Why is Water Pressure Testing So Important?

Water Pressure Testing

Water pressure testing has become a regular event in the plumbing industry. By using a water pressure gauge, it's never been more accessible to test your water supply.

Our plumbers usually perform a pressure test before installing any plumbing appliances. Manufacturers recommend not exceeding the Australian standards when it comes to water pressure in your home.

Water pressure can be the primary reason behind some plumbing issues you might find in your home. It might contribute to a shorter life span of plumbing appliances or the reason behind a broken seal, valve, pipe or any plumbing equipment.

Network Plumbing will look at the amount of water pressure (kPa) flowing through your pipes. Performing a pressure test on your water pressure level can save you time, money and stress in the future.

Did you know that if the water pressure in your pipes is too high, then it may void the warranty for items such as your hot water system, your washing machine, or even your toilet? As well as this, it increases the risk of leaking or burst pipes which can cause severe water damage to your home.

If you know you're already on the search for a solution to your pressure levels, contact our team or send through an email today.

If you're unsure... read on.   

Water Hammer & Pressure

It’s also important to understand that water is a dynamic fluid with mass. When it is stopped suddenly, the mass of the water has a “hammer” effect that greatly increases the force of the water over that of its static pressure. Just like a 1kg hammer exerts a much greater force when it comes to a sudden stop at the top of a nail; the force of the water hammer effect may cause pipe joints to break, valves to leak, and over time and repeated occurrences, parts to succumb to the force of the water. 

A Pressure Test Might Just

Save Your Plumbing

You need to ensure that your water pressure is kept within the optimal pressure test range for your home. If you find that your water pressure is too high then contact Network Plumbing. Our team can perform a pressure test, check your levels, and with the relevant information address the situation. When you know better, you do better. Having the results of the pressure test, you can make an informed decision. Testing instead of guessing, is why we use the latest equipment to test, pressure left unattended will stress your system. Over time you may see signs or all at once you might be dealing with an emergency. Our team will show you the testing gauge result.

Our plumbers can easily install a special valve at your water meter that will restrict the water pressure coming to your building. This equipment is called a pressure limiting valve.

A pressure-limiting valve (PLV) for each property ensures that the pressure coming from the municipal supply is reduced to a safe water pressure. If the pressure limiting valve is placed at the meter, instead of just at the entrance to the building, then the pressure limiting valve will also act to protect the supply line to the house, the hot water system, the dishwasher, inside and outside taps and the many parts of the property including any irrigation system.

What is Water Pressure?

Water pressure is the amount of force travelling through your plumbing system. Your water pressure will vary from location to location or even house to house. Currently, the Australian standard for water pressure is 500kpa.

The stronger your water pressure the more stress is placed on your working plumbing system. Every time you open or close your taps, increased amounts of stress are occurring. Using your plumbing system shouldn't add stress to your life but instead, it should be increasing the quality of your life. It's designed to help. 

Did you Know?

Excessive water pressure can also be a result of thermal expansion of the water within the home, even when the pressure entering the water supply is within the desired range. Your home’s plumbing spends most of its time as a closed container.

Then, as the water heater heats the water, it expands slightly causing an increase in pressure. A thermal expansion tank within the home’s water system absorbs these slight volume changes and prevents pressure fluctuations that can cause system damage.