Home water pressure is measured in psi (pounds per square inch), and most households run best between about 40 and 60 psi. Pressure that’s too low makes showers weak and fixtures slow; pressure that’s too high is worse — it stresses pipes, joints, and appliances and can shorten their life.
Checking it
A simple gauge that screws onto an outdoor spigot or a laundry connection reads your static pressure in seconds. Many local codes flag pressure above 80 psi as too high and requiring a regulator.
Managing it
If pressure is too high (common on municipal supplies), a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed where water enters the house brings it down to a safe range. Low pressure can come from partially closed valves, clogged aerators, leaks, or undersized supply lines — start with the easy checks (clean the aerators, make sure the main shutoff is fully open) before assuming a bigger problem. Pressure and pipe size together determine the flow rate at your fixtures, which is why both come up when sizing supply lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal home water pressure? About 40–60 psi; over 80 psi is generally too high.
Is high water pressure bad? Yes — it stresses pipes and appliances; a PRV reduces it.
How do I check my pressure? With an inexpensive gauge on an outdoor spigot.