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As a homeowner, the first thing that may come to mind regarding water pressure is its low form. There is nothing as frustrating as showering or washing dishes with slow water flowing from fixtures since you might end up wasting a lot of time. However, high water pressure should also be a cause of worry. It can destroy your appliances and cause water wastage, and subsequently, high repair and utility bills. A plumber can help you with this.
Worst of all, high water pressure may go undetected, and you might end up noticing when the damage is too much. It tends to shorten the lifespan of fixtures and appliances such as dishwashers, ice makers, and washing machines. Below are some of the easy-to-spot signs that your water pressure is too high.
Banging noises in the pipes
After using your taps or flushing your toilets, strange noises should not accompany the closing of the faucets or end of the flush cycle. The presence of a loud bang means the water pressure is too high and that the pipes are trying to adjust to the high pressure when you turn off the water. That may end up damaging the pipes and even the walls since the loud noises may dislocate them. If the location of the pipes is behind the walls, you may start to notice some cracks that result from the pipes banging on the walls.
The pipes can end up being weak over time and may become looser, preventing the water from flowing seamlessly. In case you hear shuddering noises inside the walls, contact your local plumber to test the water pressure. The professional can use a water gauge to measure the pressure and later install a pressure-regulating valve. Also, they can fix an automatic water shut-off valve in your crawl space or basement to shut down the water supply whenever the pressure is too high.
Noisy appliances
Home appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines should not make weird noises while in use. Another warning sign is your bathtub producing a loud whine. High water pressure may cause the shower diverter to wear out and affect its function of controlling the flow and temperature of the water.
In case you notice loud bangs while using your appliances or fixtures, it may be an indication of high water pressure. The high water pressure causes the mechanical pieces and seals of the appliances to wear out and become loose over time. The loose parts end up making lots of noise while the fixtures are in use. If you do not fix them promptly, they will end up breaking down, and replacing them may cost you thousands of dollars. Therefore, you may have to contact your plumber right away to get a quick fix. Ensure that the technician monitors your pressure-regulating valve regularly to maintain the right water pressure.
Low hot water supply
Running out of hot water often can be an indication of high water pressure. Normally, your water heater is designed to take in the water at a set rate to not only compensate for the water that is in use but also maintain a consistent temperature until the tank is empty. In cases where the water pressure is too high, the water will refill the tank too quickly and make the cold water more than the hot water. That causes you to run out of hot water whenever you need it.
Your water heater will have to work twice as hard to heat water and will end up malfunctioning after a short period. The water tank may also end up wearing out and more likely to spring a leak. A certified plumber in Fernandina, FL, can conduct a thorough inspection and ensure you have access to hot water at all times.
High utility bills
If your water bills are unusually high for no reason, it is wise to have a plumber check the water pressure. High water pressure makes faucets to produce more water, and you may not notice. You may end up using more water at the end of the day, month, and even year. Your septic tank will also fill up more quickly, meaning that you have to pump out the waste frequently. As a homeowner, you might end up spending extra cash on water bills and getting a sewage company to collect the waste.
Your water heater will also work longer since there is more water to heat, and this translates to a higher electrical bill. Why not get a certified plumber to fix the water pressure issue and lower your utility bills in the long run?
Leakages
One of the most common signs of high water pressure is leaking pipes and faucets. When the water pressure is too high, your toilet and taps keep running, even when they are not in use. The pipes may end up busting while trying to adjust to the high pressure. Busted pipes can damage your walls and floors that end up absorbing the excess moisture. Ultimately, you may find yourself with a mold and mildew infestation problem that can be dangerous to your health and a big reason to call a plumber.
Since the pipes are mostly hidden behind the walls and beneath the floors, it is only a certified plumber who can detect any underlying leakage issues. Undetected leakage ends up corroding the pipes since they are not built to handle excess pressure. The sinks and toilets are prone to rotting when they come in contact with excess water, especially if they are made out of wood. To increase the lifespan of your fixtures and appliances, get regular maintenance services from a professional plumber.
Expert plumbing company
Bert Norman’s Plumbing serves the Fernandina, FL, area, and beyond. We provide quality plumbing solutions, incorporating state-of-the-art materials, tools, and techniques to meet all your plumbing needs. We have certified plumbing specialists who guarantee satisfaction and excellence. Give us a call whenever you face a plumbing problem, even during emergencies, and we will be sure to send a professional right to your doorstep.