Pressure gauge on my Calgary main reads 90 psi, too high?

A reading that high is worth having a plumber look at. We do not publish a pressure figure of our own: the plumber will confirm the reading with their own gauge and tell you what the plumbing code in force in Alberta, the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, expects for your system.

Why High Pressure Is a Problem Here

High supply pressure puts extra stress on fixtures, supply hoses and appliance connections. Signs people notice include banging pipes, dripping taps and harsh-feeling faucets and showers.

The fix is a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed on the main supply line where it enters the house, or an adjustment to the existing one if you already have one. A plumber sets the valve for your house and can tell you whether the job needs a plumbing permit from the City of Calgary; altering or adding to the piping does. A homeowner who owns and lives in the home may take out a City of Calgary homeowner plumbing permit and do the work themselves; the 2026 fee is $116.50. If you hire a plumber, they take out a contractor's trade permit and the fee is calculated on construction value with a $116.50 minimum.

A plumber should also check whether an expansion tank is needed. Once a PRV is installed, the system becomes a closed loop, and thermal expansion from the water heater can spike pressure on the house side. Whether an expansion tank is required depends on the system; a plumber will assess it.

The price depends on where the main enters, how accessible the pipe is and whether any fittings need updating; plumbing labour runs about $85 to $150 an hour plus a call-out fee. Get a written quote that itemises the PRV model, the permit, and whether an expansion tank is included or priced separately.

Before calling anyone, confirm the reading is accurate: consumer pressure gauges can drift, so if you have a second gauge or can borrow one, cross-check the reading at an outdoor hose bib or a laundry connection. Also locate your main shut-off inside the house so you know where it is if you ever need it in a hurry. That is the one valve that is yours to operate at any time, no tools required.