How to Test Household Water Pressure. Water pressure that is too high can shorten the service life of appliances and valves. The water delivered to your home should flow at a pressure between 35 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Your local water utility uses regulators to deliver your water to you at between 50 and 70 psi, but a problem in your plumbing system could cause this pressure to change once it reaches your home. Regulator valves help prevent high water pressure, but these can fail, and this puts a strain on your plumbing and appliances.