Can home water pressure be too high?

Yes. Domestic water pressure should be between 40-80 psi. Although strong water pressure is almost always desired by homeowners, pressure over 80 psi can lead to a host of issues and should be regulated.

 

Here are some issues with water pressure that is too high.

  1. High water pressure can damage seals in fixtures and appliances causing premature failure and leakage.

  2. “Water hammer” can occur when pressure is too high causing jolts in the water distribution system that lead to banging and knocking.

  3. Excessively high water pressure can rupture supply hoses such as those to a refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine. This is another reason why we always recommend braided stainless steel hoses that are more burst resistant.