You’re probably not surprised to hear that high water pressure can be a problem. But what may surprise you is just how many ways this seemingly innocuous issue can cause problems in your home. High water pressure can create all sorts of headaches, from damaging your appliances to making it difficult for you to take showers or run the dishwasher.
Luckily, there are solutions! In this article, we’ll walk you through how to diagnose and fix high water pressure in your apartment. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent high water pressure from happening in the first place. Read on for information that could save you time, money, and aggravation.
Causes of High Water Pressure in Apartments
There are several causes of high water pressure in apartments.
1. Issue with Water Supply line
One of the most common causes is a problem with the building’s water supply line. If the water pressure in your apartment is unusually high, it could be due to a leak in the main water supply line. This could be caused by a number of things, including:
- A break in the water main
- A blockage in the water main
- A problem with the pressure regulator
If you suspect that the high water pressure in your apartment is due to a problem with the building’s water supply line, you should contact your apartment owner or the building’s maintenance staff. They will be able to determine if there is a problem with the water main and take steps to fix it.
2. Water Heater Set too High
Another possible cause of high water pressure in your apartment is that the water heater is set too high. If the water heater is set too high, it can cause the water pressure in the apartment to become too high. You can check the settings on your water heater by looking at the thermostat. If the thermostat is set too high, you will need to adjust it.
You can also check the pressure relief valve on the water heater. The pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure from the water heater. If the pressure relief valve is not working properly, it could cause the water pressure in the apartment to become too high.
3. Living Near a Fire Hydrant
Living near a fire hydrant can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it means that you have easy access to high water pressure in case of an emergency. On the other hand, it means that your water pressure is sometimes too high, which can cause problems for your plumbing.
If you live near a fire hydrant and are experiencing high water pressure, there are a few things you can do to reduce the pressure;
- Install a pressure regulator
- Low-pressure thermostat
Signs of High Water Pressure in Apartments
If you live in an apartment, you may be familiar with the high water pressure problem. Many apartments have water pressure that is too high, which can cause several problems. Here are some signs that you may have high water pressure in your apartment
1. Leaky Fixtures and Appliances
Even after replacing the O-rings, washers, and seals that fit onto typical residential fixtures and equipment, they are built to endure normal water pressure. When they are exposed to greater force on a regular basis, they fail, reducing their useful life.
Even if you replace the seals on your leaking faucet or water heater, high water pressure might be the cause. If you have a sink, toilet, or shower that is constantly dripping, it may be due to high water pressure.
2. Irregular Water Flow
If the water pressure in your apartment is too high, you may notice that the water does not flow evenly from all your fixtures. Your showerhead, for example, might have a weak flow on one side and a strong flow on the other.
Or, you might notice that water spurts out of your faucet instead of flowing in a steady stream. These are both signs that the water pressure in your apartment is too high.
3. Burst Water Lines or Hoses
A burst water line is one of the most serious problems caused by high water pressure. If the water pressure in your apartment is too high, it can cause the pipes to burst, resulting in a flood.
If you have a hose connected to your faucet, the high water pressure can cause it to burst as well. This can be a major problem if the hose is connected to an appliance, such as a washing machine, as it can cause water damage to your apartment.
4. Pinhole Water Leaks in Your Apartment
If you have a water line that is leaking, it may be due to high water pressure. The water pressure can cause the pipes to vibrate, which can lead to tiny holes, or pinholes, forming in the pipes. These leaks can be difficult to detect, but they can waste a lot of water and cause your water bill to increase. Other signs of pinhole leaks include:
- Copper pipes look dimpled
- You hear water dripping
- Water bills suddenly higher
- There is mold or mildew
How to Test for High Water Pressure in your Apartment?
If you think you may have high water pressure in your apartment, there are a few ways you can test for it.
- One way is to use a water pressure gauge. You can attach the gauge to your outside faucet and turn on the water. If the needle on the gauge goes above 60 psi, then you have high water pressure.
- Another way to test for high water pressure is to turn on all the faucets in your apartment at the same time. If the water pressure decreases significantly, then you probably have high water pressure.
Prevention: Tools to Control Water Pressure
Here are some tools for reducing high water pressure in your apartment:
1. Install a Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator is commonly found in homes. Since 2002, the International Plumbing Code has required them in new residential construction. Its duty is to maintain an apartment’s or business’s water pressure at a constant level.
The water pressure regulator is located after the house’s main shut-off valve, where the water main enters. Look for a water regulator if you’ve verified and established high water pressure. The average lifespan is seven to 12 years, so if you have one, it has most likely failed.
It’s also conceivable that the pressure is set too high. If that’s the case, you can turn the screw to lower the pressure. Although 50 psi is the pre-set maximum, most home water pressures are between 40 and 45 psi.
2. Water Pressure Reducer
If your apartment experiences high water pressure, you can do a few things to mitigate the problem. One option is to install a low-pressure thermostat, which will help regulate the amount of water flowing through your pipes and prevent damage caused by excessive pressure; another way is to install valves :
- The most frequent alternative is direct-acting valves. They are composed of a globe body that is linked to the outlet of the valve by a heat-resistant, spring-loaded diaphragm. Spring maintains a predetermined degree of tension on the valve seat.
- The principle of operation for pilot operating valves is the same as for direct-acting ones. They do, however, have a minimal pressure drop option. The internal pilot regulates the position of the main valve by modulating water flow. It provides additional control over the primary regulator.
3. Replace Old or Damaged Pipes
If you have no options for installing the above devices, then you can also replace the old or damaged pipes so that they can withstand the increased water pressure.
If your pipes are old or damaged, they may be unable to handle the high water pressure. In this case, you’ll need to have them replaced by a plumber. This is a significant repair, but it’s the only way to ensure that your pipes can withstand the high water pressure.
Valet Works is a leading provider of water pressure control solutions for residential and commercial applications. We offer a full line of water pressure regulators, including direct-acting and pilot-operated models. Our products are designed to provide years of trouble-free operation, and our experienced staff is always available to help you select the right product for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our water pressure control solutions, or visit our website to browse.