High water pressure, which is generally considered
anything above 80 lbs., has some advantage, such
as in firefighting systems. However, in the home
plumbing system, it can be damaging because
water, with a strong "push" behind it, can erode or
wear away many materials and cause water heaters
to leak, banging water pipes, dripping faucets,
excessive dishwasher and clothes washer noise
and breakdown, and leaking water pipes.
Therefore, water flowing at a rate in excess of that
necessary to satisfy normal fixture or appliance
demands becomes damaging, wasteful and
reduces the life expectancy of equipment in the
system.
But, most important to the average homeowner
is that high water pressure can add to the cost of