Easy guide on how to check water pressure in home faucets

Knowing how to check water pressure in home is crucial for every house owner. Only by testing the water pressure will you come to identify an impending plumbing problem. If you spot an issue, you can quickly find a solution before it becomes worse.

Also remember that you need sufficient pounds per square inch (psi) of water at home to enable the proper functioning of your washing machines, faucets, and showers. The first step is to measure your current water pressure and, if you find it’s not optimal, then learn how to set it to the proper amount you want. A good water pressure level ensures efficient water flows through your pipes, preventing unnecessary plumbing issues.

Fortunately, the process of testing water pressure is quite straightforward. All you need is an affordable pressure gauge that’s simple to operate. You can then follow a few steps to check the pressure using the gadget. Make sure to choose a pressure gauge with female hose threads, as this will help ensure a proper and secure connection to your faucet.

This guide on how to check water pressure in house will come in handy as part of your regular home maintenance. By regularly testing, you can catch issues like pressure drops that may indicate leaks or problems in the supply system. Resolving such issues promptly can save you from future headaches.

Why is testing home water pressure important?

Checking the home water pressure to know when the pressure is high or low will help you deal with any issue with the plumbing system in time.

Keep in mind that while low water pressure can result in trickling showerheads and faucets, high water pressure can damage your plumbing system by imposing stress on your pipes and plumbing fixtures. That’s why it’s important to test your home water pressure at least twice a year – just as you would check your indoor air quality routinely. 

High pressure can damage the plumbing pipes, water softeners, tankless water heaters, faucets, and appliances. In fact, it increases the likelihood of blowouts in flex lines and washing machine hoses. This might result in flooding in your house – something that needs to be avoided at all costs.

Some homeowners even have specialized gauges permanently connected to the water line so that they can check the water pressure by simply peeking at the display screen.

If you rely on municipal water, fluctuations or pressure drops can occur due to infrastructure issues or increased demand in your area. Testing your water pressure regularly—at least twice a year—helps maintain the balance you need for your household. You never know when the pressure regulator ceases to work properly. Rectifying damage to your plumbing system may be too costly.

How to check water pressure in home?

You only need a basic, inexpensive pressure gauge to check the water pressure in your house, which you can purchase from any hardware or home improvement store. Choose a scale that can measure up to 300 psi and has a rubber gasket for a tight seal. The tight seal will make it easier to get an accurate reading.

Now, follow these simple steps to measure the water pressure at home. 

1. Turn off the water in every part of your home – be it faucets, showerheads, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerator ice maker, and the lawn sprinkler system. 
2. Connect the gauge to a faucet or hose bib outside your home – nearest to the water meter. In case you have a well, you should use a hose bib closest to the pressure tank. If you don’t have a hose bib, you can even check your water pressure at the water supply tap for your washing machine. Disconnect the hose from the faucet after turning off the cold water at the faucet behind the washer. Attach the pressure gauge to the faucet, open it, and check the pressure.
3. Tighten the water pressure gauge (you may need pliers) and open the faucet to its full capacity.
4. Let the equipment measure the pressure.

What is the optimum home water pressure?

Keep in mind that the ideal water pressure range is between 45 and 55 psi. If it’s below 40 psi or more than 80 psi, you’ll know that your home water pressure is either too low or too high. A good water pressure level for most homes is around 60 psi, which provides a steady flow without causing damage to pipes and appliances.

What to do if the pressure is too high or too low?

When the water pressure is high, you’ll need to install a water pressure regulator on the water main. Set it to 50 psi by default. Make sure it times a maximum flow of 75 psi. You will have full control over adjusting the water pressure in your home by using the screw on top. Continue checking the pressure regularly.

When the pressure is low, it could be your municipal water company that’s not supplying sufficient water flow to your home and causing pressure drops. In such a case, you can consider installing a water pressure booster that enables good water flow to faucets and home appliances.

Another cause could be that there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system that’s allowing water to escape before it reaches your plumbing fixtures. 

If you’re unable to test your home water pressure, or understand the exact cause of the pressure problem, or determine whether to use a pressure regulator or a booster to open the water pressure in your home, you can always hire a professional technician to help you in your endeavor.

Read more: What is average water pressure for a home?

Last thoughts

Your home and your daily routine are directly impacted by the available water supply. Low water pressure means longer wait times for filling your washing machine or bathtub. Simple tasks such as watering your flower beds through a garden hose will become a painfully long chore. On the other hand, extremely high water pressure can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, causing leaks, pipe damage, and expensive repairs.

Knowing how to check water pressure in-house ensures that you maintain an optimal pressure range, reducing the risk of costly damages and improving overall water efficiency. Regular testing and timely adjustments will help keep your plumbing system in great shape, saving you from unnecessary stress in the long run.

Written by Ramona Sinha. January 18, 2023

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.