Why Has My Water Pressure Has Increased?
Can High Water Pressure Suddenly Start Happening?
Yes, high water pressure can indeed start suddenly in your home plumbing system. This can occur due to several reasons, and understanding these can help you respond effectively to prevent potential damage.

Here are some common causes of sudden increases in water pressure:
Municipal Water Supply Changes
Sometimes, the change in water pressure originates from the municipal supply itself. Water utilities may adjust pressures to accommodate for changes in demand, such as during extreme weather conditions or due to infrastructure repairs and upgrades. These adjustments can sometimes lead to higher pressures suddenly being delivered to your home.
Valve and Regulator Failures
A sudden increase in water pressure could be due to a malfunction or failure of a pressure regulator or valve within your home’s plumbing system. Pressure regulators are designed to maintain a constant pressure level, and if they fail, the unrestricted city water pressure can flow directly into your home’s plumbing, often resulting in much higher pressure than the system is designed to handle.
Thermal Expansion in Water Heaters
When water is heated in your water heater, it expands. If there isn’t a proper thermal expansion tank or if a check valve (also known as a backflow preventer) has been installed without accommodating for expansion, the increased volume can cause pressure to build up in the plumbing. This situation can lead to significantly higher pressures, especially right after extensive water heating cycles.
Changes in Home Plumbing
Adding new appliances, modifying plumbing routes, or repairs can also change the dynamics of your home’s water pressure. For instance, if new fixtures are added without properly adjusting the overall plumbing system, it might result in altered flow and pressure conditions.
Seasonal Demand Variations
Water demand varies seasonally, and during periods of high demand, such as summer when many people are watering gardens or filling pools, the municipal system’s pressure might be adjusted. These adjustments can inadvertently lead to increased pressure in your home plumbing.
Why High Water Pressure Isn’t Always a Good Thing
It’s a common misconception that more water pressure equals a better experience, especially when it comes to activities like showering. While it’s true that adequate water pressure is important for comfort and efficiency, excessively high water pressure can lead to several significant problems that outweigh the perceived benefits.
Here’s why managing water pressure within a safe range is crucial:
1. Damage to Plumbing Systems
High water pressure is a leading cause of wear and tear on home plumbing systems. It places extra stress on pipes, joints, and fixtures, which can accelerate the degradation of these components. Over time, this stress can cause leaks, burst pipes and flexi hoses, and other costly damages that require extensive repairs.
2. Increased Risk of Appliance Failure
Many household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, are designed to operate within specific pressure ranges. When water pressure exceeds these limits, it can strain appliance components like hoses and seals. This not only reduces the lifespan of these appliances but also increases the risk of malfunctions and leaks, leading to potential water damage and costly repairs.
3. Water Waste
Excessively high water pressure can lead to increased water flow—water comes out faster and in greater quantities than necessary. This not only results in higher water bills but also contributes to the wastage of a valuable resource. Especially in areas facing water scarcity, conserving water is crucial, and maintaining proper water pressure is a key part of conservation efforts.
4. Noise and Discomfort
High water pressure can cause problems such as water hammer—a loud banging noise in the pipes that occurs when water flow is suddenly turned off or changed. This noise can be disturbing and is a sign of stress in your plumbing that could lead to damage. Additionally, overly strong water pressure can make showering uncomfortable instead of refreshing, as the forceful flow can be harsh on the skin.
5. Legal and Warranty Issues
In some regions, there are regulations governing the maximum allowable water pressure for residential areas to ensure safety and efficiency. Ignoring these regulations can lead to legal troubles and might void warranties on plumbing fixtures and appliances, leaving homeowners with no coverage for pressure-related damage.
What to Do If You Notice Sudden High Water Pressure
If you experience a sudden increase in water pressure:
- Check Pressure Regularly: Install a pressure gauge to monitor your home’s water pressure regularly.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for signs of leaky pipes, noisy plumbing, or damaged appliances.
- Consult a Professional: Have a licensed plumber inspect your system to identify the cause of the pressure increase and recommend solutions, such as installing or replacing a pressure regulator.
- Install Preventative Measures: Consider installing a thermal expansion tank if you have a closed system, and ensure that your plumbing system is up to date with local codes and capable of handling fluctuations in pressure.
By taking proactive steps and staying aware of the potential causes of sudden high water pressure, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and appliances from unexpected damage and costly repairs.

