How to Measure Water Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Measure Water Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide
Is the water pressure in your shower excessive or low? If so, you must check the water pressure with a gauge and make any required adjustments. This post will demonstrate to you how to achieve that. Here are some basics concerning water pressure that you should know before continuing.
What is a Water Pressure Gauge?
A pressure gauge measures the water pressure in your pipes. PSI, or pounds (of pressure) per square inch, is the unit of measurement.
This measurement is crucial since high water pressure can cause leaks or bursts in your pipes. Your home would suffer significant and costly water damage as a result. When water pressure is too low, you will not have enough water flow for garden hoses, showers, or even hand washing.
We advise using one of the following two pressure gauge types to check the water pressure in your house:
1-Hand Pressure Gauge
One black hand on this gauge indicates the water pressure in your house.
2-Hands Pressure Gauge
There are two hands on this gauge: one black and one red. The black hand indicates the level of water pressure that is present. The red hand indicates the peak water pressure at various times during the day.
This is a two-dial Watts water pressure gauge. The black hand displays the water pressure at the moment. The red hand on the dial will always show your peak water pressure.
How Much Does a Water Pressure Gauge Cost?
For a precise and dependable water pressure gauge, budget between $10 and $30. Typically, this kind of gauge measures up to 100 or 200 PSI. For your tests at home, you won’t require a gauge that measures more than 100 PSI.
You must locate a gauge with a 3/4-inch connector to verify that the threaded attachment is the correct size (female hose thread). This will attach to the majority of outdoor faucets or garden hose spigots. If you don’t have one of these, gauges in greater sizes are also available. Additionally, some gauges include adapters for connecting to spigots of various sizes.
What is a Pressure Reducing Valve?
A PRV, or pressure-reducing valve, regulates the amount of water pressure that enters your home. It is typically located next to your water meter (where your water supply comes into the home, usually in the basement).
If you want to modify the level of water pressure in your home, you will use this bell-shaped device. This is a standard PRV found in a house’s basement. The water pressure throughout the house may be controlled and altered using the PRV.
Instructions: How to Test Water Pressure at Home
It’s time to check your water pressure now that you understand what a water pressure gauge and a PRV are.
- Turn off all water usage in your house before monitoring the water pressure to ensure an accurate reading.
- Attach your gauge to an outdoor faucet after setting the handle to zero.
- The outdoor faucet should be turned on to see where your black hand is pointing.
- Most consumers prefer having their tires inflated between 40 and 60 PSI. Aim for 50 PSI if possible because that’s inside the 35-80 PSI safe pressure range.
- Water pressure of 75 PSI or less is ideal. Your pipes may become damaged due to higher water pressure, which may result in significant water damage.
Instructions: How to Change Your Water Pressure
You can change the pressure reading if it’s not what you desire. The PRV is modified to accomplish this. This is how you do it:
- Observe the top of the bell-shaped PRV for a bolt or screw.
- A metal tag in either green or blue should be visible on the PRV. You will be informed of the pressure range it can withstand (for example, between 25 and 75). Never deviate from this range.
- Turn the bolt or screw in your sink one-half turn clockwise to boost the water pressure.
- Return to the outdoor spigot and check the water pressure once more. If you still don’t like it, test it again after turning the valve halfway in the right direction. Do this often until you are satisfied with the water pressure.
- Use the same approach to lower the pressure. But make sure to counterclockwise-turn the bolt or screw.
Final Thoughts
Although there is plenty to learn about measuring your home’s water pressure, the procedure is straightforward. If necessary, you can easily alter your water pressure for a modest cost.
Read more: Testing Your Water for Contaminants
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Measure Water Pressure
High-pressure water systems have a pressure of at least 10 meters. Low-pressure systems are those with pressures under one meter. The water pressure is adequate for clearly identifying when you are ready to select a tap or shower.
You must measure the flow three or four times, average the readings, and then calculate the GPM. The solution is obtained by dividing 60 by the time required to fill a one-gallon container. For instance, GPM is 12 if it takes 5 seconds to fill a 1-gallon container (60 divided by 5).
You can check the water pressure by turning the faucet open and manually tightening the gauge. Check the gauge to determine the pressure. A good pressure range is between 45 and 55 psi. If the pressure is higher than 80 psi or lower than 40 psi, you should take action.
The screw controls the water pressure. Pressure will increase if the screw is tightened. There will be less pressure if you loosen it. To alter the pressure, turn it either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Long-term harm may result from excessive water pressure running through your pipes. This includes minor leaks that may result in pipe bursts or structural damage. Additionally, it might harm your water heater.
