« Shower pushed to the limit | Main | Spell Check for Ed »
November 19, 2007
What's Up with the Water?
Q: Hi, Ed. I know you have lots of great info, and I need some of it. I just moved into a new home (not really new), and for some strange reason I have low water pressure inside my house. Strange because the water department has told me the pressure in the street main is at 85 pounds per square inch. What's up with this? Mike (Illinois)
A: Hi, Mike. Your letter contains a big clue: 85 psi water pressure is considered too high for residential use by most local codes. Most areas have a limit of 80 psi, and anything over that usually requires a pressure reducer valve installed at the water line just after the water meter. I suspect the previous owner had a PRV installed, and it may be set too low or not working correctly.
I would call the water department to see if they can check the water meter and the PRV for you and set a higher water pressure. The water department may not provide this service; in that case, a licensed plumber can help you out. Since this is a code issue, don't try to set the pressure yourself unless you are familiar with resetting PRV controls. You could end up damaging the control and causing a big leak. Don't put that kind of pressure on yourself!
Posted by Ed Del Grande at November 19, 2007 12:53 AM
Comments
Ed: I have had the same problem in my home, it turned out to be a pluged/ corroded pipe between the city water line and the water meter. This causes the pressure to drop, but the flow is reduced when two or more faucets are open.
Posted by: Joe Foard at November 28, 2007 1:16 PM
I am remodeling the basement and including a full bathroom. The bathroom and shower are only 6-8 feet from the water heater, what size copper pipe should I use to keep the highest water pressure ? I would like to have a rainhead shower and a wall showerhead included in the bathroom. I have had my water pressure tested ( all was well ) but it seems to be low when using the putside faucets.
Thank you.
Dan Casmaer
Posted by: Dan Casmaer at November 28, 2007 11:57 PM
I moved into a 10 year old house and the water pressure slowly dropped after the first year. The water dept. told me that street pressure was good. After a long time tracing the water lines, I discovered another main valve inside the main bathroom wall, hidden by an access door. We had hard water and the lime had slowly acculimated on the valve. I first shut the valve, crushing the lime deposits, then opened it. I now have good pressure throughout the house.
Posted by: Ken at November 29, 2007 11:59 AM
