Key Takeaways
- Anything above 60 psi is considered high water pressure. It can cause obnoxiously noisy pipes, leaks, and damage to your fixtures and appliances. Test your system’s water pressure with a gauge. It should be in the normal range of 40 to 60 psi.
- Consider installing or adjusting a house pressure regulator to keep a safe range of water pressure. If you’re not sure, hire a licensed professional plumber to get it right.
- When enough cold weather settles in, the chances of a pipe burst rise as the water expands when freezing, which leads to a build-up of pressure. Pipes that are old, degraded, or substandard materials are particularly susceptible.
- Insulating pipes can help avoid burst pipes. As in any home, keep a regular temperature indoors and allow for slow drips from faucets to prevent ice from forming and to keep water flowing.
- If you have any pipes that do freeze, thaw them out cautiously. Identify the frozen section and warm it with a hairdryer or heat lamp. Don’t use open flames or extreme heat to thaw pipes, and be sure to test for leaks after thawing.
- Arrange routine plumbing inspections to ensure your system is operating at peak performance. Replace aging pipes and keep an eye on water pressure year-round to keep everything operating properly.
Too high of a water pressure strains your plumbing systems. In cold climates, this can lead to a greater risk of pipe bursts. As the temperature plummets, the water within these pipes freezes, expands, and adds additional internal pressure to pipes that may already be stressed.
To avoid this, most homes should aim for a water pressure level between 40 and 60 psi. A whole house pressure regulator will continually monitor your water pressure and can automatically adjust it to safe levels.
You can further prevent freezing by insulating any exposed pipes and using heat tape on especially vulnerable areas. Preventative maintenance, like regularly checking for leaks or weak spots in your plumbing system, will help you catch problems before they turn into expensive disasters.
These preventative actions will help save you expensive home repairs in the long winter months.
What Is High Water Pressure
High water pressure occurs when the pressure of water flowing through your plumbing system exceeds 60 pounds per square inch (psi). While strong pressure might feel convenient during a shower or while rinsing your car, consistently high levels can strain your water pipes, leading to issues like burst pipes and unexpected repair costs, especially in unheated areas.
Definition of High Water Pressure
There are a number of reasons for high water pressure. Municipal water systems usually keep high pressure in order to pipe to many households over a wide area in their municipalities. This can lead to high pressure at the home level.
A bad pressure regulator is another common culprit. These devices are intended to prevent pressure from going too high, but rust and corrosion can make them fail. Changing seasons, especially during winter, make a big difference too. As the air temperature decreases, the water pressure in the pipe will increase because of thermal contraction.
Signs of High Water Pressure
The easiest way to find out if your home has high water pressure is to use a pressure gauge. Screw the gauge onto an outside hose bib or faucet and turn on the water to get an accurate reading of water pressure. Anything over 60 psi is considered high, though the optimal water pressure for home use is between 40 and 60 psi.
Inconsistencies in readings or symptoms such as loud pipes, leaks, or water hammer should alert you to potential underlying problems.
Risks of High Water Pressure
High water pressure puts undue stress on all pipes, especially older or corroded ones, and will result in them bursting, causing costly damage. Even copper pipes, which have a bursting strength of more than 3000 psi, are not immune in the long term.
High pressure will cause excessive wear on appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Installing a pressure regulator or adjusting an existing one to keep pressure between 30–50 psi will help prevent damage.
Professional advice and solutions means you can have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is in good hands.
Causes of High Water Pressure
If the high water pressure is left unchecked, especially in cold temperatures, it can lead to serious issues like a burst pipe in your plumbing system, particularly in unheated areas. By knowing what makes water pipes burst, you can avoid high water pressure, saving yourself from expensive repairs.
Municipal Water System Issues
Municipal or state-run water systems frequently operate at even higher pressures, often exceeding the accepted range of 50 to 80 PSI that home plumbing can withstand. This excessive pressure can be particularly hard on legacy pipes, especially those installed before the 1970s, when many materials began to lose their structural integrity. Homes older than 40 years often utilize water pipes made from copper or galvanized steel, which are less durable and more prone to issues like a burst pipe.
To protect against a frozen pipe, insulating exposed pipes with foam or heat tape is crucial. This insulation work helps keep these pipes safe from harsh, frigid temperatures. Additionally, sealing gaps around pipes will effectively keep cold air out, making it easier to maintain a stable indoor temperature and avoid freezing, which can happen in as little as six to eight hours.
