I turned on my shower yesterday, and suddenly, I heard this loud knock followed by the water shooting out at twice the usual pressure! I'm not sure what's causing this. Should I check the shower head for blockages or maybe see if there's a pressure regulator issue? I have some ideas but need guidance on where to start!
3 Answers
Sounds like your shower just got a turbo boost! A lot of folks might love double the pressure, but it can be a pain too. I’d suggest checking if your pressure regulator is malfunctioning. If you have a threaded spigot, grab a pressure gauge from a hardware store to measure it. Anything above 50-60 psi can potentially cause damage to your appliances. If it's too high, look for the pressure reducing valve where your water line comes in, and consider replacing it yourself if you’re comfortable with soldering pipes. If you live in an apartment, definitely reach out to management to sort it out!
Sounds like your pressure regulator is toast! Checking the pressure is a quick fix, and you can find affordable gauges online. Just like someone else said, if you find it's running too high, replacing the regulator is usually straightforward. Just be sure to turn off the water first!
Yeah, I had to replace mine too! Just make sure to do it before you end up with a flood.
Check for any debris in your shower head or the diverter! Sometimes blockages can cause pressure changes as well. You might also want to investigate the shut-off valve if you have one, as it could be causing issues upstream.
Right? Too much pressure can be a nightmare! I had a similar experience that ended up damaging my hot water heater. Definitely check those valves!