When you’re in the plumbing business in New York City, you hear a lot about water pressure problems. Most of the time, the water pressure is too low. Sometimes the water pressure comes and goes – strong at the beginning of a shower, but weak halfway through. And once in a great while you’ll have a hoomeowner reporting that their water pressure is too strong.
The question we’re going to talk about today is if your water pressure can damage your pipes. The answer is yes, if the water pressure is too high. What happens when your water pressure is too high is that your pipes are put under strain every time you turn on the water. Over the course of time, this repeated strain can lead to leaks or even ruptured pipes. Once your pipes have been compromised, you’re wasting water – and the city has no problem charging for every drop!
Signs your water pressure may be too high include leaky faucets and burst washing machine supply lines. If you’re not sure if your water pressure is too high, but suspect it is, have your NYC plumber test the pressure for you. If it turns out your water pressure is too high, this can be fixed by having a water pressure reduction valve installed.
Is low water pressure harmful to your pipes? Low water pressure isn’t as potentially harmful to your home’s plumbing as high water pressure is, but that doesn’t mean you want to tolerate it! Low water pressure can happen for several reasons. Part of the fun of plumbing in New York City is determining what the cause is in each individual situation. Low water pressure can happen when the water’s coming in from the city at less than optimal pressure. In these instances, installing a pressure booster can be helpful. Sometimes low water pressure is associated with clogged water supply lines, or a faulty pressure regulator. Your NYC plumber can repair these issues for you.