By ensuring proper insulation and maintaining indoor temperatures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of water pipe bursts and the subsequent water damage restoration that may be necessary. Taking these precautions not only protects the property but also helps prevent costly repairs in the event of a broken pipe.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
If you have a pressure regulator that is malfunctioning, it can cause unregulated high water pressure to enter your pipes. Conditions at or below freezing are particularly hazardous. When water freezes it expands putting stress on the entire pipe and will burst at the weakest point.
For thawing frozen pipes, thaw them slowly with safe heat sources, such as a hairdryer. Do not use open flames, as you may melt piping or start a fire. Once thawed, check the pipe carefully for any leaks to make sure that it is still in good condition.
Seasonal Temperature Changes
Sudden drops in temperature make it more likely that pipes will burst. Pipes go through quite a bit of heavy daily use, and annual plumbing inspections can help spot early signs of wear.
Replacing outdated materials and monitoring the water pressure can thwart disasters down the line. For instance, regular maintenance done by the experts at High 5 Plumbing can catch issues early and fix them before they develop into bigger, more costly disasters.
How to Check Your Water Pressure
Too high water pressure places unnecessary strain on your entire plumbing system. This is particularly true in cold climates, where freezing water can pose even greater threats to your pipes. By keeping an eye on your water pressure, you can avoid costly pipe bursts or other damage.
Here’s how you can check it effectively:
Use a Water Pressure Gauge
A water pressure gauge is a cheap but indispensable tool to get accurate readings. These devices are inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store. To check your water pressure, first, screw the gauge onto an outdoor faucet or hose bib.
Then, screw it on tightly so that you get a consistent reading. Gradually open the faucet all the way to the stop. This will give you a reading in pounds per square inch (PSI).
For example, ideal residential water pressure is between 40 and 60 PSI. Similarly, if your reading is above 80 PSI, your pressure is likely too high and you should investigate further.
If your home is equipped with a closed plumbing system with a PRV, then you must have an expansion tank. This installation makes sure that you’re meeting codes and proactively controlling spikes in pressure.
Compare Readings to Standard Levels
After you take a reading, compare the reading to standard PSI levels. Even pressure above 60 PSI increases the risk of damage. This is particularly problematic in cold weather, as water will expand 9% when freezing.
This expansion can result in a drastic increase in pipe pressure, occasionally exceeding 200 PSI in a closed system. Copper pipes have a bursting strength maximum of about 3,000 PSI.
The extra stress from freezing water can eventually make them brittle, leading to breaks.
Identify Unusual Fluctuations
Unusual spikes or drops in pressure can indicate problems in your plumbing. For instance, if there are regular fluctuations, that could mean your PRV is failing, or you have a blockage in your piping.
If you find something unusual, contact a certified plumber immediately. Water utility companies such as WaterOne are generally not responsible for internal plumbing repairs.
How to Reduce High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure, over 80 psi, puts unnecessary stress on your plumbing and can lead to burst pipes and leaks, particularly in cold temperatures. Proactive measures, such as insulation work, are essential to ensure your water supply lines stay healthy and intact.
Install a Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator is a simple, effective device that reduces the pressure of the water coming into your home. To work effectively, install these devices on your main water line. They are particularly advantageous if your water pressure is over 60 PSI, the recommended maximum for most home plumbing systems.
If your house gets water at 80 PSI or higher, consider installing a pressure regulator. It will bring down the pressure to a less dangerous level. This change puts much less stress on your pipes, making them much less likely to burst.
Copper pipes are typically rated for a burst pressure in excess of 3,000 PSI. Ongoing high pressure will quickly degrade the materials and compromise the joints. Properly installing a regulator is your best long-term solution and will save you from expensive repairs.
Adjust Existing Regulator Settings
If your home already has a pressure regulator, you might not even need to replace it—you may just need to adjust its settings. As a result, many regulators permit manual adjustments with a wrench for pressure to be increased or decreased.
A pressure gauge can be useful to monitor your PSI so you know you’re consistently within a safe range. Regular maintenance of the regulator keeps it functioning efficiently, especially during colder months when temperature fluctuations can impact water pressure.
Since frozen water expands and causes pipes to burst, maintaining balanced pressure prevents such incidents at weak points, like the freeze location.
Consult a Professional Plumber
If you prefer professional assistance with installation or adjustment, hiring a licensed plumber is a safe bet. They can help evaluate your system, test pressure levels, and recommend solutions best suited to your home.
Other plumbers will advise that you install an expansion chamber into your system. This innovative feature moves water efficiently and effectively. Designed differently than a typical pressure relief valve, it kicks on before pressure reaches a preset level and addresses freeze concerns too.
Most plumbers would recommend letting a faucet drip to prevent freezing by maintaining water flow, thus preventing temperatures from dropping below freezing. When combined with keeping heat in your house, this easy step is one of the most impactful.
