Do you know what the pressure is for the municipal water that flows into your home?
It should be between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) but if your attention to this important detail is anything like mine was, you are facing potential disaster. Unchecked water pressure is like unchecked blood pressure. No outward symptoms. High blood pressure can cause heart attacks or strokes. High water pressure can burst pipes and flood your home.
A recent routine maintenance visit for our hot water heater revealed water pressure of 100 PSI. The water pressure reducing valve was quickly replaced before any calamity could occur.
We acted expeditiously because of what happened six or so years ago in our niece’s remodeled kitchen. When Julie came home from work one afternoon she found water cascading down from a second floor bathroom. A pipe had burst. Her recently remodeled kitchen required a complete redo, as did her adjacent dining room.
Now, to be completely honest with you, Julie’s flood was traced to the absence of any water pressure reducing valve. Years of unchecked water pressure exacted its toll that fateful day.
There’s no telling how long my pipes would have lasted at 100 psi. For sure, however, they’ll last longer at 50 psi.
In case you’re wondering, our shower has lost some of its force. It’s a small price to pay for greater peace of mind.