Consequences of Ignoring High Water Pressure: When a Pipe Bursts
Ignoring high water pressure in your plumbing system can lead to several severe consequences, with one of the most dramatic being a burst pipe. Here’s what typically happens if you overlook high water pressure and it results in a pipe bursting:
1. Immediate Water Damage
A burst pipe can cause significant water damage in a very short amount of time. Water can flood into your home, damaging floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings. Depending on the location of the burst pipe, water may also seep into electrical systems, posing an additional hazard and potentially leading to costly repairs.
2. Mold and Mildew Growth
Following water damage, if the moisture is not promptly and properly addressed, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These fungi are not only damaging to your home’s structure but can also cause health issues, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory problems.
3. Structural Damage
Water from a burst pipe can weaken structural elements of a home, such as beams and foundations. Over time, this can lead to a compromise in the structural integrity of the building, posing serious safety risks and potentially leading to enormous repair bills.
4. Increased Repair Costs
Repairing a burst pipe itself can be expensive, but the true cost often lies in the aftermath. Fixing water damage, treating mold, and replacing ruined items can quickly add up. Additionally, if water damages are extensive, you may need to find temporary housing while repairs are completed, adding further to the costs.
5. Loss of Water and Service Disruption
When a pipe bursts, you’ll likely need to shut off the water to the entire home to prevent further damage. This disruption means no access to running water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing until the burst pipe is repaired, which can significantly disrupt daily life.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Water Pressure-Related Damage in Australia
Available data indicates that insurers may take steps to discourage frequent water damage claims, outright denials of claims due to high water pressure alone do not seem to be a widespread issue based on the information provided.
The focus is on proactive maintenance to prevent such claims in the first place.
- Coverage for Sudden Water Damage: In Australia, home and strata insurance policies typically cover water damage, including that caused by burst pipes, provided the damage is sudden and accidental.
- Insurance Measures on Frequent Claims: Insurance companies may implement punitive measures like higher premiums or excesses for properties with frequent water damage claims. This approach is taken because recurring claims often signal ongoing issues with the building’s plumbing or waterproofing systems that require attention.
- Coverage for Leak Investigation: Insurers generally cover the costs associated with investigating the source of a water leak, even if the initial cause isn’t immediately apparent. The goal is to pinpoint and rectify the underlying issue to prevent future damages.
- Proactive Maintenance Recommended: To reduce the likelihood of water damage claims, it is advised that building owners proactively maintain their plumbing and waterproofing systems. Regular inspections and timely repairs can significantly decrease the risk of such issues. Owners corporations are encouraged to address and resolve these problems rather than making repeated insurance claims.
The emphasis remains on proactive system maintenance to avoid such situations from arising.

Preventative Measures
To avoid the dire consequences of a burst pipe due to high water pressure, it’s wise to take preventative measures:
- Install a Pressure Regulator: This device can keep the water pressure within a safe range, protecting your plumbing and appliances.
- Regular Inspections: Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system regularly for signs of high pressure and wear.
- Monitor Water Pressure: You can install a water pressure gauge to monitor pressure changes and adjust as necessary.
By addressing high water pressure proactively, you can save yourself a great deal of trouble and expense, ensuring that your home remains safe, comfortable, and damage-free.
The Final Word
While it might seem beneficial to have high water pressure for activities like showering, the long-term implications on your plumbing system, appliances, and water consumption are significant. Contact Jet Plus Plumbing and we can quickly tell you what your water pressure is and steps to rectify it.