Modern pipes in your home are built to last, especially here in Olympia, WA where our wet weather demands rugged materials for home-building. But when the water pressure in them gets too high, even they might not be able to stand it. The plumbing in most homes is built to withstand water pressure of 80 psi (pounds per square inch) or lower, but the civic water services can sometimes increase that pressure to higher amounts. Hot water tends to exert more pressure as well, since heat expands the water and there’s only so far it can go in the pipes. As you may suspect, this can cause some serious damage. The good news is that there’s ways to prevent it with a little help from a qualified plumber.
The Problems
Problems with high water pressure tend to result in leaks springing up somewhere in the system: pinhole leaks are common as are leaks around any parts of the pipe that are worn or corroded. High water pressure also increases wear and tear on the pipes, as well as on more expensive household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Over time, it will create a huge number of problems, and the added pressure means extra water in the pipes that you’re paying for needlessly.
The Solution
For high water pressure, the best solution is to have a trained plumber install a pressure regulator in the main line to your house. It will keep the pressure within your pipes’ ability to maintain it and help prevent these issues from starting. It will also help lower your bills, since less water will be flowing through your pipes and yet you shouldn’t notice any appreciable change in the flow.
Here in Olympia, WA, Brooks Plumbing is the name you can trust for all of your household plumbing needs. Pick up the phone and give us a call to make an appointment!
