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Author:
Thomas (MS)
Hello, what's the best way to get an accurate reading of the water pressure in my house?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Put a gauge on one of the hose faucets. It will be as accurate as your gauge is.
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Author:
Thomas (MS)
Thanks hj.
Thanks also North Carolina Plumber. I got your post before it was deleted.
I did as y'all mentioned and got a water pressure gauge from Lowe's.
I opened the outside faucet nearest to my house's main shutoff valve and let it spray out for a minute or two then turned it off and connected the water pressure gauge to it.
I turned the water back on and the pressure measured 76 pounds.
I've read that 50-60 pounds is ideal for a residence.
Question: should I take steps to try to reduce the pressure?
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
I've seen houses where the outside faucets were tee'd off the supply before the pressure regulator, so I'd get a second reading off the washing machine cold supply faucet just to make sure. 76 psi is a little on the high side, but not unheard of. Most pressure regulators are pre-set at 50, but larger houses with many fixtures may need more than that to get good pressure up to the third floor roman tub, etc. Are you experiencing any issues what make you suspect the pressure is too high?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Not necessarily. That is about where I set PRVs when I install them.
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Author:
Thomas (MS)
Thanks. Not experiencing any problems. Water comes out of the shower nice and strong. Just wanted to make sure my water pressure was within comfortable limits. I'll check it inside at the washing machine too as Fixitangel suggested.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
That is not necessary. Either where you tested it in before or after any possible reduciing valve, but it is immaterial, since that reading is within acceptable limits, it CANNOT be higher than that
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Author:
Thomas (MS)
Thanks hj. I don't think there's a pressure reducing valve installed on my water line. The water meter is in a box in the ground by the street and that's run to a valve with a red knob on it in my master bath closet. I've looked at pictures of pressure reducing valves on the internet and haven't seen anything in my house that looks like them.
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Author:
Thomas (MS)
**Thanks to all the fine plumbers at plbg for helping laymen like myself gain a better understanding of the complex world of plumbing**
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Plumber3 (FL)
Pressure will also reduce when neighborhood is in high consumption like early mornings and evenings or if there is a planned housing or commercial building expansion in your service area which will expand demand and reduce pressure. No pressure adjustment needed.
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Author:
Thomas (MS)
Hmm, interesting point. Thanks for pointing that out.
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