How to Test Your Home Water Pressure

Test water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to an outdoor spigot and reading the measurement when water flows freely.

1. Start at the Source. Find an outdoor spigot or hose bib closest to where your water main enters the house. This gives you the most accurate reading of your home's water pressure before it's affected by internal plumbing. Make sure the spigot has standard threading that will accept a pressure gauge.
2. Silence the System. Walk through your home and turn off all faucets, shut down dishwashers, washing machines, and any other water-using appliances. Tell family members not to use water during the test. Even a small leak or dripping faucet can affect your pressure reading.
3. Mount Your Gauge. Screw the water pressure gauge directly onto the outdoor spigot threads. Hand-tighten firmly, but don't over-tighten as this can damage the gauge threads. If the connection feels loose, wrap the spigot threads with plumber's tape before attaching the gauge.
4. Read Your Number. Slowly turn the spigot handle to full open position. Water will flow briefly, then the gauge will settle on a reading. Wait about 10 seconds for the needle to stabilize, then record the PSI measurement. Normal home water pressure should read between 40-60 PSI.
5. Track Pressure Swings. Take readings at various times throughout the day, especially during peak usage hours like morning and evening. Water pressure can fluctuate based on neighborhood demand. Record each reading to identify patterns or consistently low pressure.
6. Map the Whole House. If possible, test at different spigots around your property to identify whether pressure issues are localized to specific areas. Significantly different readings between locations may indicate problems with your internal plumbing rather than the main supply.