If you live in Southern California, there’s a good chance your home’s incoming water pressure is far too high — often exceeding 125–130 PSI. While that may seem like a good thing, it’s actually a hidden threat to your plumbing system, appliances, and water fixtures.
🚱 Why High Water Pressure Is a Serious Issue
Water pressure above 80 PSI is considered unsafe by most plumbing standards. At 125+ PSI, you’re risking:
- Blown-out faucet and shower cartridges
- Leaks in washing machine hoses
- Water heater stress and potential failure
- Constant dripping or hissing in toilets and valves
You may not notice these problems right away, but the long-term damage adds up — and it’s costly.
🛠️ What’s the Ideal Water Pressure?
For most homes, 55–65 PSI is ideal. This range provides strong, satisfying flow for showers and sinks without putting your plumbing system at risk.
✅ The Fix: Install a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV)
A PRV is a device installed just after the main water shut-off that reduces incoming water pressure to a safe, consistent level. It’s a must-have in SoCal homes with high-pressure municipal supply.
Here at OC Handyman Services HQ in La Habra Heights, we’ve installed a WATTS 1-inch PRV as part of our Whole House Water System inside a $400 Costco shed. Our filtered and softened water now flows at a safe, steady 60 PSI.
🧪 How to Know Your Pressure Level
Use a simple pressure gauge (often less than $20 at hardware stores) to test your system. Attach it to an exterior spigot and take a reading — both before and after your PRV if you have one.
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