To lower the water pressure in your toilet, you will need to adjust the flow control device in the cistern. This is usually located at the back of the cistern, sitting between the inlet valve and the overflow pipe.
If you need to access the valve, you will need to remove the lid of the cistern.
The flow control device is typically a multi-turn valve with a moving plastic or brass handle; it may also be a single turn valve. If it’s a single turn valve, you need to turn the handle clockwise to lower the pressure and vice versa.
If it’s a multi-turn valve, then you will need to turn the handle counter-clockwise. Once you have adjusted the valve, replace the cistern lid and test the water pressure to ensure it’s at the correct level.
What happens if your water pressure is too high?
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause a number of problems both within and outside your home. Inside the home, high water pressure can push water out of faucets and pipes, leading to flooding and damage to your walls, floors and ceilings.
High water pressure can also push air into pipes, leading to noisy plumbing, frequent issues with low water pressure and early wear and tear on fixtures, valves and appliances. Outside the home, high water pressure can damage pavement and landscaping near your home, and can also be a safety hazard as extremely high pressure can cause dangerous water spouts from leaking pipes.
It is important to ensure that your water pressure is kept within a safe range, typically below 80psi (pounds per square inch. ) If you believe your water pressure may be too high, you should contact a professional plumber to have it tested, as they can provide the right equipment and expertise to help you reduce your usage and monitor your pressure in the future.
How do you know if you have too much water pressure?
If you have too much water pressure, there are a few tell-tale signs you can look for. Generally, you may notice that your pipes make a banging or loud clanging sound when you turn the water on or off, or you may hear a whistling sound coming from your pipes.
You may also find that water is spraying out of the aerator or showerhead with too much force. Additionally, if water is dripping from the pressure relief valve, or if you are experiencing frequent leakages in your pipes or fixtures, then you may have too much water pressure.
Other signs to look out for include weak water flow, damaged pipes or wallboard near pipes, as well as a constantly running water tank. If any of these signs are present, it is important to act quickly since too much water pressure can lead to serious damage and even flooding.
To lessen the water pressure, you can install a pressure reducing valve on your main water line, or have a plumber install one if needed.
What is an unsafe water pressure?
An unsafe water pressure is any water pressure outside of a safe operating range. Generally, a safe operating range is between 40 to 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Water pressure below 40 psi can cause issues like slow running toilets and faucets and baths that take an unusual amount of time to fill up.
Water pressure above 80 psi can cause a number of issues, some of which can be dangerous. High water pressure can cause water lines to burst, leading to water damage and flooding. Too much pressure can also cause water heater damage, and increased wear and tear on appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and even toilesthat use water, leading to higher-than-expected repair bills.
Unsafe water pressures can increase energy costs as well, because any appliance, like a hot water heater, has to work harder with higher pressures than when the pressures are within safe limits. Lastly, high water pressure can lead to increased water waste, as you experience with speeding up or blasting faucets and toilets.
Can high water pressure cause pipes to burst?
Yes, high water pressure can cause pipes to burst. When water pressure in a plumbing system is too high, it can put too much strain on the pipes and cause them to burst. High water pressure can also force air and water through the walls of the pipe, resulting in water leakage and potentially causing a pipe to burst.
Additionally, high water pressure can weaken pipe connections and eventually cause the connection to fail, which can also lead to a burst pipe.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce high water pressure in order to prevent pipe bursts. You may need to install a water pressure reducing valve, which allows you to adjust the water pressure levels to a safe level.
If a valve is not used, you should check your water pressure periodically and make sure it is not exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended safe levels. Additionally, you should check all the pipe connections periodically to make sure they are secure.
Taking these measures can help you reduce the risk of high water pressure leading to a burst pipe.
Can I adjust water pressure myself?
No, adjusting water pressure should not be done by yourself. Changes in water pressure can have a huge impact on your plumbing system. Improperly adjusted water pressure can reduce the life of appliances and fixtures connected to your pipes, as well as put extra stress on the entire plumbing system.
It is always recommended to contact a licensed plumber to make any adjustments to your water pressure. A licensed plumber will have the right knowledge and equipment to make these adjustments without harming your system.
They can also advise you on what the optimal pressure should be based on the particulars of your home’s plumbing system.
How high can residential water pressure be?
The maximum water pressure in a residential home should not exceed 80 psi (pounds per square inch). For optimal water pressure, a much lower pressure of only 50 psi is recommended. Higher water pressures may appear to provide better performance, however in homes with older pipes and plumbing fixtures this can actually lead to problems such as leaks and ruptures.
Additionally, the increased wear and tear on pipes, fixtures, and appliances can actually result in increased expenses for repair and replacement. Additionally, water pressure above 80 psi can cause water flow that is too strong for showers, toilets and faucets.
If you have higher than normal water pressure, you can install a pressure reducing valve to your supply line to regulate the pressure to the recommended 50 psi.
How much is too much water pressure in a house?
When it comes to water pressure in a house, the “ideal” range is between 40 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). However, anything higher than 80 psi can potentially cause water damage to your plumbing system.
Too much pressure can lead to leaks, broken pipes, poor water flow, and backflow issues. Long-term excessive pressure can also cause pinhole leaks, increased water bills due to wasted water, and even void warranties on your plumbing system.
Generally, it is recommended that the pressure not exceed the high end of the suggested range (80 psi) in order to preserve the integrity of your plumbing system and prevent any long-term water damage to your home.
Why is my water pressure so strong all of a sudden?
It could be the result of a water main repair or upgrade, a problem with the piping in your home, or a problem with your well pump. If there have been no recent repairs near your home, then the most likely cause of your sudden increase in water pressure is a problem with your well pump.
The pump may be malfunctioning causing it to over-pressure the system, or it may have been adjusted incorrectly. In either case, you should contact a plumber to have the system checked and adjusted properly.