Too much pressure? Your pipes feel it, too
High water pressure in your home puts serious stress on pipes, joints, and fixtures, leading to leaks, burst pipes, and shortened appliance lifespans.
Expect to pay $175 to $450 for plumbing repairs, with burst pipe fixes averaging $500, so addressing high water pressure early helps you avoid costly damage.
Broken pressure regulators send your water pressure soaring above 80 psi, making faucets feel like fire hoses and causing thumping sounds in your walls.
Hiring a local plumbing professional helps you pinpoint the cause and adjust or replace pressure regulators, keeping your home safe from pressure-related stress and leaks.
When you step into the shower in the morning, you probably aren’t thinking about how your plumbing works. You’re focused on the water’s temperature and its pressure. Most people prefer strong water pressure when showering, but most fixtures can only handle 80 psi, and anything higher can cause system failures.
Here are some signs that your water pressure is too high and what you can do to fix the problem quickly.
It sounds counterintuitive—shouldn’t a clog lower water pressure? Not always. If a blockage forms, it can create a pressure imbalance in your pipes and actually increase pressure. The result is water that comes blasting out of some fixtures while others barely drip.
Find the clog before it causes more trouble. If only one fixture has high pressure, try cleaning out the aerator or showerhead. If multiple fixtures have problems, the clog could be deeper in the pipes. A local plumber can pinpoint the problem and clear it before the pressure buildup leads to something worse, like a burst pipe.
When a pipe bursts, water rushes out at full force, which can create a noticeable pressure spike in unaffected pipes. If one faucet suddenly has water-jet-level pressure while another has none, a burst pipe might be the culprit.
Shut off the main water supply immediately to prevent flooding. Then, call a plumber to locate and replace the damaged section before water damage has time to set in. Burst pipe repair costs average $500, but the longer you wait, the higher the repair costs can be.
In the event of a plumbing emergency, it is critical to know the location of your water main shut-off valve in case you need to quickly stop water from flowing into your home. If you are unsure, a pro can help you locate the valve and show you how to operate it.
A pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve (PRV) reduces high incoming water pressure and keeps your plumbing system’s water pressure in check. But if it fails, it can send your water pressure soaring, making your morning shower feel like you’re standing under a fire hose. Most water pressure regulators last between 10 and 15 years.
If your water pressure is above 80 psi, you experience fluctuating water pressure, or you hear thumping or banging in your walls, your regulator might have failed. A plumber can test it and replace it if needed. In the meantime, you can turn down your main shut-off valve slightly to lower water pressure and offer a temporary fix.
In closed plumbing systems, thermal expansion can cause sudden pressure spikes. As water heats up, it expands. If there’s nowhere for that expansion to go, the pressure builds until it’s released at the weakest point—like your faucets, fixtures, or even pipes. This can happen when you turn on the tap, start the shower, or if there’s a weak pipe that bursts.
If your pipes regularly experience thermal expansion, call a pro to install a thermal expansion tank to absorb extra pressure. This will protect your pipes from stress fractures and leaks, and it will keep your water pressure more even and comfortable.
Extreme weather can mess with plumbing and water pressure. Cold temperatures can freeze water inside pipes, causing an increase in pressure in front of an ice blockage. On the other hand, heat can expand metal pipes, causing higher-than-usual pressure at certain fixtures.
Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing in winter, and check for signs of leaks in summer when expansion is more likely. If water pressure spikes happen at the same time as temperature swings, call a plumber to assess whether you need pipe insulation or pressure adjustments.
If your home is connected to the city water system, water pressure issues can start there. If your municipal water provider increases pressure to meet high demand in the system, your home might get caught in the wave.
Check with your water provider to see if they’ve made changes to the water pressure in the system. If the pressure increase is a long-term change, a plumber can install or adjust a water pressure regulator to bring things back to normal at your house.
When cities switch water sources, increase pumping capacity, or repair water mains, you can experience water pressure fluctuations. These changes may be temporary, or they may require you to make permanent adjustments to your home’s plumbing.
Temporary pressure fluctuations can be frustrating, but short-term changes shouldn't harm your plumbing system. However, if the pressure remains high, consider hiring a pro to install a pressure-reducing valve to regulate the flow. A plumber can also check for pressure-related stress on your plumbing and make recommendations to keep your system safe.
Gravity isn’t always your friend. Homes at lower elevations naturally experience higher water pressure because water flows downhill with force. If your neighbors up the hill are enjoying normal water pressure while your faucets feel like power washers, simple gravity might be the reason.
A water pressure regulator is your plumbing system’s best defense. If your home already has one, it may need adjustment or replacement. A plumbing contractor can help you find the right solution.
Tree roots love plumbing systems. They find tiny cracks, wiggle their way inside, and keep growing in the water-rich, no-resistance environment until they create a full-blown obstruction. This can force water into tighter spaces and increase the pressure behind the root restriction or clog.
If you suspect tree roots are the culprit, call a plumber or rooter service that can provide a camera inspection. Hydro jetting or root-cutting tools can clear smaller blockages, but you may need a pipe replacement or reroute for larger issues.
Excessive pressure can build in your plumbing system for several reasons. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumbing pro near you:
Not every water pressure spike is a red flag, but some demand immediate attention. Call a pro if you notice extreme or sudden pressure increases, especially if they happen alongside leaks, dripping faucets, or burst pipes. A professional plumber can determine the cause and fix your water pressure.
It’s also smart to call an expert if fixtures wear out faster than expected or your hot water heater’s relief valve frequently discharges. In these cases, a faucet repair pro near you can repair or replace leaky faucets and install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve to protect your plumbing. Ignoring high water pressure can lead to plumbing leaks, fixture damage, and even pipe failure, so when in doubt, get it checked out.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksIf you want to pay the most exorbitant prices possible for your job, this is the company for you. “By the job” pricing is a rip-off, at least how these people use it. Every job is plugged into a category and prices are set by category. You might have a job that takes half an hour or one that...
Benjamin Franklin PlumbingCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCAwesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignThe initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
Initially, I called the Service People to have a leaking garbage disposal replaced. I had purchased a special deal through Angie's List: $79 for $200-worth of plumbing services. <br /> When I went to schedule the work, the earliest date I could get through Angie's List was after the upcoming...
This company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...
My Handy Mate LLC Improvement & Remodeling<p>I am so glad we called Rotor-Rooter. I was hesitant to call them because we usually prefer to give business to local providers. But when we had sewage back up in our basement on a Saturday evening, I had a hard time getting a hold of someone, not to mention the high weekend/evening rate...
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water CleanupFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Plumbing problems got you down? Keep reading to learn how to diagnose and protect your pipes from hard water, high water pressure, and related issues.
Here are the 18 most common plumbing problems you could come across as a homeowner—and how to fix them on your own or with a professional plumber.
Do you lose shower water pressure with plumbing in the ceiling? Normally, there are other factors at play. This guide will walk you through it.
Low water pressure drags out your least favorite chores, like washing dishes. Learn the causes behind low pressure in your kitchen sink and how you can fix it.
Is your water pressure low in your house suddenly? Use this handy guide to learn about common causes of low water pressure and how to fix it.
Tracking your water pressure can save you from water damage, leaks, and expensive repairs. Read this guide to learn how to test water pressure at the hose bib.
