Water Pressure - What Is Right For Your Home
When it comes to water pressure, what one person thinks is adequate might
come across as a trickle to another. Because opinions vary widely, it is
important to be able to make a determination of the adequacy of water pressure
in some definitive way. That is especially true for a working home inspector. If
a client asks why the inspector did not comment on high or low water pressure,
then having a normal water pressure reading documented on the report is a good
idea.
Water pressure gauges are easy to use practical tools and, certainly, not out of
the reach of the homeowner in either cost or the expertise required to operate
them correctly. In fact, these gauges can be purchased at any good hardware
store for about $10.00. Once you have the device, you might wonder what readings
you are looking for? Well, normal pressure is described as being between 40 and
80 PSI (pounds per square inch). The easiest place to check that reading is to
screw the gauge on at an outside faucet. Beware, there can be a potential snag
doing that: Not often, but sometimes, the hosebibb or faucet is plumbed in
before a pressure reducer is put in the system and, in that case, there will be
a high reading on the gauge. For this reason, when a hosebibb gives a high
reading, a person should try to get another reading, such as attaching the gauge
to the faucet the washing machine connects to. The washing machine faucet is
usually inside the home, or so we hope, and has the same threads as the pressure
gauge. If the reading is still high, then the problem is confirmed since the
washing machine is one of the appliances we are trying to protect from damage
caused by high water pressure.
As an aside, it is my opinion, having inspected many homes and then checked the
water flow, that any reading under 50 PSI is suspect and the people who are
going to live in the house ought to see for themselves if they like the water
pressure. If a person buying a house does not have a pressure gauge, or wonders
if he or she will be satisfied with the water pressure, I suggest the good
old-fashioned multi-flow test. It is simple enough. Get the dishwasher or
washing machine running. Then turn on a sink or two and go to a bathroom and try
the shower, the sink, etc. Do this on each floor, with other fixtures running.
You can get a pretty good idea of the adequacy of the water pressure and how it
will affect you.
As far as solutions to a pressure issue: If the pressure is too high, a pressure
reducer will probably be installed by a plumber. If, on the other hand, the
water pressure is too low then that will be more complicated. The cause can
range from bad pressure at the source, to rusted pipes and a number of other
issues.
Steven L. Smith, owner of King of the House Home
Inspection is a licensed structural pest inspector and a certified home
inspector in Bellingham WA. Smith is the program coordinator for the college
level home inspection training program at Bellingham Technical College.
www.kingofthehouse.com
If you are looking for a San Diego plumber please call us today at 760-295-6252 or complete our online request form.
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