughout your house for a leak. You may want to take a look at the water meter near the front of your house. It might also be located near the curb. If the dial is moving even though all of your appliances are shut off, then it is a sign that there could be a leak present throughout your house.
You need to identify this leak as quickly as possible because you do not want to keep wasting water and driving up your utility bill. This is another situation where a professional could help you.
DROP Can Report and Notify You About Water Pressure
If you have the pump controller or home protection valve, you can see your water pressure in the App. You can also be notified of low water pressure or high water pressure with settings to alter the thresholds. Being notified of low water pressure allows you catch water leaks quickly.
Use the Best Water Softeners and Water Filters From DROP
If you want to get the most out of your home’s water supply, you need to ensure you have clean water to use. At DROP, we have a variety of water softeners and water filters that could be perfect for your needs, and we would be happy to work with you to help you find the right options for your water supply.
Reach out to us today to speak to our team, and take a look at the selection we have available!
