How High Water Pressure Can Damage Your Plumbing System

Taking a hot shower in a bathroom with strong water pressure can give you an instant dopamine hit. High water pressure is also useful when you're washing dishes after hosting a party in your home and want to get the job done as quickly as possible! It can even help fill up your washing machine fast! But there's one question many homeowners forget to ask -

"Is high water pressure good for my plumbing system?"

Unfortunately, the answer is - NO! It can slowly destroy your plumbing fixtures. And often, by the time you notice it, the damage is already done. And that means more costly repairs and stress! 

Understanding how high water pressure affects your plumbing can save you money and stress down the road. So, if you want to know more about how it can cause damage to your plumbing system, you can give this blog a read!

What Is “High” Water Pressure in a Plumbing System?

Since “high” is a relative term, you first need to understand what high water pressure means in plumbing. The water pressure in several homes usually runs between 40 & 60 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), which is considered safe and normal. 

The problem can usually begin when the water pressure consistently stays above 70 PSI. This is when it starts putting more stress on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. And after it goes above 80 PSI, problems can start getting worse. At that time, your plumbing system works harder than it should, even if everything seems fine on the surface. 

If you’ve never checked your home’s water pressure, you’re not alone. Most people don’t. That’s why plumbing issues often show up without warning.

Why High Water Pressure Is Bad for Your Pipes

High water pressure may not seem like a big deal at first. But over time, it puts constant stress on your plumbing system and causes several problems like -

1. Pipes Wear Out Faster

Your pipes aren’t designed to handle constant force. High pressure -

• Weakens pipe joints
• Causes tiny cracks
• Speeds up corrosion
• Shortens pipe lifespan

You may not see leaks right away. But behind the walls, damage could be building slowly. This is one of the top reasons why local plumbers in Reno often find surprise leaks during routine inspections.

2. Hidden Leaks Start Forming

High pressure pushes water through pipes aggressively. And over time, weak spots can give in, which can cause -

• Slow leaks inside the walls
• Moisture under floors
• Mold growth
• Structural damage

By the time you notice a stain or smell mildew, the leak has often been there for months. That’s when you need to contact a plumbing contractor to take care of the problem quickly. 

3. Fixtures Get Damaged

Fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets can suffer under high pressure. You may notice -

• Dripping faucets
• Toilets that keep running
• Loud banging noises
• Showerheads wearing out quickly

These are warning signs that tell you it’s time to call for professional plumbing repair services in Reno to get your home's plumbing system fixed.

4. Appliances Break Down Early

High water pressure doesn’t stop at your pipes. It can affect -

• Water heaters
• Dishwashers
• Washing machines
• Ice makers

These appliances need a steady, controlled flow of water. When the pressure is too high, it can wear out valves and seals faster than normal. Over time, that shortens their lifespan and causes expensive replacements. In some cases, manufacturers can even deny warranty claims if high water pressure caused the damage.

5. Water Heaters Are at Risk

Your water heater already handles heat and pressure. So, if there’s more water pressure, it can be under constant stress. This can cause problems, like -

• Pressure relief valve failure
• Tank leaks
• Sediment buildup
• Reduced efficiency

When a water heater fails, it usually fails big. That’s when homeowners often call an emergency plumbing contractor to fix the problems as quickly as possible. But this could have been avoided if the water pressure had been kept under control.

6. Damaged Pipe Connections

Your plumbing system relies on tight, secure connections. High water pressure constantly pushes against those joints. And this can cause -

• Loose fittings
• Failed soldered joints
• Worn-out threaded connections
• Sudden leaks at connection points

Strong materials can also fail if pressure stays too high for too long. That’s why you need to opt for regular pressure checks by professional plumbers near your home in Reno.

Schedule A Plumbing Inspection Today - Call Us Now at (775) 521-6429!

What are the Signs of High Water Pressure in Your Plumbing System?

You don’t need special tools to spot high water pressure. Your plumbing system will often give you proper warning signs. All you need to do is know what to look for!

Here are some of the signs you may notice in your home -

• Banging or knocking noises in the pipes
• Faucets that spray water too forcefully
• Toilets that run or refill often
• Appliances wearing out sooner than expected
• Frequent leaks or dripping fixtures

If you keep facing these issues regularly, you need to opt for professional help. An experienced plumbing contractor in Reno can test your home’s water pressure and help you fix the problem before it turns into costly damage.

How do Plumbers Fix High Water Pressure?

When you call professional plumbers to fix high water pressure issues in your plumbing system, they’ll do the following -

• Test your home’s water pressure with proper tools
• Install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve (PRV)
• Check for thermal expansion issues
• Inspect pipes, valves, and connections for damage

After they figure out the root cause of the problem, they’ll repair your plumbing system properly, bring your water pressure back to a safe level, and protect your plumbing system from future problems.

A Few Questions About High Water Pressure in Your Plumbing System!

1. What Is the Maximum Water Pressure Allowed in a Residential Plumbing System?

In most residential plumbing systems, the maximum allowed water pressure is 80 PSI. If the water pressure crosses 80 PSI, you’ll notice leaks, pipe bursts, and more! Several plumbing appliances can also start to fail. 

That’s why many homes have a pressure-reducing valve to keep things under control. Keeping your water pressure at or below 80 PSI can help you protect your plumbing and prevent costly repairs.

2. Can shower heads increase water pressure? 

No, shower heads can’t increase your home’s water pressure. They can only change how the water feels as it comes out. Some shower heads can restrict flow and push water through smaller openings. And this can make the spray feel stronger. 

But the water pressure stays the same. If your shower pressure feels weak, the main issue is usually in the plumbing system, not the shower head.

3. Why Does High Water Pressure Cause Water Hammer Issues?

High water pressure forces water through your plumbing system at a much stronger rate. When a faucet or appliance abruptly stops working, the water that was moving at a high speed will hit the pipes and valves of the appliance, resulting in a loud banging noise commonly referred to as "water hammer." 

Over time, this can cause fittings to become loose and damage your pipes. So, reducing high water pressure in your home's plumbing system is one of the best solutions to prevent problems like this.

Call Us Now & Get a Free Estimate

Read More:

• Why Sewage Backups Often Point to Leach Field Failure
• Sump Pump Plumbing Failures During Winter Storms
• Hidden Leak Signs Every Homeowner Should Know: When to Call a Pro
• Choosing a Plumber Who Offers 24/7 Emergency Services

Takeaway

High water pressure can damage your plumbing system quietly! It can harm the pipes, cause leaky fixtures, and damage other plumbing appliances. If you notice these problems in your home or suspect your water pressure is too high, it’s best to rely on professional plumbers to bring it back to a safe level as quickly as possible.

Easy Rooter Plumbing - We Provide Fast & Reliable Emergency Plumbing Support!

Easy Rooter Plumbing is your trusted plumbing partner in Reno! We're available 24/7 to solve all your plumbing issues without any delay. Our experienced plumbing contractors in Reno will test your home's plumbing system and fix all issues resulting from high water pressure efficiently! 

We've been in this business since 1979, so we have knowledge about different types of plumbing problems and know how to repair them for good. Our emergency plumbing contractors will ensure you get reliable results quickly and in a hassle-free manner! 

You can contact us at (775) 521-6429 and get started.