Noticing changes in your home's normal water pressure? These variations—some subtle, some not-so-subtle—are caused by various factors. Measuring your home's incoming water pressure isn't necessarily something you'll need to do often, but it can help you detect plumbing issues.

If you're experiencing episodes of low pressure, or suspect leaks or blockages in your household plumbing, it's worth checking for underlying issues. It can also be helpful to measure for efficient water flow if you're installing new appliances or irrigation systems; it would be disspointing to learn that systems don't have the necessary water flow for expected performance. 

Common Causes of Water Pressure Fluctuations

1. Distance and elevation from the water source. The farther a system is from the water source, poor water pressure might be due to friction and resistance in the pipes. Water pressure issues are also caused by height, which is important to keep in mind if you're installing a second-story laundry room, or expect decent shower pressure in a third floor bathroom.
2. The water system design, including pipe size and material: The design and layout of the water supply system, including the placement of valves, pumps, and reservoirs, can affect stable water pressure distribution. Smaller pipes or those made from materials like galvanized steel or lead may restrict water flow, leading to lower pressure.
3. Demand fluctuations. High demand during peak times, such as in the morning or evening, can lead to temporary drops in the baseline reading as the system struggles to meet the increased demand. Excessive or simultaneous usage of water appliances (such as showers and washing machines) in a property or neighborhood can strain the municipal water supply system, causing drops in pressure. Additionally, if the water source (such as a well or reservoir) has limited capacity, it might struggle to maintain a normal water pressure range during periods of high demand.
4. Leaks or clogged pipes. Potential damages or blockages can disrupt the smooth flow and reduce the ideal pressure. In these scenarios, expect a low-pressure reading.
5. Broken water pressure regulators. Malfunctioning or inadequate pressure regulation equipment can result in fluctuations throughout the system. You might experience moments of super-high water pressure during these surges.
6. Seasonal changes. While you never want to deal with freezing pipes inside your house, it is important to note that changes in temperature can cause water pipes to contract or freeze.

7 Steps to Test Your Home's Water Pressure

Step 1. Buy or Borrow a Water Pressure Gauge

• First and foremost, you'll need a water pressure gauge. Inexpensive pressure gauges with female hose threads are available at most hardware stores and online.
• Make sure to choose a gauge that is easy to read.

Step 2. Locate the Cold Water Supply Valve in Your Home

• Locate the main water supply valve in your home. This is usually located near your water meter or where the main municipal supply enters your home.
• Turn off the water valve to temporarily stop the flow of water.

Step 3. Attach the Gauge to a Water Source

• Attach the water pressure gauge to a source of water, like the outdoor hose or a bathtub faucet.
• Make sure the gauge is securely attached to prevent any leaks.

Step 4. Turn on the Water

• Once the gauge is attached, turn on the source.
• Allow the incoming water flow to run for a few minutes to stabilize the pressure.

Step 5. Get an Accurate Reading

• After the water pressure has stabilized, check the gauge.
• Proper water pressure for most homes is between 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch), but this can vary depending on your location and system. Ideal water pressure is 60 psi. 80 psi is too high.

Step 6. Repeat — Over the Course of One Week

• Repeat the test a couple of times over the next few days. Vary the time of the reading to see if other factors (like demand fluctuations) play a role.

Step 7. Take Note of Any Issues

• If your pressure is consistently too high or too low, you may need to address any potential issues.
• The difference in pressure can indicate a clog in the system or leaking rubber gasket. High water pressure can put a strain on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. In both cases, you can start by adjusting the pressure regulating valve to see if you can adjust the flow. From there, continue to perform diagnostics to rule out major issues, or call a licensed plumber.
• If you've noted changes in your water bills but can't find a persistent leak, call for expert plumbing assistance.

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FAQ

Do you need a pressure regulator?

"If you have city water you may need a pressure regulator," notes Joseph Wade who is the vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. "Water pressure in your home should be between 50 and 70 pounds per square inch (psi). City water reaches your home at a pressure that’s often too high for your plumbing to handle, moving through the municipal pipes at times well above 100 psi so it can reach every home in the system."

He adds, "A water pressure regulator valve lowers the pressure of city water to levels that are manageable for your home’s plumbing system. Maintaining a steady water pressure helps your appliances, showers, and sinks get enough water without wasting water from a too-high flow." 

Can you check for proper water pressure without using a gauge?

Yes, the bucket test is a simple DIY method that can help you check if your home's water pressure is within an acceptable range. Keep in mind that it won't be as precise as a gauge. 

• Fill a standard-sized bucket with a known volume, such as a gallon, and time how long it takes to fill.
• Then, divide the volume of water by the time it took to fill the bucket.
• This will give you a rough estimate of the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM).

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How can you increase the water pressure in your home?

If your water pressure reading was low, start by checking the pressure-reducing valve. Make slight adjustments, and then do another read to see if the flow of water coming into the gauge has changed. Check the water pressure again at a later time to see if you still have an optimal level.

What if the problem is a municipal issue?

If you've ruled out problems within your home, contact your water supplier. They can inform you of any known maintenance, pressure adjustments, or service interruptions in your area. You can also ask neighbors if they’re experiencing similar issues with municipal utilities, which may help confirm that the problem is outside your property.