Tell people that you’re living with to refrain from using water while you test the pressure.

In warmer climates, the main water supply is sometimes located on the exterior of the house. Look for a pipe that goes from the ground to a spigot and then into the house. It may also be in a covered box near the street. If you have a home with a basement or crawlspace, the main water supply can usually be found inside on the front facing wall of the house.

Take readings from the closest water spigot, the furthest spigot, and from a washing machine connection. If there are major differences, it could indicate a leak or other plumbing problem. You can purchase a water pressure gauge at home improvement stores or online. Make sure it has a female garden hose connector. If you are testing the pressure for an irrigation system, attach the gauge to the spigot that feeds into the irrigation system.

The average house should have around 40 to 70 psi. If the pressure is much higher or lower than that, you know that you have a problem. You can do more than one reading to make sure that the water pressure is what it’s supposed to be.

Pressure is reduced as it travels through your pipes and the reading will be less accurate than if you tested the spigot that’s closest to your main water supply.

Water-fed appliances include the dishwasher and laundry machine.

Use a bathtub faucet or a spigot near the main water feed since other fixtures may have factory restrictions.

The main water supply can usually be found in your basement, crawlspace, or next to your water heater. Sometimes the main water supply will be connected to the outside of your house or located in a covered box near the sidewalk.

For instance, if it took 30 seconds to fill up the bucket you’d calculate 60/30 = 2 gallons per minute.

If your water pressure is too high, water may shoot out of the sides and crevices in your pipes or spigots and could cause premature failure in your faucets and appliances.

A water booster can also sometimes be installed into to increase water pressure.