How to Measure Your Water Pressure & What the Numbers Mean

You already know what water pressure is, but do you know how to measure it and what your home’s water pressure means for your plumbing? The flow strength of the water through your plumbing system is actually very easy to measure. Once you know what you are working with, you’ll be able to better address your home’s plumbing needs.

How to Take a Water Pressure Measurement

First, you’ll need a water pressure gauge, which you can buy for around $20 at most hardware stores. Look for a gauge that has a hose connection, so you won’t need any extra equipment to use it. Then, make sure there isn’t any running water in your home. Make sure things like showers, dishwashers and washing machines are off and that no one is flushing a toilet.

The next step is to hook the water pressure gauge up to the spicket outside your home (where you normally hook up your hose or sprinklers) and turn the water on. It doesn’t matter how hard the water is flowing, it just needs to be turned on. You’ll notice the needle on the gauge will move; the number it stops on is your water pressure reading.

What The Number Means

Water pressure, or the strength at which water moves through your pipes, is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Most homes on city water systems should have a water pressure reading between 55 and 65 PSI. If you are on well water, your reading should be between 30 and 50 PSI. If your reading shows a number outside this range, you should contact a plumber.

Having good water pressure not only makes using the appliances in your home much easier, but it also ensures that your plumbing fixtures will work properly and won’t become damaged. If you don’t have enough water pressure, things like sprinklers and water filters won’t work the way they should. On the other hand, if you have too much water pressure, you could cause damage to your pipes.

If you find that your water pressure isn’t where it should be, there are several ways you can fix it. Your home should have a water pressure gauge that allows you to make adjustments. Also, a professional plumber can visit your home to find out what may be causing the problem. From there, he can recommend some possible solutions.

For help measuring your water pressure, and to find the cause of water pressure problems, please contact us. We can send a professional Massapequa plumber to your home to help you find a solution that works for you.