If you are looking for the best water pressure gauge that will last, your best bet is to build one on your own. However, it isn’t that easy. First, you need to find a good quality gauge and then adapt it the way you want.
The problem is finding a quality gauge that won’t freeze in the winter or wear out after a few months of usage. It isn’t worth a dime if it doesn’t give accurate pressure readings.
In case you still have some questions about buying a water pressure gauge, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Why Do You Need to Use A Water Pressure Gauge?
In water treatment, air or water pressure is very important. For example, look at how a pressurized water lines or tank works. Apart from the household tests, it is being used for a variety of things.
You need to check your house water pressure periodically. Too much might damage your pipes, too low means there is something wrong with the pressure system. Whatever the case may be, it is certainly a tool that you must add to your wish list.
Do I need a hose for a water pressure gauge?
While a water pressure gauge does not require a hose in order to work, it is worth having a hose as connecting one to the gauge will sidestep any trivial accessibility issues, as hoses typically have enough flexibility to work with even the most stubborn of fittings.
What is the maximum PSI that I need?
We really cannot answer this question for you, as everybody’s situation is different. However, for home use, many gauges have a threshold of 0 to 150 PSI as the standard.
Most home water pressures hardly ever go past 100 PSI, so this should give you more than enough head room to get a gauge that is not just accurate but easy to read. Yes, sometimes, it isn’t always the best idea to get the gauge with the highest PSI limit, as it can be harder to pinpoint the exact PSI.
Is a plastic lens or glass lens better for water pressure gauges?
Polycarbonate plastic lenses tend to be more affordable, which is why they are on most gauges today. A plastic lens, however, does not make the product low in quality.
Plastic lenses tend to be shatterproof, but can be prone to scratches. Glass lenses can be resistant to scratches, but can break if dropped. Choose the type that you think will work better for you.
Choosing the Right Water Pressure Test Gauge
Let’s get the most obvious thing out of the way first. If you aren’t a plumber and only need a gauge for domestic purposes on odd occasions, you are better off buying a cheap gauge.
Some of the inexpensive models are fairly accurate, simple to use, and if by any chance they break down, you can easily replace it. Now let’s look at other key components of a water pump pressure gauge.
Mount Option
Choose a proper mount option before you decide on anything else. You need to decide how you are going to mount your gauge.
If you think there is limited space or it will be in an awkward position, choose the right mount option that you can get you easy access and a clear visual of the dial.
Scale Range
If you are in the UK, choose a pressure gauge scale of 0 – 10 bars, which is 0 – 150 PSI. This is for domestic purposes only. Professional pressure gauge users need more than that. However, if you feel like there is high water pressure in your area, go for 200.
Normally, the water pressure in domestic areas rarely exceeds 6 bars. However, if you want more leeway, and a better PSI reading, choose a larger diameter gauge with a better scale.
Bar or PSI?
If you are a professional plumber and move from places to places, it’s better to have a gauge that can show both readings. Usually, in the US, you will only need PSI readings. But just to be safe, buying a dual reading gauge will save you money in the long run.
Premium or Economy?
High-end water pressure gauges are available in a variety of pressure ratings and configurations. Some manufacturers will give you a stainless-steel case with a similar thread material, while others will feature only brass.
If you want to spend more, you can go with high precision liquid-filled gauges. For domestic use, that’s just overkill. You are better off with economic models.
Tips for Accurate Gauge Readings
If you want accurate pressure readings, here is a quick tip for you.
Go with a gauge size that is twice the expected pressure in your area. For example, if the max water pressure is 80 PSI, get a 160 PSI gauge. If you want more accuracy, get a bigger one like 200 PSI gauge.
It’s better to buy a large diameter water pressure test gauge for better quality movement inside. Also, having more divisions with larger dial face will allow you to read to 1 PSI or less directly.
Don’t just slam the valve wide open and throw full line pressure at the gauge. Either be kind to your tool, or you will over-range it. If it is only 100 or 200 pressure test gauge, you can literally trash it on day one.
