Once I purchased my first home, I realized that I needed to do my part in caring for my home appliances. In addition to reading the user manuals for my kitchen appliances and state-of-the-art plumbing system, I realized that I also needed to do a little research about HVAC. Because I had no experience with HVAC systems, I called out a professional to teach me a thing or two. It was fascinating to talk with him, and I was able to take notes about all kinds of important topics, such as maintenance, troubleshooting, and even shopping for a new system. This blog is all about understanding HVAC guidelines.
Understanding HVAC Guidelines
Causes And Consequences Of High Water Pressure
Marilou Girard
If it seems that water seems to be rushing out of your faucets faster than usual, or you're hearing weird noises coming from your plumbing, then you may be experiencing high water pressure. While high water pressure may seem to be a good thing, it can actually cause damage and cost you money. Your plumbing system is designed to work within a certain pressure range and if it gets too high, you will have serious problems and will need to call a plumber.
What are the signs of high water pressure?
Like mentioned above, water will flow way faster than usual. It will almost be like water explodes out of your faucets when you turn them on. When you turn off the water, you may hear a loud knocking or "water hammer" which sounds like a loud howl, banging, vibration, hum, or all of the above. These noises will even happen when your appliances, such as your dishwasher, turn on and off the water. You may also experience more dripping, leaks, and have problems with a constantly running toilet.
What are the consequences of high water pressure?
High water pressure can cause your water bill to skyrocket, as more pressure means more water is coming out faster than it can be used. When your pipes hammer, joints, and valves can become loose or break. High water pressure also causes damage to the valves in your toilet and cause other appliances, such as your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher to wear down faster. This kind of pressure makes it more likely that your pipes will burst or leak.
What causes high water pressure?
Most municipalities keep their water systems at a certain pressure range, but occasionally, these pressures can get higher than normal. However, newer plumbing systems usually have a pressure regulating valve installed, which keep the pressure inside the home constant. These valves are located near the shut-off valve in most homes. They have a limited lifespan and will wear out, stop working and need occasional replacement. If you own an older home and are experiencing pressure problems, then you may want to consider installing a pressure regulating valve if one hasn't been installed before. Other contributors to this problem include corrosion and blockage in the pipes.
If you're experiencing high water pressure, have a plumbing contractor come out to check out your system. You may only need to replace a valve but might also need to fix and replace pipes and fittings that were damaged. An experienced plumber knows just where to look to determine the exact cause. Don't ignore high water pressure for too long as it is detrimental to your plumbing.
Share