That’s a good point about the water hammer—when I moved in, I thought the banging was just “old house noises” until I did some digging. Ended up putting in arrestors myself and it made a huge difference. I’d also add, for anyone nervous about pressure regulators, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Just take it step by step: check your main line, see if there’s a regulator, and if not, maybe call in a pro if you’re unsure. It’s worth the peace of mind.
“when I moved in, I thought the banging was just ‘old house noises’ until I did some digging.”
Funny how often folks chalk it up to “just old pipes” and ignore it. Had a job once where the owner lived with water hammer for years—just turned up the TV. Arrestors fixed it in half an hour. Pressure regulators are similar: not rocket science, but if you’re not sure, calling a pro is smart. I’ve seen people crank them way too high thinking more pressure is better, then wonder why fittings start leaking a month later...
Pressure’s one of those things people just don’t think about until something bursts or starts leaking. When I bought my place, I figured the pipes were fine—then I noticed a slow drip under the kitchen sink. Ended up tracing it back to a regulator someone had cranked way up. Here’s what I do now: check the main shutoff, look for any obvious corrosion, and always test the pressure with a gauge before messing with anything. If it’s over 80 psi, I dial it back. Not glamorous, but it saves a lot of headaches down the line.
You nailed it—most folks don't think twice about pressure until they're mopping up a mess. Honestly, I've seen more damage from high pressure than frozen pipes some winters. That 80 psi mark is spot on; anything above that and you’re just asking for leaks or busted fittings. Funny how a little gauge can save you thousands... I wish more people would get in the habit of checking before things go sideways. And yeah, corrosion sneaks up on you—sometimes it’s just a green spot, next thing you know, you’ve got a mini waterfall under your sink.
You nailed it—most folks don't think twice about pressure until they're mopping up a mess. Honestly, I've seen more damage from high pressure than frozen pipes some winters.
I get where you’re coming from about high pressure, but I’ve actually seen more issues crop up from folks ignoring slow leaks than from pressure spikes. That “mini waterfall under your sink” you mentioned? Sometimes it’s not pressure at all—it’s a tiny drip that’s been ignored for months, quietly rotting out the cabinet. I always tell people: check for moisture and stains as much as you check the gauge. Pressure’s important, but it’s not the only culprit.
