| Homebuyers are often concerned about the water | | | | accurate reading of the water pressure at a given |
| pressure at a home they plan to purchase. On the | | | | property. Normal water pressure is in the range of 40 |
| other hand, to complicate matters, it seems that no | | | | to 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). This gauge will |
| two homebuyers agree on what is satisfactory | | | | give an average reading and, during the day, it will |
| water pressure. Realizing that, home inspectors try to | | | | change a bit depending on the number of fixtures |
| provide their clients with a water pressure reading | | | | that are being operated and other variations that |
| that they can analyze and evaluate on their own. | | | | affect overall water pressure. |
| Homebuyers often ask the home inspector about the | | | | Water pressure around 40 PSI or below, while not |
| water pressure at a prospective property. Is it good? | | | | uncommon to find, usually means there is not much |
| Is it bad? Unfortunately, water pressure is pretty | | | | pressure to spare if more than one fixture or |
| much subjective. What one person thinks is great | | | | appliance is running at a time; for example, trying to |
| pressure could be a mere trickle to another person. | | | | shower while the dishwasher is running could be an |
| Those people who are used to obtaining their water | | | | ordeal. Water pressure above 80 PSI is not good for |
| from private wells are often less critical of water | | | | household appliances -- washing machines, |
| pressure than those individuals who are accustomed | | | | dishwashers, and hot water heaters. Consistently high |
| to getting water from sophisticated municipal water | | | | water pressure can damage or significantly shorten |
| systems. | | | | the design life of appliances. If you are buying a |
| Since water pressure is largely subjective, the best | | | | home, your home inspector should try to check the |
| thing to do is to measure it so homebuyers can | | | | water pressure for you. If, on the other hand, you |
| decipher and evaluate the numbers themselves. | | | | are merely a curious consumer who wants to |
| There is a device known as a water pressure gauge. | | | | investigate this matter by yourself, an accurate but |
| This portable meter screws onto an outside | | | | inexpensive water pressure gauge can be purchased |
| hosebibb, or inside at the laundry area, and gives a | | | | at almost any hardware store. |
| homeowner, a plumber or a home inspector an | | | | |