WATER PRESSURE EXPLAINED II

Why is My Water Pressure Low?

There can be a number of causes for low pressure, but the most common problem is that there is no low pressure, only low flow. The symptoms may be the same, but the causes are different. Especially in older homes with galvanized iron pipe, the problem is rust on the inside of the pipe.

Over many years, the rust builds up and reduces the inside diameter of the pipe. What may have started out as an inside diameter of 3/4 inch may now be only 1/4 inch because of rust buildup. The pressure inside the pipe remains the same, but the volume of water is severely reduced. Unfortunately, the remedy for rust buildup in galvanized pipe is to replace the pipe.

In newer homes, a sudden loss of water pressure usually means you have either a broken water line and very little water is getting through or there is a pressure reducing valve that is malfunctioning.

In newer homes, a sudden loss of water pressure usually means you have either a broken water line and very little water is getting through, or there is a pressure reducing valve that is malfunctioning. Pressure reducing valves eventually fail. When they do, one of two things will happen. Your pressure will drop to very little, or it will get very high. Neither is acceptable. The only solution is to replace the pressure reducing valve.

Pressure Matters!

Most people might have automatic sprinklers to your lawns, shrubs, flowers, etc. Providing too much pressure to an automatic sprinkler system causes excessive wear, and wastes water because the spray is too fine and is blown away by even a gentle breeze.

Most pop-up sprinkler heads for automatic sprinkler systems work best at about 30 psi (pounds per square inch) of water pressure. Most homes receive 60 psi or greater. In addition, drip systems require even lower pressure (15 psi). Too much pressure can cause the small tubing to blow apart at the connectors. Most drip kits come with a pressure reducing valve.

Applying the right amount of water, at the right time, and in the right way is the most important thing you can do to conserve water.

By law, water districts are not allowed to work on a customer’s plumbing. Homeowners may work on their own plumbing or hire a plumber. Check with County to determine if a plumbing permit is needed for any work you do.

Sourced from Clackamas River Water Newsletter
September, 2006 Volume 6, issue 4