Homeowners will often take proper water pressure for granted until something goes wrong. Whether pressure levels are too low or too high, they can lead to frustration, unreliable water service and even serious plumbing problems.

Here are some tips for identifying and addressing both problems:

Water pressure is too low
If you turn on a faucet in your home only to receive a slow trickle of water, It's important to determine two things: the extent of the problem, and the possible cause.

First, investigate the other water sources in the home to see if pressure is low everywhere. Run water everywhere, and make sure to run hot and cold water separately, as one may be worse than the other. 

The results of this initial test can offer hints as to the cause of the problem. If your hot water pressure is particularly low around the house, the fault could lie with your water heater. If water at all temperatures struggles to flow out of only one faucet, the issue could be a local clog or buildup on the aerator. If pressure levels are uniform around the house, the cause is likely to be a closed valve or a plumbing blockage leading into your home.

Water pressure is too high
You might notice higher than normal water pressure by feeling it, or by hearing strange knocking noises coming from your pipes. In either case, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible. To much pressure can lead to leaks, which can disrupt your water service and damage your home. In addition, appliances that rely on water, such as washing machines, may malfunction if pressure levels are too high.

High-pressure situations tend to occur in homes located at the bottom of hills, due to gravity. Rapid temperature changes can also contribute to the problem. Installing a pressure regulator on your main water line is one solution.

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