You'll probably only ever think about the water pressure in your home when it's too low. The fact is, however, the pressure can also be too high. This can damage appliances that utilize your plumbing system, including the washing machine, the water heater and the dishwasher.
When it comes to pressure that is too high, the force of the flowing erodes materials within the plumbing components, such as seals. In turn, this can cause your water heater or other appliance to start leaking. Additionally, overly high pressure can cause "water hammer," a situation in which an appliance's valve is suddenly closed. This may cause annoyances like noise, but in more serious cases it can cause pipes to fail and shorten the life of those expensive and essential appliances.
Further, you should consider the annual savings you can realize on your water bill. For instance, if water pressure is reduced from 100 pounds per square inch (psi) to 50, you can reap a one-third savings on your annual water bill.
If the water pressure in your home is high, hire a licensed plumber to install a regulator. This can reduce pressure to your appliances without affecting areas where it ought to be higher, such as the garden hose or the shower. A very common task for a plumber, installing a regulator also can bring savings on the maintenance and repair of your plumbing system and appliances. Hiring a plumber to take care of this task for you will not only ensure that the part is installed properly but that it is adjusted properly, as well.
If you have any doubt about the pressure in your home or are experiencing any of the signs of high pressure, such as water hammer, be sure to contact a licensed plumber sooner rather than later to prevent serious damage.