If you see the needle being pegged hard, that means the calibrator is gone for good. If you want to avoid that from happening, slowly open the valve.
Watch the pressure build and also make sure to get a snubber for the gauge if you are using it on a line with pulsating pressure. That way, even if you buy the cheapest one or oil filled ones, or even glycol filled one, you can make them last longer.
Different Types of Water Pressure Gauge
Before you buy one, always read the manufacturer’s specifications. Some pressure gauges are only meant for testing the water pressure, while others are used to measure the pressure of gas and oil.
Types of Dial:
Bar only dials
This type of scale reads only in bars, and you will see a lot of them in the UK because they only use this method for water pressure reading.
PSI only dials
In the USA, all of us use PSI readings for water pressure. This gauge has a dial that only reads in PSI.
Bar & PSI
Pretty self-explanatory. It has the best of both worlds and also a very useful tool. It saves you the trouble of having to convert the measurements. Because in some states, appliance manufacturers will state some recommended guidelines for use in bar or PSI.
Digital dials
This type of tool uses a digital display for easy reading.
Lazy hand needle dials
This type of gauge is extremely useful when you need to check the water pressure overnight. You can attach them for a long period, and lazy hand will move with the needle but will stay at the highest point.
This means you will be able to tell the highest point at which the pressure peaked. This is a must-have tool for homeowners that are worried their water pressure is spiking in the night.
Simply attach one of these and wait for the reading. You don’t have to stand around all day.
Duplex dials
It has two scales instead of one. This type of gauge is great for measuring dual readings. There is one scale for temperature and a separate one for pressure.
Liquid filled dials
If you want a longer-lasting gauge, fluid-filled dials are a great option. As you know, the two main causes of a gauge malfunction are water condensation and pipe vibration.
In the winter, your gauge can freeze and damage the internal mechanisms. Having a pressure test gauge filled with viscous substances will leave no room for ambient air and humid to enter. It will prevent condensation and reduce needle vibration.
How to Check Water Pressure at Home?
To test your water lines pressure at your house, you will need a home water pressure gauge. The tool will have a place on top where it screws on to the first faucet because that is where you will get the most pressure.
1. Make sure there is a washer on the back of your pressure gauge.
2. Tighten it well.
3. During this test, make sure no one is using any faucets in your house.
4. Turn your faucet slowly all the way.
5. You will see the pressure readings range on the test gauge.
Depending on where you live, you will see what PSI you are getting on the gauge. If you have a high-water pressure say, for example, 160 PSI, you need to add a pressure reducing valve. It’s also called a pressure regulator.
FAQ About Presser Gauge
Do I need a water pressure regulator for my RV?
The quick answer is yes. When you connect your RV to a city water source, the pressure of the water can be higher than what it is rated for. If this happens, having a good regulator in place will prevent damage to both the plumbing and appliances. To help save money on energy costs, investing in an efficient water pressure regulator can also improve your hot water heater's performance.
A water pressure regulator for your RV may be required in some states. Federal law requires a 50-pound minimum working pressure in most states, including California and Florida. In Colorado, the minimum is 45 pounds of water pressure. Some state's codes allow municipalities or counties to impose stricter requirements so always check your local codes.
Can I use an air pressure gauge for water?
NO. The air pressure gauge is designed for air, not water. It will be damaged by water and its accuracy compromised, while the unit's maximum operating pressure of 5 bar (gauge face) is far too low for a water system.
Final Verdict
We find the large face to be a huge help with checking the water pressure. With its 2.5 inch diameter, you can see what the water pressure it without crouching down or moving the gauge closer to you.
Speaking of moving, you typically do not want to touch a water pressure gauge when it is trying to read water pressure, in case you might move the needle by error. The glycerin inside of this gauge will prevent most vibrating or rumbling, so that the needle is as accurate as possible.
You will need to buy an adaptor separately, and buying glycerin could be too demanding, but this is a quality gauge that doesn’t seem like it has any signs of slowing down after just a handful of months. These reasons are why this water pressure gauge from Gauge is our number one choice.
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