Kitchen Plumbing Upgrade & Water Pressure Diagnosis in Salt Lake City, UT
Otterwise Plumbing recently completed a kitchen plumbing service for a homeowner in Salt Lake City, UT, involving both immediate repairs and a deeper inspection of the home’s water pressure system. While the original request was to update key fixtures in the kitchen, our visit uncovered more serious issues affecting the entire home’s plumbing.
Project Summary: Kitchen Faucet and Drain Updates
Our technician began by replacing the kitchen faucet and angle stops, which had aged and were no longer performing reliably. We also updated the kitchen drain, converting it from an outdated large loop vent system—commonly found in older homes—to a more modern setup using an auto vent. This change improves drainage efficiency and minimizes the chance of sewer gas odors or slow draining sinks.
These types of updates are not just cosmetic or convenient—they help ensure that a home’s plumbing is functioning to modern code and best practices.
Critical Finding: High Water Pressure and Failing Regulator
During the kitchen work, our technician tested the home’s water pressure and found it to be over 120 PSI, well above the safe and recommended range of 50-80 PSI. The existing pressure regulator had failed, allowing high pressure to impact every fixture and appliance in the home.
Further inspection revealed that the main shut-off valve is also compromised—it no longer fully stops water flow, complicating any emergency shut-off or future repairs.
This extreme pressure not only risks damaging fixtures, but it also accelerates wear on pipes, causes faucet and valve leaks, and can significantly shorten the life of water heaters and appliances. In this case, the homeowner is already experiencing leaking shower valves, which are likely linked to the unchecked pressure.
Why Addressing Water Pressure Matters
High water pressure may seem like a luxury, but it can quietly wreak havoc on your plumbing system. In homes across Salt Lake City, especially older ones without modern regulators, unmonitored pressure can lead to:
- Burst pipes or hidden leaks
- Premature failure of faucets, valves, and appliances
- High water bills
- Risk of voided warranties on plumbing repairs
While Otterwise Plumbing was able to complete the kitchen updates, we provided the homeowner with options for replacing the pressure regulator and main shut-off valve to avoid these issues in the future.
Plumbing Help in Salt Lake City, UT
If you’re experiencing signs of high water pressure or you’re planning a plumbing upgrade, it’s essential to have your system evaluated by professionals. Otterwise Plumbing serves Salt Lake City, UT with transparent service and practical solutions that keep your plumbing safe, up to code, and built to last.
Contact us today to schedule a pressure test or system evaluation. A small repair today can prevent a major problem tomorrow.
