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Strong showers are something you might enjoy in the morning, but your house’s internal plumbing is not. There are many issues that can be caused by water pressure exceeding 80 psi (pounds/square inch). The main one is water leaks. Our Long Beach Plumbers will share three tips today that will improve your home’s water pressure and reduce your chances of expensive water bills. They also help you sleep better knowing there won’t be a puddle in your kitchen floor.

It is much easier than you think to prevent water damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, and walls. You can also follow my tips over the weekend or in the evening. Let’s get started!

Check your water pressure regularly (just like your blood pressure)

According to building codes, water pressure should not exceed 80 psi. A licensed contractor should install water pressure regulators in accordance with the local building codes. Most water pressure regulators come factory set at 50 psi. You’ll notice a very low water flow the first time you use a shower with water pressure of 50 psi.

Good news: Water pressure regulators are easy to adjust and don’t require you to call your plumber.

You should test your water pressure if you suspect it is too high. If you don’t have one, hire a licensed contractor who will install it.

First, turn off the water supply to your house’s main water source. Then, turn the valve to the right.

Turn the water pressure regulator to the left and loosen the locking nut.

To reduce water pressure, turn the adjust screw to the left or right.

To check if your water pressure has changed, tighten the locking nuts and test the water pressure in the laundry tub or at any hose-bib.

A good water pressure regulator can help prevent the appliances and water pipes from becoming worn out.

Use quarter turn ball (Shutoff Valves)

When you purchase a rental property, the first thing I do is replace all water supply lines connecting to the faucet, toilet or washing machine. You will often see signs of mineral buildup along old supply lines that require replacement.

This huge cost-saving tip is: Replace every shutoff valve with a new quarter-turn valve

This is something we recommend you do in every rental property you own. Old shutoff valves don’t usually work and can cause serious problems when a person’s toilet overflows at night.

These valves can be found in every hardware store. They are also great because they don’t have rubber seals that wear down over time. These shutoff valves can be installed yourself. 

Summary points for Plumbing Heaven

These are the main points to keep in mind:

  • To test the water pressure in your home, use a water pressure gauge
  • Install a water pressure regulator if your water pressure is too high.
  • Adjust your water pressure to between 55 and 75 psi.
  • Replace your old tub water supply lines for bath and kitchen faucets with steel braided supply line
  • Replace rubber supply lines for clothes washers with the steel braided version
  • When replacing shutoff valves that aren’t working, you can use quarter turn ball valves. (You’ll be thankful when your toilet clogs at night!)