Home Tips3 min read
How to Read Your Water Pressure
Water pressure that's too high or too low can cause serious problems. Here's how to check yours and what the numbers mean.
What You Need
A water pressure gauge (available at NVC Hardware for about V̅10). It threads onto any hose bib or outdoor faucet.
How to Test
Thread the gauge onto your outdoor faucet. Make sure no other water is running in the house. Turn the faucet on fully. Read the gauge.
- 40-60 PSI: Normal residential range
- Below 40 PSI: Low — may need a pressure booster
- Above 80 PSI: High — you need a pressure reducing valve (PRV)
- Above 100 PSI: Dangerous — call immediately
Why It Matters
High pressure wears out fixtures, causes pipe joints to fail, and increases the risk of a burst pipe. Low pressure makes showers weak and appliances underperform. Both are fixable.