|
- over 500,000 plumbing related posts
- The popular plumbing tips and advice forum and blog. Ask any toilet, sink, faucet, pump, water quality and plumbing related questions.
|
|
Author:
jodiead (CO)
Hi. During our home inspection, the water pressure tested at 130 psi, yet when multiple faucets were running or a toilet was flushed, barely any water came out. The sellers had a plumber out who added a regulator valve, and the water now tests at 51 psi and seems to run fine out of the faucets, but we've not been able to test running the washing machine or dishwasher at the same time we run a shower.
Ideally we would like it to be around 70 psi, especially since we've read that you lose about 8 psi per floor (so if the street level read 51 psi the second floor could very well be 43 psi). It was suggested to us that we consider asking the sellers to add a booster but it seems contradictory to add a booster when you've just installed a regulator, and the booster is expensive about $1200 for parts and labor.
We would appreciate any and all advice.
Thank you!
|
 |
|
|
Author:
hj
The initial problem seems to indicate that there was already a pressure regulating valve, but that it was defective AND stuck, so the pressure would creep up to the city pressure, but could NOT deliver any volume. IF there is 130 psi at the main, and that would have to be the case given your original posting, it is adequate for ALL your purposes once the PRV is set properly. I set mine at 75psi when I install them. A booster would be an "assinne" proposal.
Edited 1 times.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
i dont see how its possible to be at 130
typical street pressure is around 55 in every city i work in around here...55 works great
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
hj
Depending on the area, our pressures can range from 60 psi to 150 psi. YOUR situation does NOT apply to every area of the country.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
packy
give us the make and model of the pressure regulator and someone will guide you as to how to increase the pressure
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
Those symptoms are classic for a failed regulator. Two things going wrong. A small leak in the diaphragm, or bad seat, allows house pressure to creep up to street pressure. At the same time, the regulating cartridge has failed, so when you try to draw a load, it does not open up, and pressure/flow drops. Need a new regulator. Easy job.\
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
Wheelchair
You mentioned a "New House." How long has that New House been sitting? When was this New House built? What kinds of warranties are available for a New House. I'd try everything before you sign the dotted line. Also turn on several faucets at the same time after replacing the regulator and test the water volume and pressure. If you are not completely satisfied, I'd pass on the New House until the water issues are to YOUR satisfaction.
Best Wishes
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
mr leak (CA)
130 AT THE STREET IS HIGH FOR ALOT OF AREAS. yOUR UTILITY COMPANY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL YOU THE STREET PRESSURE AND YOU CAN TEST AT THE FIRST HOSE BIB THAT IS UNREGULATED HOPEFULLY NEAR THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE WITH A 10.00 HARDWARE STORE PRESSURE GUAGE. tHEN CHECK A BACK YARD HOSE BIB TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON. pRESSURE REGULATORS ARE GENERALLY SET AT FACTORY ABOUT 50 PSI AND THE DIRECTIONS TELL HOW TO INCREASE IT BUT DO NOT GO OVER 80 PSI max. nEXT YOU NEED FUNCTIONAL FLOW BY RUNNING MULTILPE FIXTURES LIKE THE BATH TUB SHOWER VANITY AND THEN FLUSH THE TOILET. tHIS PROCESS IS THE JOB OF THE HOME INSPECTOR AND IF HE DID NOT DO THIS THEN HE SHOULD HAVE. pRESSURE REGULATORS ARE WELL UNDER 100.00
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
hj
"New house" may mean NEW to them, not a new construction.
|
|
|
|
|
Author:
Wheelchair
I presumed the house was brand spanking new. Water and plumbing is something you will have to use several times a day...if you chose to purchase that old building. Make the seller upgrade the plumbing or be prepared to "walk away." I know it won't be that easy but its YOUR water issues once you sign the dotted line.
Best Wishes!
|
|
|
|
