Do you know how high the water pressure is in your house?
We all assume every home is at the same level but it varies and if the pressure is too high, it could damage your plumbing.
Calgary Water Services tries to regulate water pressure between 35 and 100 pounds-per-square inch (psi) around the city but it depends on your elevation and pressure zone according to Ryan Kidd of Water Services .
“There is a lot of elevation difference in the city. You’re going to see a big variation between certain houses from home to home, from community to community as far as what the actual pressure will be at a specific home. It’s really where you are in relation to the city distribution system. So if you’re at a higher level, your going to get a little bit lower pressure. If you’re at a lower level, your going to get a higher pressure because of gravity.”
The average home water pressure should be around 60 psi and no more than 80.
In fact, in all new communities, if the water pressure may exceed 80 psi, home builders must install pressure reducing valves in every home to keep it below that level.
If water pressure is above 80 pounds-per-square inch it could damage plumbing, including valves in taps or appliances and cause excessive wear and tear in hot water tanks.
“If you’re noticing some problems with pipes banging that can be a sign of higher pressure”, says Ryan Kidd. “If you want to find out exactly what your pressure is, you can go to a plumbing supply store, buy a water pressure meter and hook it up either to your outdoor tap or your laundry tap.”
If the pressure is higher than 80, you should call the city to check the system in your area and you may have to call a plumber to install a pressure reducing valve.
If pressure is lower than 35 pounds per square inch, phone 311 and the city will see how they can increase it.
Here is a link to the City Water Services website to read about water pressure: http://www.calgary.ca/UEP/Water/Pages/Drinking-water/Water-quality/Water-Pressure.aspx
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