Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    reed10's Avatar
    reed10 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 30, 2006, 07:31 PM
    Low Pressure and Low Flow Water Supply
    I recently moved into a house that is about 6 years old. The house sits upon a small hill. The water pressure is 40 psi at the street and the flow rate is 13 gpm. At the house, the pressure is about 30 psi and the flow rate is 3.5 gpm. The house is higher than the street level, but the elevation change is only about 25 ft. There is a pressure regulator in the line, but I have it screwed all the way down. I feel like the decreased flow is abnormal and is causing the water supply in the house to feel like low water pressure. Any ideas on what is causing this problem and what I can do to fix it?

    Thanks,

    Reed
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Oct 30, 2006, 07:51 PM
    The 10 psi drop is about what to expect in 25'. And 30 psi is going to give miserable low flow. You can complain to the authorities about the low 40 psi at the street. You could install a shallow well pump and a pressure tank. That may or may not be allowed.

    The pressure regulator can be adjusted to deliver incoming pressure and down to nothing. It can't give you more than it is getting.
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Oct 30, 2006, 08:07 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by reed10
    I recently moved into a house that is about 6 years old. The house sits upon a small hill. The water pressure is 40 psi at the street and the flow rate is 13 gpm. At the house, the pressure is about 30 psi and the flow rate is 3.5 gpm. The house is higher than the street level, but the elevation change is only about 25 ft. There is a pressure regulator in the line, but I have it screwed all the way down. I feel like the decreased flow is abnormal and is causing the water supply in the house to feel like low water pressure. Any ideas on what is causing this problem and what I can do to fix it?

    thanks,

    Reed
    How are you measuring the pressure at the street?

    Have you actually disconnected your line from the meter and pressure tested at the meters pigtail -- Or are you testing from a port at the pressure regulating valve?
    reed10's Avatar
    reed10 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 4, 2006, 09:53 AM
    The utility company disconnected the gauge at the street and took the pressure measurement. They also took the measurement at the house through an outside water outlet.

    I don't understand why the flow rate is so low. The pressure drop I understand, but the only thing that I can come up with for the flow rate is an obstruction in the line.
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 4, 2006, 10:04 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by reed10
    The utility company disconnected the gauge at the street and took the pressure measurement. They also took the measurement at the house through an outside water outlet.

    I don't understand why the flow rate is so low. The pressure drop I understand, but the only thing that I can come up with for the flow rate is an obstruction in the line.
    If your street service is only 40psi, then you do not need the pressure reducing valve.

    The PRV would be my first suspect in narrowing down whether you have a blockage or not.

    Lose or bypass the PRV.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Low water flow from city supply [ 3 Answers ]

I have good water pressure at the inlet from the city supply at 80lb. When I turn on one tap the pressure dropped to 40-60lb. Each additional tap drops another 20lb+. The flow almost slow to a trickle especially the shower when I flush the toilet. I believe my problem is low flow from the city....

Low water pressure in an area known for high pressure [ 3 Answers ]

Greetings, My wife and I are in the process of updating 1957 side by side split level. The previous owner (OK, my Mom as I bought the house I grew up in from her) said that when they moved in they had to install a pressure reducer into the line. I have searched high and low but, I can't see...

New Home with low pressure or flow? [ 9 Answers ]

I have just moved into my new home which was just finished being build 2 weeks ago. The first thing that I noticed about the house is that it has low pressure. First a little information... My new home is located immediately next to a brand new 125 foot water tower that was installed for this...

Low water pressure [ 1 Answers ]

Sprinkler heads don't pop up.had sprinkler guy test pressure appx. 27psi,said it was too low. Talk to friend at water co.told only have gravity pressure.can't boost from city.want to know about boosterpumps,are they noisey,going to run sprinkler early in the morning.could I still have problem due...

Low cold water flow/pressure in kitchen sink [ 6 Answers ]

We live on the 6th floor in a 12-story condo building and have always had low cold water flow/pressure in the kitchen sink. The hot water is OK, as is the cold water in the bathrooms. I've adjusted the pressure valve under the sink to get as much flow/pressure as possible, but the stream is barely...

View more questions Search