At one point or another, homeowners will wonder ‘what should my water pressure be?’ High water pressure in the shower feels nice and is a great way to decompress after, or before, a long day. However, it can also cause constantly running toilets, leaky hoses and dripping faucet handles.
Aside from these annoying problems, high water pressure is difficult to maintain and can cause worn seals, plumbing leaks and damaged fixtures. At worst, it can shorten the lifespan of appliances dependent on water connections, such as ice makers, dishwashers, and washing machines. All Aloha Plumbing, to better provide Maui plumbing services, has compiled a list of signs that your water pressure could be too high.
Banging Or Clanging Noises In Pipes
Do you hear banging in your pipes? The good news is it’s probably not a ghost, but it probably means your water pressure is too high!
Normally, running faucets, which shuts the water off, or flushing toilets, which end the flush cycle, shouldn’t be followed by any noises. However, if they are, this is a sign that the water pressure in your pipes is extremely high. For instance, when your pipes shudder as you do in the cold they are adapting to increasing pressure when you turn off the water. This could, within a short period, lead to plumbing leaks that you will have to deal with.
If pipes bang or clang after the water is shut off, as if someone is hitting them, a plumber’s assistance will be immediately required.
Noisy Appliances
If your appliances that are dependent on water connection become noisy, aside from being annoyed, take into consideration the possibility of water pressure problems. Within these appliances, the seals and mechanical pieces that make them work are wearing out faster when they’re compensating for high water pressure. Worn-out seals lead to more noise and strain and, eventually, a shorter lifespan for your appliances.
Short Hot Water Supply
Hot water is necessary for washing dishes, normal house cleaning and showering. Designed to take in water at a set rate, water heaters compensate for used water and maintain a consistent temperature until the tank’s empty. If, however, your water pressure is too high, the tank will refill too quickly. While this doesn’t sound bad at first, it means cold water will eventually overpower the hot water. This leading to a smaller supply of the latter.
So what does this mean for your water supply? To put it simply, there is a possibility that the hot water heater won’t last as long as it should. When water heaters repeatedly heat water after incomplete cycles, the tank will wear out faster and possibly spring a leak before its expected lifespan.
High Water Bills
The last thing anyone wants is higher bills. However, high water pressure might mean you are using more water than you realize, which means higher water bills.
Typically, faucets have a water pressure of 50 PSI, or, per minute, roughly 30 gallons of water is used. Even a small increase, such as 10 PSI, can bump water usage up to 36 gallons of water per 10 minutes. This is 6 extra gallons of water going into your water bills. While this doesn’t sound like a lot, trust us, it is.
When homes have extremely high water pressure, such as 80-100 PSI, they use roughly 45 gallons of water per 10 minutes. This high number leads to 15 gallons of water being wasted, and hundreds of extra dollars per year spent on water bills.
Get Rid Of Your High Water Pressure Today!
With all the possible consequences that come with high water pressure, you might start to second guess high pressure when showering or washing dishes. Rest assured, you don’t have to say goodbye forever. Pay attention to your pipes and appliances and don’t use high water pressure too often. If anything concerning happens, contact All Aloha Plumbing for Maui plumbing services and find the proper balance between water pressure, stable appliances and low bills.