This Plumbing Hack Lets You Test Your Water Pressure Without a Gauge

Wonky water pressure is always frustrating. Whether your shower head is trickling or firing at you more aggressively than the one in the gym locker room, it's a huge pain. Checking your water pressure is the first step to fixing this problem. There are many reasons why water pressure can change and it can happen out of the blue, says Ryan Rex, plumber and author at Rex & Sons, Inc.

While nearly a third of homeowners say they’d call a plumber about water pressure issues, it’s something you maybe be able to fix yourself. Here’s what you need to know about water pressure, how to measure it, and how to adjust the pressure at home. 

What Are Common Causes of Water Pressure Changes?

Bad pressure reducing valves. If there’s inconsistent water pressure or banging pipes, there may be an issue with the pressure reducing valve (PRV). Its main job is to reduce the pressure from the municipality so it’s at an even and appropriate level for a home. If you need a new one, Rex recommends Watts valves.

Clogged whole-house filters. Water pressure that’s been slowly reducing over time might be caused by a clogged whole-house filter that needs to be clean or replaced. 

Local issues at the faucet aerator. If the water pressure is noticeably lower at a specific faucet, it might be that faucet’s aerator that needs to be cleaned. 

Distance from the water source. After a home remodel that involves installing a new bathroom or laundry room on a higher floor, the water pressure could be lower due to the distance it has to travel. 

Demand fluctuations. When everyone is getting ready for school and work, or when there’s a full house of guests, the water pressure could be lower due to increased demand on the system. 

Leaks or blockages. If there is a leak or block in the plumbing, the water pressure could decrease. 

Seasonal changes. Pipes that aren’t insulated can be susceptible to freezing, which can reduce or halt the flow of water through the system. If water slows dramatically during cold weather, call a plumber before the pipes burst. 

What Is the Recommended Water Pressure for a Home?

Water pressure in a home ranges from about 50 to 70 psi. Anything over 70, and there could be too much pressure in the system and damage could occur. If you want your pressure higher, contact a plumber. Rex says, “I don't recommend anything over 90 psi for common residential jobs.”

How Do You Test Water Pressure?

There are a few methods you can use to test water pressure. Here we’re detailing the simple bucket method and the water pressure gauge method. 

Bucket Method

Step 1: Get a bucket and stopwatch.  

Gather a gallon-sized bucket and a device that can measure time. The stopwatch function on your smartphone is perfect.

Step 2: Place the bucket under the faucet.

Choose a faucet where the bucket fits easily and place the bucket underneath. 

Step 3: Time how long it takes to fill the bucket.

Start the stopwatch at the same moment you open the faucet to flow. When the bucker is full, stop the stopwatch. 

Step 4: Calculate the water flow.

Find the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) by dividing the volume of water—gallon—by the time it took to fill the bucket. 

Step 5: Repeat Steps 1 through 4 on every floor of the house.

In order to determine if the water pressure is consistent throughout the house, repeat this test on every floor of the house where there is a plumbing fixture.

Step 6: Test the water pressure a few more times.

To get an accurate reading, it’s best to try to test the water pressure a few times over the course of a few days. 

Related: This 10-Minute Fix Could Restore Your Faucet’s Water Pressure

Water Pressure Gauge Method

Step 1: Get a water pressure gauge. 

A water pressure gauge is an instrument that can measure your home’s water pressure. “WaterSource makes the gauge I keep in my tool pouch,” says Rex. “I use a standard water pressure test gauge that screws on to a hose tap.”

Step 2: Turn off the main water supply to the house.

Locate your home’s main water supply. It’s usually in the front of the house, and where the water enters the home. Turn off the valve to stop the water flow. 

Step 3: Attach the water pressure gauge to a hose or utility faucet.

Securely attach the water pressure gauge to “either at a hose faucet, the spout of a utility faucet, or as a last resort the drain valve on a water heater,” says Rex. “Having a hose cap for this one might be necessary to prevent a drip.” 

Step 4: Turn on the water.

With the water pressure gauge attached, turn the water on and allow it to flow for a few minutes. 

Step 5: Read the gauge.

Check the gauge to see the water pressure measurement. A typical home’s water pressure is usually between 50 and 70 psi. 

Step 6: Test the water pressure a few more times.

To get an accurate reading, it’s best to try to test the water pressure a few times over the course of a few days. 

Related: This 1-Hour Maintenance Routine Could Double the Life of Your Water Heater

How Can You Increase Your Water Pressure?

A slow drip from a shower head or faucet can be annoying, but you can increase your water pressure if you follow Rex’s advice:   

Replace the PRV

“Replace the PRV if the pressure is too low or too high. If the PRV is within five years old, you can adjust the set screw to increase the pressure,” says Rex.

Add a Hot Water Pump With Recirculating Loop

“For larger homes or a house with a bathroom on a third floor, sometimes a hot water pump with a recirculating loop may need to be added to improve shower temperature and pressure,” says Rex.

Add Home Runs

“Other times, if PEX lines are used in the house, having 'home runs' that come back to the water main are the best solution,” Rex says.