Water pressure might seem like a mundane aspect of home maintenance, but it plays a crucial role in your property’s overall health, functionality, and value.
Most homeowners don’t think about plumbing until something goes wrong — but disruption of this critical home system can cost you thousands in potential repairs and cause significant long-term damage.
Your family’s comfort depends on being able to bathe, cook, clean, and do laundry on demand without worrying about malfunctioning appliances or catastrophic leaks. Professional inspections can help you spot potential problems, but it pays to be proactive. Let’s explore why maintaining optimal water pressure is essential in your Chicagoland home.
Behind the Scenes
What is water pressure, where does it come from, and why do you need it?
Simply put, it’s the force that keeps water flowing through your house at a reliable and safe rate and is primarily caused by the force of water supplied by your municipal system or well. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI); in most residential homes, it falls between 40 and 80 PSI.
Many different factors can affect your water pressure, especially in this region. In the Chicago region, plumbing and water supply infrastructure components can be more than a century old, and many property owners in surrounding areas regularly deal with water pressure issues.
Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like washing dishes and taking showers frustratingly slow and more wasteful. It can result from several different factors and may be a warning sign of more serious underlying issues:
- Pipe blockages: Mineral deposits from hard water (also known as limescale), corrosion, or debris can gradually restrict water flow, reducing pressure.
- Cracked pipes: Hidden leaks can dramatically decrease water pressure while contributing to structural damage.
- Failing pressure regulator: This critical component helps maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t within your home but with the local water supply. Municipal maintenance, high demand, or outdated supply lines can temporarily or persistently affect your water pressure.
Older homes might have dangerous lead pipes that are too narrow to accommodate the requirements of modern water-using appliances. Chicagoland’s wild winter weather can also wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system.
In certain residential areas or new-construction homes, you could be dealing with the dangers of excessive water pressure, which can cause leaks in pipes and fixtures, leading to water damage and mold growth. High pressure adds wear and tear to your expensive appliances and will increase your utility bills.
The Benefits of Vigilance
Unaddressed water pressure issues can lead to exponentially increasing repair expenses:
- A small leak might cost $150-$350 to repair
- Burst pipe repairs can range from $1,000-$4,000
- Complete plumbing system replacement could be up to $15,000, depending on the size of your home
Many homeowner’s insurance policies have clauses that may limit coverage for damage resulting from neglected maintenance. Consistently high or low water pressure can be interpreted as a maintenance issue, potentially leaving you financially responsible for extensive fixes, including replacing furniture and electronics.
If you’ve noticed sluggish showers or sudden pressure changes, now is the time to take action. Residential water pressure gauges are available online or at your local hardware store; be sure to select one that’s easy to read.
Locate your main water supply valve. This is usually found in your basement, garage, or utility room, and typically situated on the side of the house facing the street. If you live in a condominium, townhome, or two-flat, consult with your property manager, leasing agent, or maintenance staff.
Turn off any water-using appliances, irrigation systems, and refrigerators with ice makers, and check that no one is showering. You may want to have gloves and tongue-and-groove pliers handy so you can follow instructions for installing the pressure gauge.
Turn the water on, allow the flow to stabilize, and record the pressure reading. Be sure to repeat the test over the next few days and make note of any changes or issues. If the average reading is below 40 PSI, contact your municipal water supplier and schedule a comprehensive inspection with a trusted and licensed local firm like Windy City to ensure you don’t have a plumbing disaster waiting to happen.
Looking Forward
While fluctuations in water pressure can seem like a minor annoyance, failing to maintain proper pressure in your home can have disastrous consequences, from flooding to mold infestation and structural damage.
Periodic professional inspections of your home’s essential systems can extend their life expectancy and increase the value of your home. Chicagoland homeowners also benefit from proactive maintenance and replacing older appliances with newer more energy-efficient options.
Whether you’re dreaming of buying one of the area’s gorgeous historic homes or looking to sell up and head for a warmer climate, learning everything you can about the condition of the property is essential to making the most educated decisions and maximizing your investment.
The knowledgeable and experienced inspectors at Windy City are here to help you look forward and guarantee your home is as comfortable as possible — call or click to schedule your inspection today!
