Blog Layout

Under Pressure

Admin • May 16, 2018
Shower Head — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Can you have too much water pressure?


You might think that high water pressure would make for a nice shower, more water power to wash out dirty pans and make it easier to wash your car. Isn’t more always better? Not so with water pressure.


Some national and regional plumbing codes and most plumbing product manufacturers say that water pressure should not be more than 80 pounds per square inch (psi). Often, in some areas of Billings, including the Heights, water supply pressures can be more than 120 psi.

What is bad about too much water pressure?


  • Water heater tank explosions
  • Shorter water heater life
  • Banging or noisy water pipes when turning water on or off
  • Leaking faucets
  • Running toilets
  • Pinhole leaks in water lines cause damage
  • Increased sewer bill costs because sewer charges are based on water usage through metering
  • Increased hot water heating costs – if water pressure is high, the increased volume and rate of cold water flowing through a water heater increases the cost of operation
  • Water is wasted when running at a higher pressure than needed (twice as much water flows through a plumbing system at 150 psi as flows at 50 psi)

How do you solve the problem of too-high water pressure?


Install a water pressure-reducing valve, also called a regulator. They are easy to install. Usually they are installed above your water meter and before your sprinkler line, if you have one. (Your water meter will be in your mechanical room.)


Can I test my own water pressure?


If you want to measure your own water pressure, purchase a water pressure test gauge at your local hardware store. Screw it on to a hose bib (outside faucet, where the hose is attached) and turn it on. Whatever the gauge says will be your water pressure.


If you have a concern about your water pressure or want to have a pressure-reducing valve installed, call Rimrock Plumbing at (406) 855-7131.


Bill Manske, Owner and Master Plumber

Water Heater Gauges — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Our Customer Service Goal: The Teapot Story

24 Aug, 2023
As a Plumber's Wife, I used to be the service coordinator in our family business. One day, I came out in a cold sweat when a caller gave me her name. Terry Orr, the local newspaper editor, got on the phone. Terry was a beloved community member, known for her keen wit and unwavering opinions, which she expressed in her famous editorial pieces. Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Never pick a fight with one who buys ink by the barrel." I knew immediately we would need to wow Terry with 5-star service or live with the fallout for years to come. I hired David and educated him on the significance of creating an excellent first impression. I printed new checklists and brought out our training materials. As he hopped into his pickup, David rolled his eyes.
Kitchen — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Why should you buy your appliances and fixtures BEFORE you remodel your kitchen or bathroom?

By Admin • 19 Aug, 2018
Always choose your appliances and fixtures before you start a remodel. This is especially important when you are tackling your own remodeling project. If you have a general contractor, they already know this information and will make sure you’ve chosen all of your appliances and fixtures for your new space before they bring in the sub-contractors. In Billings, we are lucky to have several nice plumbing showrooms with samples, books and stock of fixtures and appliances for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms and any other plumbing needs. These plumbing showrooms are at Mountain Supply, Ferguson, The Water Closet (Northwest Pipe) and a few others. They may have to special order your choices and that could take nearly 6 weeks. Or they may have your needs in stock, and they can hold on to them for you after your purchase if you don’t have room for them at home during the first phase of the remodel. It is especially important for plumbers, electricians and cabinet makers to know the specifications for the products so they know what is going in before you start to remodel.
Dogs on the Lawn — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Plumbing Services for General Contractors

By Admin • 28 Jun, 2018
“People just naturally assume that dogs would be incapable of working together on some sort of construction project. But, what about just a big field full of holes?”
Man Wearing a Blue Shirt — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Dad, why are you a plumber?

By Admin • 14 Jun, 2018
What’s your favorite thing about being a plumber?
Water Heater Tank — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

3 Signs You Need a New Water Heater

By Admin • 23 Apr, 2018
Blog #3 April 23, 2018
Flowing Water — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Is the Water Off?

By Admin • 11 Apr, 2018
Mechanical room in my house. The water meter and water valve is to the right of the furnace. Every mechanical room looks different, but the water meter is in the mechanical room at least 90% of the time. If not, we would have to look around the house to find it
Faucet on the Wall — Billings, MT — Rimrock Plumbing

Spring tips from your local plumber

By Admin • 04 Apr, 2018
The Leak Blog Rimrock Plumbing April 2018 One of these days we’ll wake up to spring weather without a yard of snowy, frozen tundra. The sun will come out and you’ll want to water your lawn and flower pots.
Share by: