Maintaining the proper water pressure in your home’s plumbing system is extremely important for ensuring both a healthy home and peace of mind.

Too much or too little can be disastrous; excessively high levels of water pressure can cause plumbing problems, whereas low pressure readings will lead to an insufficient shower experience. So your water pressure needs to be in the sweet spot.

To help with any and all water pressure problems, we’ve put together this simple step-by-step guide so you can relax knowing that water is the last of your worries!

This guide will answer the following questions:

  • What Is Water Pressure?
  • What Should My Water Pressure Be?
  • How Do I Measure My Water Pressure?
  • What If I Don’t Have A Water Pressure Regulator?

What Is Water Pressure?

Water pressure is the force exerted by water on a given surface, commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Water pressure can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of material the water is flowing through, the amount of water present, and the speed at which the water is moving.

How to know if you have low or high water pressure?

If your water pressure is low:

Water will flow slowly out of your taps and take a long time to fill up a sink, bath or shower.

If your water pressure is high:

Your sinks, bath and shower will fill up quickly and your shower will have a powerful spray.

What Should My Water Pressure Be?

Household water pressure is at its most optimum level at 15 litres of water per minute, but any amount between 10 to 15 litres per minute is fine. Once you get as low as 10 litres per minute you will notice your water pressure to be much weaker.

If your water pressure is below 10 litres per minute it will be obvious that your water pressure is too low, as your morning shower will be more of a trickle and filling sinks and baths will take a noticeably long time.

If you think your water pressure may be too high, it’s best to measure it, to know for sure. But this can actually be quite tricky. An ideal psi is between 40-60. As there is only so much water that can come out of a pipe or a water outlet at one time, it makes it difficult to know if your water pressure is too high just by looking at it.

How Do I Measure My Water Pressure?

If you want to know how much water pressure you have in your home, there are a few different ways to measure it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure water pressure

1. To ensure your home has a steady flow of water, you'll need to locate the main source. This is often found near either the street or pavement outside your house. But it can also be found in other places, depending on your living situation. Sometimes it can be located somewhere in your house, under the sink or in a utility room.

2. In order to get an accurate pressure reading, you'll need to find the water main and look for a round dial-type gauge attached. This will provide essential data that can help diagnose any potential issues in your system's plumbing.

3. Utilise the pressure gauge to assess your water flow's power. Jot down the measurement and compare it with your area's required standards of water pressure. This information can be easily accessed online or through contact with a local water supplier.

(When it comes to plumbing, optimal pressure levels are key. An ideal psi is between 40-60; if the level exceeds 60 or falls below 30, a professional plumber should be contacted to investigate possible leaks and take necessary steps.)

4. If your home's water pressure is too high or too low, you might need to adjust the water pressure regulator valve. This device helps maintain a consistent flow and balanced pressure coming into your home.

5. Adjusting your water pressure regulator can be a simple task - just turn the knob or lever to your desired setting. To make sure you've got it right, get in touch with your local water utility for advice on what's best suited for home use.

What If I Don’t Have A Water Pressure Regulator?

If you need to change your water pressure without a regulator, there are several options.

Option 1: The easiest and most cost-effective option is to adjust the pressure from the main incoming water supply by using a valve or adjusting the pressure of the well pump. This method will not provide precise adjustments, but it can be used for temporary changes if needed.

Option 2: Another option is to install a flow restrictor, which is essentially a small device that limits how much water flows through each outlet in your home. Flow restrictors come in different sizes and configurations so you can find one that best fits your needs. However, installing flow restrictors requires some basic plumbing skills and may require additional components such as shutoff valves or unions to ensure proper installation.

Option 3: Finally, if you need precise adjustments to your water pressure without a regulator, you may want to consider investing in an adjustable-pressure pump. These pumps can be connected directly to the main incoming water supply and are designed to provide exact control over water pressure. They are typically more expensive than other options, but they offer the greatest precision when it comes to changing the water pressure in your home.

No matter which method you choose, make sure that you follow all safety precautions when making any changes to your plumbing system. And remember – always consult a qualified professional before attempting any complicated plumbing repairs or installations yourself.

Following these steps will ensure that you are able to accurately measure the water pressure in your home. Ensuring the water pressure in your home is running as it should help guarantee you have a safe, enjoyable living environment. Keep an eye on the recommended range and if the water pressure is not within the recommended range, adjust the water pressure regulator accordingly.

Free Advice

If you’re struggling for advice, ring our dedicated experts on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134. We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.