Why Pipes Burst in Cold Climates
When temperatures dip below freezing, the likelihood of a burst pipe increases as both physical and material conditions conjoin to create a recipe for disaster. Understanding why water pipes burst in cold temperatures will help you take preventative measures and avoid costly property damage this winter.
Expansion of Freezing Water
This is one of the primary reasons pipes burst during cold weather, as water expands when it freezes. Once you start getting under 20 degrees Fahrenheit, that water in your pipes has a chance to freeze. When this occurs, the ice grows bigger, filling the space and putting pressure on the walls of the pipe.
For example, outdoor spigots or uninsulated areas of the house, such as basements, are especially at risk. If the ice doesn’t have space to expand, that pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to leaks or flooding.
When you’re experiencing severe cold, keep at least two sinks dripping. This will ensure the water stays in continuous motion and is less likely to freeze.
Pressure Buildup in Pipes
Even if a pipe does not fully freeze, ice forming can cause obstructions that cause pressure to build up. Adding to this, the colder incoming water during the winter months worsens this problem.
If the pressure builds to exceed the pipe’s capacity, weak points will rupture, resulting in a burst. This is why routine maintenance and ensuring they’re insulated are so important.
Weak or Old Pipe Materials
Older or poorly maintained pipes are less able to withstand this stress caused by freezing and expanding water. Older materials, such as galvanized steel—which were once the gold standard—are more susceptible to corrosion and cracking with age.
Regularly inspecting your plumbing system and replacing your outdated pipes can help reduce any dangers. Newer materials such as PEX, which is already more flexible, are more resistant and thus more suited to pressure changes that occur in freezing conditions.
How to Prevent Pipe Bursts in Winter
In the winter months, as temperatures begin to dip, pipe bursts become more likely. This occurs because as water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating enormous pressure on your pipes. With these preventive measures, you will be protected from costly repairs and water damage this winter season.
Here are a few common-sense ways to better protect your pipes.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed pipes, like those found in basements, attics, or garages, are especially susceptible to freezing. Additionally, wrapping them in foam pipe insulation or heat tape can keep them warm.
In areas where temperatures plunge below zero for long periods, installing thicker insulation materials specifically designed for subzero climates provides even more protection.
Inspect exposed pipes outside your home as well, such as those connected to exterior faucets, and make sure they’re insulated correctly.
2. Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature
Keep your thermostat at least 65°F at all times, even if you’re not home. This minor change allows warm air to circulate, keeping your pipes from freezing.
With buildings that won’t be used for some time, you may want to drain the water system completely to eliminate any chance of freezing.
3. Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Weather
Letting your faucets drip a little bit can help, too. Allowing a small trickle of water through your home’s faucets can relieve pressure in the pipes.
This low-tech fix can help prevent freezing, particularly for pipes that run in or near exterior walls.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Pipes
Those small gaps around pipes where they enter your home can allow in a lot of cold air. Widen those gaps and seal them with caulk or spray foam.
This will help the overall space stay warmer and insulate your pipes from freezing.
5. Drain Outdoor Water Systems
Before the first freeze, disconnect and store garden hoses. Shut off and drain sprinkler systems and other in-ground irrigation components, if applicable, and drain outside water spigots.
Be sure to winterize backflow prevention equipment to prevent damage from ice build up.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely
Frozen pipes are an unfortunate reality in colder climates, especially during extreme winter weather. If precautions aren’t taken and these pipes freeze, they can easily burst, resulting in expensive repairs and water damage. More than just getting the water flowing again, thawing frozen pipes safely means reducing the risks.
Here’s how to go about it, step by step.
Locate the frozen section
You must first determine which pipe is frozen. Check for frost or bulging along exposed pipes. If the pipes aren’t visible, check for them in places that always seem cold.
Inspect areas such as basements, crawlspaces, and walls adjacent to uninsulated exterior walls. If you’re thawing pipes connected to faucets, turn on water and pay attention to which ones only give you a trickle.
Use a hairdryer or heat lamp
A hairdryer or heat lamp will safely provide moderate heat directly to the frozen section of pipe. Start the thawing process close to the faucet and work your way toward the section that’s frozen.
This allows any melting ice to escape as water rather than building up pressure. If the frozen section is hard to access, attempt to thaw the area around the pipe with a space heater. Just be sure not to leave the heater unattended!
Avoid open flames or extreme heat
Avoid open flames, such as a blowtorch, which can severely damage pipes or even cause a fire. Too much heat can weaken the pipe material, which is problematic with older plumbing systems.
