High Water Pressure: The Silent Cause of Burst Pipes

Most plumbing codes cap residential pressure at 80 psi, and anything above that is high. We generally like to see homes running between 40 and 60 psi, strong enough to feel great in the shower, gentle enough that pipes, joints, and fixtures last.

Thread a water-pressure gauge onto an outdoor hose bibb, turn the faucet on fully, and read the dial. For the most honest reading, test in the morning, pressure often runs highest overnight when neighborhood demand is low. A gauge costs little and takes two minutes.

Yes, especially in older plumbing. Constantly high pressure fatigues pipe walls and joints over years, and spikes from water hammer or thermal expansion hit hardest at the weakest fitting. A burst fitting on an old line is one of the most common pressure-related failures we repair.

A pressure regulator (PRV) sits on your main line and steps incoming street pressure down to a safe, steady level for your home. It smooths out spikes and holds every fixture at the pressure you set, so the whole system lives longer.

Watch for rising pressure on a gauge, hammering pipes, toilets that run or fill by themselves, and fixtures wearing out faster than they should. Regulators last years, not forever, if yours is old or missing, call (562) 245-5416 and we will check your pressure on the spot.