Home / Home water pressure

Home water pressure

High water pressure strains every fixture, hose and valve in the house. Homes at lower elevations in hilly areas can see higher pressure.

Signs of high pressure

• Banging pipes when faucets close
• Dripping faucets and running toilets
• Short-lived washer hoses and water heater relief valve drips

Check it in one minute

1. Screw a pressure gauge onto an outdoor hose bib.
2. Make sure no water is running inside.
3. Open the hose bib and read the gauge.

Many plumbers aim for roughly 40–80 psi. Readings above that are worth having a plumber check your pressure regulator, which can wear out over time.