Use safely controlled heat sources to thaw pipes.
Gradually restore water flow
Once thawing has started, run warm water slowly through the pipe. That can be a huge help in speeding up the thawing process by melting any remaining ice from the inside out.
Pour salt or other de-icing materials down drains to assist thawing efforts. Don’t go crazy with these products, as they can cause further damage to your plumbing.
Check for leaks after thawing
Once the ice has melted, examine the pipe for any cracks or leaks. Even the tiniest of cracks can cause an enormous waste of water over the course of a year.
If damage is found or if the frozen pipe is in a tricky spot, call a plumber to handle repairs or further thawing.
Additional Tips for Pipe Maintenance
Proper pipe maintenance is vital, especially in northern climates where freeze-thaw can be a huge factor in pipe deterioration. Though high water pressure is bad news, there’s good news—by proactively addressing the issue, you can reduce the risk of calamities such as pipe bursting.
Here are a few of the most important habits you can develop to make sure your plumbing system stays healthy and happy all year long.
Schedule regular plumbing inspections
Only a licensed plumber, through routine inspections, can help you discover problems lurking out of sight. They’re able to catch minor leaks, corrosion, and loose joints before they turn into major liabilities.
These frequent check-ups are critical in older homes where pipes may be outdated or even hazardous. A qualified plumber can help you evaluate the quality of your insulation, so that you can be sure your pipes are ready for winter.
For example, pipes that are poorly insulated and located close to outside walls or crawl spaces are at a much higher risk of freezing.
Replace old or damaged pipes
As time passes, pipe materials such as galvanized steel or polybutylene can corrode, causing them to burst. Upgrading to newer materials like copper or PEX offers much greater durability and flexibility.
If you’re experiencing water discoloration, loss of water pressure, or leaks from aging pipes, take the opportunity to replace the affected pipes. Doing your due diligence by replacing or upgrading old plumbing proactively will protect you in the long run.
Monitor water pressure regularly
A water pressure gauge is the best way to ensure you always keeping levels safe, preferably in the 40–60 psi range. Too much pressure can create added pressure and stress on pipes, particularly in severe icy conditions.
Pressure is easy to test and adjust with simple tools, available at most hardware stores. To take it a step further, install a pressure-reducing valve to keep the water flow steady.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper water pressure and preventing pipe damage in the cold are more important than you may realize. High water pressure can strain your plumbing, while freezing temperatures can lead to costly pipe bursts. These steps—installing a pressure regulator, insulating your pipes, and allowing your faucets to drip during freezes—will help prevent winter pipe bursts. These easy steps really do go a long way! Routine maintenance, such as inspecting for leaks and sealing any gaps, ensures that your system operates smoothly, even during the coldest months.
By taking these simple steps you save more than just money—you save yourself the added stress of a preventable disaster. Save a little tomorrow with just a little effort today. Keep preventive, and your plumbing will be appreciative. To find more tips and helpful advice, browse our resources or connect with a local water expert for more tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my water pressure is too high?
You can easily test your home’s water pressure with a pressure gauge purchased from any hardware store. Simply hook it up to an outside faucet. In general, ideal water pressure is about 40-60 psi, as anything over 80 psi can lead to issues like a burst pipe.
What causes high water pressure in my home?
Sometimes high water pressure can be an issue from municipal water systems bringing in too much pressure, leading to potential problems like a burst pipe. This can be due to issues with your home’s plumbing, such as thermal expansion from water heaters.
How can I reduce high water pressure?
To prevent property damage, install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) near your water main, as high pressure can lead to burst pipes. Ensure the valve maintains pressure between 40-60 psi and regularly inspect it to avoid issues with your water supply lines.
Why do pipes burst in cold weather?
In below-freezing temps, the water supply lines in uninsulated areas can freeze and expand, resulting in pressure that may lead to a burst pipe—especially in vulnerable sections of the property.
How do I prevent pipe bursts in winter?
To prevent a burst pipe in unheated areas, insulate water pipes and seal cracks in exterior walls. During extremely cold temperatures, allowing outside spigots to drip can help reduce built-up pressure and avoid water damage restoration.
What should I do if my pipes freeze?
Shut off the water supply to the affected frozen pipe. Employ a hairdryer or space heater to gradually warm the water pipes, but never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as it poses a significant health risk. If you are unable to do this safely, call a plumber.
How can I maintain my pipes year-round?
Always keep an eye out for leaks in your water supply lines. Adding insulation to exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas, can help prevent a burst pipe. Ensuring outdoor spigots are winterized or insulated is crucial for avoiding expensive water damage restoration.
