Water Pressure – What Is Right For Your Home?

You may not think about your water pressure very often but getting it right is critically important to your home.

Of course, the first time you really consider this issue is when the pressure has suddenly risen or reduced. There are several reasons that this could happen but you’re probably going to want to get hold of your local plumber Sydney to resolve the issue.

Low water pressure can result from clogged pipes, valves not fully open, or because the water board is doing some work and the supply is temporarily reduced.

High water pressure can be caused by thermal expansion, gravity, or a faulty pressure regulator. Again, it can also be caused by the water supply company undertaking work and adjusting the pressure.

What Is The Right Pressure?

Low pressure is defined as anything below 40psi, while high pressure is anything over 60psi. That means normal is anything between 40 and 60psi. In fact, most households opt for pressure around 50psi.

But, the right water pressure is a personal choice. Some people like the water to come out as fast as possible and prefer a pressure near 60psi, others think a trickle is perfect and keep the pressure closer to 40psi. This is often the case for people trying to save water.

Setting the Pressure Low

However, you should note that reducing water pressure to save water doesn’t mean you will. Low water pressure means it will take longer to complete cleaning tasks and you may use more water in the process. You’ll also find showers are less enjoyable.

You may also find that appliances which use water, such as the washing machine and dishwasher are not getting enough water, making them work less efficiently, potentially shortening their life.

You’ll also find that water pressures struggle to give you enough water for cleaning and other tasks.

If The Pressure Is Too High

Set your pressure too high and you’ll have an excellent shower! Unfortunately, high water pressure can place a strain on washers, pipes, and joints, potentially causing them to blow. This can result in a leak in your house which will need to be fixed quickly. It can also cause your appliances to wear out prematurely.

Leaking joints may start as a drip and go unnoticed, potentially giving you an expensive bill.

Getting The Pressure Right

You can simply set the pressure to hat you like it to be in the shower. However, it’s a good idea to set the pressure properly. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a pressure regulating valve. This can be fitted to the supply line coming into your home.

It’s very easy to fit and you can do it yourself or get a professional to do it for you. The valve will allow you to adjust the pressure between specific settings, it will tell you the maximum and minimum pressure on the valve. Simply set the valve in the middle position and adjust it a little in either direction according to your preference. This will ensure you can’t set the pressure too high or too low.