Most home inspectors carry a water pressure gauge like the one above to test the home’s water pressure. A common type of gauge simply attaches to a hose bib and then you turn on the water and the pressure is measured. During a recent clients’ home inspection, the water pressure measured 114 p.s.i.! And some of the angle stops and other water valves showed signs of corrosion and some leakage. If left unchecked, the excessive pressure would’ve undoubtedly caused problems down the road.
You can pick up a pressure regulator on your own or ask a plumber to measure it for you. It’s a simple check for your home’s water/plumbing system, but also an important one that can save you lots of time, money and hassle if it’s not working properly. Talk to your local plumber for more information and to check what water pressure levels should be in your area. If you own a condominium, you might not have a separate pressure regulator on your water main. If so, check with your plumber and property manager to determine the water pressure for your home.