Banging Pipes in Kirkland Highlands? Your Water Pressure Just Got a Lot Higher

The City of Kirkland’s new booster pump station went live June 23, 2026 — and upper Highlands homes are now seeing pressure well above 80 PSI. That’s why your pipes are banging, your faucets are dripping, and your fixtures sound different. A properly installed PRV protects your home before the damage starts.

Recognizing the Signs of High Water Pressure in Your Home

Since the Kirkland Highlands booster station came online, homeowners in the pink zone have been reporting:

– Loud banging or hammering noise when a toilet flushes or a valve closes (water hammer)
– Faucets that drip or leak after years of no problems
– Showerhead spray that feels noticeably stronger or harder to control
– Washing machine or dishwasher fill cycles that sound louder than normal
– Running water that seems to hit the sink harder

These aren’t coincidences. They’re the early warning signs of pressure above 80 PSI — the threshold where Washington State code requires a PRV. Left unaddressed, sustained high pressure shortens the life of every fixture, valve, and appliance in your home.

Our Service Covers the Following:

  • Measure existing pressure
  • Install new PRV and shut off valve
  • Check if there is an expansion tank on hot water tank
  • Adjust pressure on expansion tank

We've Been Serving the Highlands Since 2005

5 Corners Plumbing is based in Kirkland. We know the Highland neighborhood’s water system history — the pressure reduction that started in 2024, the City’s rebate programs, and now the booster station that reversed all of it. When we install your PRV, we set it to the right target pressure for your home’s elevation and plumbing layout, not just a generic 60 PSI out of the box.

Licensed, bonded, and insured. Upfront pricing before any work begins. No hidden fees.

FAQs About PRV install

Q. Why do my pipes make a banging noise when I flush the toilet?

A. That’s called water hammer — it happens when water flow stops suddenly (like when a toilet valve shuts off) and causes a shockwave through the pipes.

Most common causes:

  • Toilet fill valve closes too fast
  • Loose pipes in the wall vibrating
  • High water pressure (above 80 psi)

A: The City of Kirkland previously offered rebate assistance programs related to the lowered pressure changes. We recommend checking directly with Kirkland Public Works for if there is any new program availability, as these programs change. We can help you document the work completed for any rebate application.

A. If you have pressure to your house higher than 80PSI, you must install PRV to reduce the pressure. 

A. Yes, we check the condition of the water main shut-off valve as well. If they are older gate style value, we recommend replacing it with a quarter-turn ball valve for longevity

 

A. It depends on access to your PRV and shut off valve. Generally 2-3 hours

A. Yes. 5 Corners Plumbing serves homeowners throughout King and Snohomish counties, including Kirkland, Marysville, and nearby cities. Wherever you’re located, 

A. To check your home’s water pressure, buy a pressure gauge at any hardware store. It screws directly onto your outdoor hose bib (the spigot on the outside of your house).

Water pressure changes throughout the day, so take readings at different times — morning, afternoon, and evening — to get an accurate range.