9 Reasons Why Your Water Pressure Is Suddenly High and How to Fix It

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.

1. Clogged Pipes 

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.

The Fix

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.

2. Burst Pipes 

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.

The Fix

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.

3. Broken Pressure Regulator 

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.

The Fix

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.

4. Thermal Expansion

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.

The Fix

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.

5. Temperature Changes 

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.

The Fix

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.

6. Municipal Water Pressure Changes 

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.

The Fix

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.

7. Municipal Water Supply Changes 

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.

The Fix

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.

8. Living at the Bottom of a Hill 

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.

The Fix

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.

8. Tree Roots 

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.

The Fix

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.

Signs of High Water Pressure

Excessive pressure can build in your plumbing system for several reasons. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumbing pro near you:

When to Call a Pro for Water Pressure That’s Suddenly High

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.