We hear it all the time during inspections:
“Is the water pressure good?”

But here’s the truth — most homeowners don’t actually care about the technical pressure reading. What you really care about is:
➡️ Does my shower feel strong?
➡️ Can someone do dishes while I’m showering — without the water turning into a trickle?

That, friends, is called functional flow, and it’s one of the most overlooked parts of a home inspection.

Water Pressure vs. Functional Flow: What’s the Difference?

PSI Isn’t the Whole Story

We measure water pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch), and ideally, your home sits at or below 80 PSI. Anything over that could:

• Damage plumbing fixtures
• Shorten the life of your water heater
• Require a pressure-reducing valve (PRV)

But here’s the catch — even a home with “perfect” PSI can still have terrible flow.

We’ve seen homes with:

• 110+ PSI and awful shower performance
• Low pressure and amazing water flow throughout

Why? Because flow is affected by:

• Kinked or undersized water lines
• Too many fixtures branching from one pipe
• Old or clogged water softeners
• Improperly installed or bent water heater flex lines

Our Real Focus: Functional Flow

At Checklist AZ, we go beyond the pressure gauge. We check how water actually moves through your home.

Here’s how:

• Turn on multiple faucets
• Flush toilets while faucets are running
• Check if flow drops dramatically
• Inspect for flow restrictions caused by softeners or heater connections

If the sink slows to a dribble while you flush — that’s a problem.

In Metro Phoenix, High Pressure Is More Common Than Low

Arizona municipalities often pump water at higher-than-average pressures. So in this area, you’re more likely to have:

• Too much pressure, which risks pipe damage
• Perceived low flow, caused by restrictions — not pressure

Top Flow Killers We Find in Arizona Homes

• Old water softeners that haven’t been maintained
• Improperly installed water heater flex lines
• Copper or PEX lines with too many branches
• Homes with outdated or DIY plumbing modifications

Functional flow problems often reveal themselves when:

• Multiple people use water at once
• Hot water lines are restricted, not cold

That’s why you might think your hot water “pressure” is low — when really, it’s a kinked line or a faulty softener.

What We Do During Your Home Inspection

At Checklist AZ, we:

• Check PSI at the hose bib or pressure port
• Evaluate flow during normal use simulations
• Look for signs of PRV issues or outdated plumbing
• Educate you on the true behavior of the home’s water system

👉 Ready to feel confident about your new home’s water performance?

Call Checklist AZ at 480-361-8120 to schedule a detailed inspection across Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, and beyond.
We don’t just check boxes — we make sure your home functions like it should.