How high is really too high

My highest so far was 176 psi. The seller disclosed that he had a lot of plumbing problems and that his plumber couldn't find the problem. My plumber had no problem verifying that I had found the problem: There was no pressure reducer. My Clients have been happy there for over 5 years now.

Wow the highest pressure I seen has been 70 psig. My water pressure gauge goes up to 300 psig but is not liquid filled you can get a liquid filled one that goes to 300 psig they just cost more. 

You can go to www.professionalequipment.com they have two water pressure gauges that you up to 300 psig one is $19.95, other is $25.95 I hope this help you out.

Pressure that high is a danger, not only to the plumbing, but also to the inhabitants.  160+ can peel the skin right off of you.

170 psi!  Never encountered anything close to that around here.  That's pretty amazing.

Jack - It looks like the answer was already marked on your gauge.  When the pressure is at 80 psi or greater, a working pressure reducing valve "PRV" is required.  Oftentimes, the PRV is not working or has been bypassed. 

The best gauge that Professional Equipment sells has always been one of my favorite tools: http://www.professionalequipment.com/water-pressure-gauge-0-160-heavy-duty-freeze-proof-4106732/water-pressure-gauges/  I bought the frost proof version after my other was damaged from freezing while left overnight in the truck.

You would think a homeowner would get that fixed before something happened like drilling a hole in your hand.

Hi Jack,

Great blog!  At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, we recommend a water pressure of 40 - 80psi.  Home owners need to understand that water pressure that is too high will quickly damage internal fragile plumbing components found in shutoff valves, faucets, etc.  Clearly this can lead to a leak, which can lead to damage and mold.  Pressure that is too low can be a nuisance.  For high pressure a pressure regulator can help and is recommended. 

Even if a house pressure tests OK once, it may not test OK at a later date.  If a developer starts to install a new development next to your established neighborhood, the city you live in may raise the water pressure to the entire area to provide the necessary pressure to service the new development.  Without a pressure regulator, the homes in the established neighborhood can elevate to an unacceptable level.

An inexpensive pressure guage is easily available at most hardware stores.  Homeowners should check their water pressure at least annually to verify that their pressure regulator is functioning normally.

Thank you,

Richard 

Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and are intended to educate and otherwise assist home owners, sellers and buyers, building owners, sellers and buyers, realtors, real estate investors, property managers, and lenders in the process of owning, buying or selling homes or commercial buildings.  HABITEC is a residential (home) and commercial building inspection company serving Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Dickson, Belle Meade, Columbia, Spring Hill and more!  In addition to building inspections HABITEC offers Environmental Services for mold assessments, radon testing and water quality analysis.  Additional information about HABITEC can be found on our website at www.habitecinspections.com, or call 615-376-2753. 

Richard Acree is the author of the HABITEC Home and Building Inspections Blog and founder of the ActiveRain Group Tennessee Home and Building Inspectors.  All are welcome to join and see more blogs like this one.