Most people never think twice about the water pressure in their home until it’s either too weak to wash shampoo out of their hair or rinse gunk off a plate, or so strong that it feels more like a fire hose. But water pressure plays a bigger role in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and plumbing health than you might realize. Let’s break down why it matters and how you can make sure yours is just right.

What is Water Pressure? 

Water pressure refers to the force with which water is pushed through the pipes in your plumbing system. This pressure allows water to flow from your faucet, shower, and other fixtures. It is commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Many people confuse water flow and pressure. Water flow refers to the amount of water moving through a pipe and is measured in gallons per minute (gpm).

Basically, water pressure describes the force, and water flow refers to the amount. 

5 Reasons Why Correct Water Pressure Is Important 

1. Comfort

Low pressure means disappointing showers, slow-filling tubs, and sluggish faucets. On the other hand, high pressure might feel great at first, but can cause splashing and even damage over time. Correct water pressure allows you to efficiently hand-wash dishes, take relaxing showers and baths, and brush your teeth. 

2. Appliance Efficiency

Washing machines, dishwashers, and even water heaters are designed to operate within a specific range of pressure. Too low, and they won’t perform well. Too high, and you risk damaging internal components. If you want clean dishes, soft, clean clothes, and consistent warm water, make sure you have ideal water pressure. 

3. Plumbing Protection

If your water pressure is too high, it can eventually put stress on your pipes, joints, and fixtures, leading to leaks or even burst pipes. Over time, that stress adds up, often showing itself in costly repairs.

4. Water Quality

Low water pressure can lead to stagnant water in your pipes, which increases the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. It can also reduce the effectiveness of water filters. Healthy water pressure allows for proper water circulation, ensures that water is delivered efficiently, and maintains quality and freshness. 

5. Water Conservation 

When water pressure is too high, it can lead to wasted water. Effective water pressure minimizes water waste, ensures that tasks are completed efficiently, and helps you reduce your environmental impact. 

What’s the Ideal Water Pressure?

The ideal water pressure for most homes sits between 40 and 80 psi. Many experts recommend aiming for around 50 psi as the sweet spot between performance and safety. Water below 40 psi can lead to slow-flowing faucets, and water above 80 psi can put strain on your plumbing system. 

How to Check Your Water Pressure

Buy a Pressure Gauge — You can find one at most hardware stores for under $20. It screws onto an outdoor faucet or a laundry room spigot.

Attach the Gauge — Attach the gauge to whatever spigot is closest to your main water line. Remove any hoses or fixtures and screw it firmly in place. 

Test the Water — Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water. Attach the gauge and turn on the spigot. The dial will show your home’s current pressure.

How to Adjust Your Water Pressure

If It’s Too Low

Check for clogs or leaks, as a build-up of sediment in your pipes or a leak could reduce your water pressure. Clean faucet aerators, showerheads, and other fixtures to remove mineral buildup that could restrict water flow. 

Inspect the Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV), which controls the water pressure entering your home and can be found near your main shutoff valve. You can carefully adjust it by turning the screw clockwise to increase pressure.

If making small adjustments and cleaning your faucets doesn’t help with low water pressure, you may want to call a professional to see if you have an issue with your municipal supply or plumbing system. 

If It’s Too High

Try turning the PRV screw counterclockwise to lower the pressure. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the PRV as it could be malfunctioning. You could call a plumber to check the valve and see what condition it’s in. If you have a closed plumbing system, you could add an expansion tank, which absorbs excess pressure from thermal expansion. 

Correct Water Pressure is Essential 

You may not think water pressure is the most exciting or important part of home maintenance, but it’s essential to have the correct pressure when water flows through your pipes. Keeping it in check protects your plumbing, saves water, and makes everyday tasks easier and more efficient.