High Water Pressure: How Can It Damage Your Home's Plumbing System

By Author: Electroplumb
Total Articles: 3
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When we think about water pressure problems, we usually think about lower water pressure. Ever took a shower with low water pressure? If you did, you’d surely dread the experience. Nothing is as soothing as taking a shower with good water pressure.

Some might think that having a high water pressure is a sign of healthy plumbing system; over-pressurised water flow is equally as bad as low water pressure.

High water pressure in a home can cause severe damage if left unattended, just like high blood pressure in your bodies. Eventually, the pressure expands and contracts the piping in your homes, the fittings, the valves, the fixtures, and even your appliances – your water heater, your dishwasher, and your toilet bowl.

Worse, the high water pressure can break, crack, and explode one of those pipes and cause severe damage to your homes. Flooding is obviously an unfortunate instance that would cause the most amount of damage. To prevent high water pressure in your home, you can follow the tips in this article.

Leaky Problems and More

There’s a big difference between the right water pressure ...
... and high water pressure; but the line between the two is hardly defined, especially by you. That’s why it’s important to hire expert plumbers for your plumbing maintenance.

Early detection is the key to avoid possible disaster down the road. Here are a few things that high water pressure does to your plumbing systems:

• It hastens wear and tear of the appliances and fixtures.

Did you just spend your last paycheck buying the newest state-of-the-art dishwasher? Unfortunately, you’d have to say goodbye to your dishwasher sooner than expected. High water pressure threatens the life span of expensive appliances and fixtures.

High water pressure can be one of the factors that cause you to replace your faucets, showerheads, and even washing machines sooner than you think.

• It causes extensive damage to your pipe joints.

Your pipes suffer the consequences of exposure to high water pressure for longer periods of time. Though high water pressure comes unnoticed in the beginning, the damage caused by this pressure will become more and more evident.

It can start with small leaks in your faucets and showerheads leading to serious structural damage (black mould) and even burst pipes that can cause flooding in your homes.

• It racks up the cost of your utility bills.

Wondering why your water bill is too high for this month? You might need plumbing maintenance to avoid high water pressure problems.

Every time you turn on a faucet, you are letting more water out – this seemingly insignificant amount of water adds up and goes noticed in your monthly water consumption.

• It can harm your water heater.

Sure, you love taking a hot steamy shower early in the morning, but did you know that you might be causing real damage to your water heater with high water pressure?

Water heaters have a thermal expansion tank that helps in the extra volume of water. Consistent high water pressure adds strain to your water heater, causing it to run out of space and burst. When this happens, have your plumbing systems checked by a hot water plumber immediately.

Signs of High Water Pressure

If you notice these signs, your home’s water pressure may be higher than normal.

• Leaky plumbing fixtures

If your faucets and showerheads leak continuously, high water pressure may be the reason.

• Short life of appliances (e.g. dishwasher, washing machines, water heater)

Do you notice that you keep changing appliances every so often? High water pressure can be a factor to consider.

Is your water heater broken again? You need to have your water heater checked by an expert hot water plumber and consider some options before immediately replacing it.

• Banging pipes

High water pressure can cause water that beat through the pipes – this causes unusual knocking sounds. Though minor, banging pipes can lead to bigger problems in the long run.

• Water spitting

Ever wonder why your faucet aerator spits high volumes of water when you turned on? It can be because of high water pressure.

• Running toilets

While this is very uncommon, this is one of the few signs you need to look out for when checking for high water pressure.

Tips to Avoid High Water Pressure

People don’t often realize that their plumbing systems suffer from high water pressure. The unwelcomed stress ceases when you do something to prevent these problems.

You can prevent high water pressure through these tips:

Install a water pressure gauge or a pressure reduction valve
Pay close attention to your appliances.
Call on expert plumbers before problems worsen.
Electroplumb, Your Plumbing Experts

If you’re looking for a reliable plumber in Brighton, call us now. We can help you fix your water pressure systems, gas fittings, air conditioning installation and more. At Electroplumb, we can assist you round-the-clock for any emergency repairs.

Don’t stress on your plumbing problems and know that the experienced Electroplumb plumbing experts in Brighton are sure to take your worries away.

For more details and information, you can reach us at 0452 477 612. You can send us an email at chris@electroplumb.com.au.