I get that those hardware store gauges are handy, but honestly, if you're noticing weird pipe noises or pressure fluctuations, a plumber's gauge can be more accurate. Had one property where the screw-on gauge read normal, plumber's test showed spikes around 95 psi...saved me some headaches later.
Fair point about plumber's gauges being more accurate, but honestly, I've used those hardware store screw-ons plenty of times without issues. Couple things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you're testing at different times—pressure can fluctuate a lot depending on neighborhood usage.
- Also, sometimes it's not the gauge itself but how well it's threaded onto the spigot. Had one that gave me weird readings until I tightened it properly.
Not saying plumber's gauges aren't better, just that the cheaper ones can still do the job if you're careful.
"pressure can fluctuate a lot depending on neighborhood usage."
Yeah, totally agree with this. I've noticed my pressure readings swing quite a bit around dinner time when everyone's home cooking or showering. Cheaper gauges have worked fine for me too—just gotta double-check your connections and timing.
I've noticed similar fluctuations at my place too, especially around peak hours. Being new to homeownership, I initially worried it was a plumbing issue on my end. After some research, I realized neighborhood usage plays a bigger role than I thought. Good to know cheaper gauges can still be reliable—I might give one a try. Guess it's all part of the learning curve when owning a home...
Have you checked if your water pressure regulator is still in good shape? Neighborhood usage definitely matters, but I've seen regulators quietly fail or drift over time, causing weird fluctuations that mimic peak-hour issues. Had a tenant once who swore it was the neighbors hogging water until we swapped out the regulator—problem solved. Might be worth a quick look before spending on gauges, even cheap ones...
