Which type of water pressure gauge should you choose?

13th August 2021

Which type of water pressure gauge should you choose?


	Shop for Water Pressure Gauges


		There are many different makes and models of water pressure gauge on the market. Below is a guide to help you decide.

		If you are only going to use your gauge on the odd occasion for domestic purposes, then you’re probably better off buying a cheaper model as they are simple to use, fairly accurate and can be bought at a reasonable price.

		Should I choose one with a plastic or glass lens?
		Many water pressure gauges use hard plastic for the lens (such as polycarbonates) as it is generally cheaper to manufacture than glass, though a plastic lens is not an indication of low quality.Glass lenses have a much higher resistance to scratching but may shatter if dropped. Plastic lenses are often shatter-proof.

		Should I choose bottom-mounted or back-mounted?
		This all depends on where you need to attach your water pressure gauge to. If there is limited space, or the fitting you need to attach it to is in an awkward position, then choose the mounting that will provide you with the easiest access and a clear visual of the dial.

		Do I need one with a hose?
		Although a water pressure gauge does not need a hose to function, it is worth getting one with a hose as this will avoid any awkward accessibility issues as they usually have enough flexibility to work with even the most hard-to-reach fittings.

		What range of scale should I have?
		For domestic purposes, a water pressure gauge with a scale of 0-10 bar (0-150 PSI) is standard.Domestic water pressure rarely exceeds 6 bar, so this will give you more than enough leeway on a scale that is fairly accurate and easy to read.

		Do I need a scale with bar and PSI?
		Although we chiefly use bar measurements in the UK, having a water pressure gauge that has a scale in bar and PSI is useful because some appliance manufacturers may state guidelines for use in bar and PSI.

		Do I need a gauge with a lazy-hand needle?
		Water pressure gauges with lazy-hand needles are useful for obtaining peak pressure measurements of a system over an extended time period.The red lazy-hand needle stops and remains at the highest pressure measurement the gauge has recorded. This function allows you to record the peak measurement of your system without having to wait by the gauge all day.

		Should I choose a digital dial?
		Digital dials may be a little more expensive but they are easy to read and very accurate.

		Do I need a liquid-filled dial?
		Because of their high viscosity, liquid filled gauges reduce needle vibrations which promotes accuracy. They also reduce the chance of external moisture seeping into the gauge and distorting it. Liquid filled gauges are typically used for industrial applications.