Can High Water Pressure Cause Plumbing Leaks?

Sarah asks,

I live in a condo, in Lincoln, CA that is 13 years old. I had a plumber out because the tub spout was dripping. He was able to stop the dripping, by applying pressure but told me that I had high water pressure of 95 lbs and suggested installing a gadget on the water source, outside the building to reduce it. In all my life I have never been told that I had high water pressure. It is going to cost me $525. Is this a correct diagnosis?

Our Answer

Your plumber is right on with that diagnosis. Normal pressure is around 50 to 75 lbs. When the pressure is too high, plumbing problems like pipe noise, dripping faucets, running toilets, pinhole pipe leaks, high-water bills and even prematurely failing water heaters can be related.

The solution is to install a pressure reducing valve. However, before you hire the plumber for this project, I suggest you call your water company to report the problem. They may offer to install the valve for you, or have another way to deliver a normal pressure.