Plumbing Question 106
Question:
Our water heater burst yesterday (6 years and 3 months old with a 6 year warrantee). I am wondering if this is related to the initial high water pressure we have been experiencing in the last month or so. Some times there is so much pressure it is difficult to turn on the valve. Mostly noticed this in the kitchen sink with both hot and cold water. We live in a 1974 trailer and have had an exceptionally cold winter resulting in pipes freezing and thawing several times in Dec and Jan. Haven’t noticed the high pressure on the cold water since we turned off the hot water and disconnected the water heater. We are replacing the water heater tonight and want to make sure if there is a underlying problem we fix that as well.
Answer:
You need to purchase a water pressure testing gauge which runs around $8.00 to $10.00. Test your pressure where it comes into the house. You can use a hose bib or a washmachine bib to see if the pressure is around 65 to 75 lbs, which is ideal. If it is over a 100 lbs, you need to have a pressure regulator installed on the main incoming water line. Also test your new water heater by putting the test gauge on the heater draincock and turn on the spigot. The pressure should go to 65 or 75 and stay there. If it continues to rise all the way to the highest reading you need to have an expansion tank installed on the cold inlet side of the water heater, immediately.