How is the pressure of a plumbing system commonly measured?

The pressure of a plumbing system is commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi). This unit expresses the force exerted by the water within the pipes against the interior walls of the plumbing system. Understanding psi is crucial for plumbing professionals, as it helps determine if the system is functioning properly and if water is being delivered effectively throughout the building.

For instance, a standard residential water pressure typically ranges from 40 to 60 psi, which is ideal for normal use. If the pressure is too low, it could lead to inadequate water flow, while excessively high pressure could cause leaks or damage to the system.

Other measurement units mentioned, like gallons per minute (gpm) and liters per second (lps), relate to water flow rate rather than pressure. Feet of head is a measure of the height of water that can be supported by pressure, but it is still not the primary unit used for measuring pressure in plumbing systems. Thus, psi remains the standard and most relevant measurement used by plumbers to assess the water pressure in a plumbing system.