Post By Admin
November 13, 2024
Have you ever felt the water pressure go low or suspected a leak somewhere and did not know where to start looking? Well, this is where a plumbing pressure test can come in handy!
Knowing how to test water pressure at home lets you monitor your plumbing maintenance service and bring any hidden problems into the light before they become full-blown disasters.
In this post, we will cover all you should know to make you confident enough to test your plumbing system and ensure it is in great shape. From how a plumbing maintenance service like a pressure test works, the benefits it brings to your home to when and how to do it yourself.
So, if you’re ready to give your plumbing system a health check, let’s jump in!
What is a Pressure Test in Plumbing?
You can think of a plumbing pressure test as a sort of check-up on your plumbing system. It’s similar when you take your car in for an inspection; a water-pressure test shows you whether everything is just right or if there could be some different types of problems waiting to arise.
In essence, pressure testing can be considered a way of measuring the pressure of water inside your pipes, catching leaks or weak spots that later on could become big problems.
The benefits of plumbing maintenance include preventing leaks and improving your water flow. Most of the time, it can even help you save money on your water bills! By observing your small problems in advance, pressure testing will save you from very expensive repairs, keeping your plumbing at the top.
When Should You Pressure-Test Your Plumbing System?
Wondering when it’s the right time to check your plumbing’s water pressure?
The truth is, a pressure test can be helpful at various points, especially if you’re noticing unusual symptoms with your plumbing. Now, let’s go through a few situations where plumbing pressure tests come in most handy for your house.
1. When There’s Plumbing Malfunctioning Symptom
If you have a dropping water pressure or hear strange noises in your pipes, a pressure test may be in order.
Low and inconsistent water pressure, or even strange noises could indicate that something is wrong with your system. Knowing how to check water pressure gives you a head start in pinpointing issues and deciding whether a quick fix or deeper repair is needed.
2. While Performing Routine Home Maintenance Check-Ups
Adding a pressure test into your scheduled maintenance is a great way to keep ahead of the game. Even when you aren’t experiencing obvious issues, periodic testing of your plumbing system may show small leaks or weak spots in the system that could be significant over some period of time.
Consider it part of seasonal care for your home, similar to inspecting your smoke alarms and cleaning gutters – testing water pressure can help save you from bigger issues later down the road.
3. Post Major Plumbing Work or Renovations
As such, if you have been doing plumbing work recently or just finished renovating your bathroom or your home in its entirety, it would be great to run a pressure test to assure you that everything is working as expected.
New installations or repairs might shift things around in your system, and a water pressure test can confirm that your pipes are in top shape after any major changes.
How to Test Water Pressure at Your Home?
Now, you might be wondering, “How does this actually work?” or “Do I need a plumber for this?”
You’ve decided to take matters into your own hands and test the water pressure at home. Well, this process is easier than it probably seems.
It will only take a few steps before you find out if the water pressure falls into an ideal range or if it’s already high time to call in a professional. Now, let’s show you how to test water pressure like a pro!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you get started, make sure to prepare a pressure gauge. These can be found relatively easily at most any hardware store, and it is a useful and affordable tool to have.
Then, attach the gauge to a hose bib (an outdoor faucet works best) to get an accurate reading.
Our pro tip: make sure other faucets in your home are turned off while doing this for a clear measure of your plumbing pressure test.
Step 2: Install the Pressure Gauge
Once you have attached the gauge firmly to the outdoor faucet or hose bib, turn the faucet on fully and let the water flow.
The pressure gauge will immediately start measuring, showing you a reading in PSI (pounds per square inch).
Wondering how to test water pressure? The next step is where you’ll get your answer!
Step 3: Analyse the Reading
Now it’s time to interpret your reading. A typical home is supposed to have water pressure that falls between 40 and 60 PSI or not more than 500 kPa.
If your gauge reads anything less or more than the recommended pressure limit, then it is pretty certain that your water pressure may be a little too low. Any reading above 60 might indicate very high pressure that, over time, can damage your plumbing system.
Conclusion
Testing your water pressure is a good way to keep your plumbing system at its best. Whether you have low water pressure or have simply spotted signs of a leak, a simple plumbing pressure test can make quite a difference in general health within the home.
Minor problems can definitely be diagnosed using do-it-yourself testing methods; however, some problems call for a professional’s touch.
If you are facing the more serious pressurisation problems or even suspect a hidden leak, get in touch with the professionals from Neighbourhood Plumbing Melbourne.
Our team is ready for handly any plumbing-related issues you’re facing, from regular plumbing maintenance to extensive repair works.
Reach out to us today by dialling 0488 885 122 or filling out our online form!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
