How To Check My Water Pressure

Do you ever wonder why your water pressure is low? It’s frustrating when your shower feels like a light drizzle. But before you assume the worst, there is a quick and easy way to figure out exactly what’s going on with your home’s plumbing. Even better, you don’t need a tool belt or a degree in engineering, you need just one simple tool.

The Secret Tool? The Pressure Gauge

Think of a pressure gauge as a “health monitor” for your home’s water system. It’s a little device with a dial that tells you exactly how hard the water is pushing through your pipes, usually measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). It’s helpful because it lets you know if your pressure is high enough to give you a great shower, or more importantly, if it’s so high that it might be stressing out your pipes and fixtures. You can get them at most local hardware stores for just a few bucks. It has a threaded end that looks just like the end of a garden hose, which makes this DIY test a breeze.

Get Connected. Read the Results. Perform the “Stress Test”

Head outside to one of your outdoor spigots. Thread the pressure gauge onto the faucet, making sure it is tight and won’t leak. Turn the water on and watch the needle jump! A “normal” range for a residential home is generally between 50 and 80 psi.

Seeing the pressure while no other water is running only tells half the story. The next step is to see how the system handles a “load”, or when water is running from another source like the kitchen sink or bathtub.

• The Drop: It’s normal for the pressure to dip a little, about 15 to 20 psi.
• The Red Flag: If your pressure drops significantly more than that, 30 or 40 psi, you’ve got an underlying issue.

What if the Pressure Drops Too Much?

If your gauge shows a massive dip when you turn on a second faucet, there are usually two main culprits:

1. Clogged Pipes: Mineral buildup could be narrowing the path for the water.
2. The PRV: You might have a Pressure Reducing Valve that isn’t functioning properly.

If that needle is diving lower than it should, don’t stress. Contact Blue Chip Plumbing here or give us a call today at (513) 999-6820.