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mullinsnc · Apr 27, 2008, 05:45 AM

I recently began to notice a spike in my home water pressure for about 1-2 seconds before it settles down to normal. This happens anytime I turn on any faucet in the house. At the same time, my toilet fill valve keeps running very slightly. This stops when any faucet in the house is turned on so it appears to be pressure related. I am on city water. Any thoughts?

speedball1 · Apr 27, 2008, 06:22 AM

Are you on city water or a pump?

anytime I turn on any faucet in the house. At the same time, my toilet fill valve keeps running very slightly. This stops when any faucet in the house is turned on so it appears to be pressure related. Any thoughts?

Now this I can explain. Let's try a little experiment. Remove the lid from the toilet tank and have someone turn the cold water on and off in the lavatory. Did you see the float ball bob up and down. That's caused by the change of water pressure in the system. The pressure change hits the stem of the ballcock causing it to act like a piston and open the seat for a instant allowing water to pass. All of this is caused by your air chambers,( that's why we install air chambers) not operating because they need to be recharged. Let me show you how.
We put in shock absorbers,(air chambers) to cushion the shock much like the shocks on your car.
Back in the 60's we were required to to put shock absorbers,(air chambers) on all bath lavatorys and kitchen sinks. Over time water and condensate built up in them and they must be recharged. First turn off the house at the main house shut off valve. Then open hot and cold faucets at the farthest bathroom to prevent air lock.(This is important.) You will find under each fixture little brass or chrome valves. These are called angle stops. With a small pail held under the angle stop to catch the run off look under the handle of the stop and you will see a nut with the stem running through it. This is called the bonnet packing nut. Put your wrench on it and back it off counterclockwise. Now open the stop and remove the stem and washer assembly, The stop will begain to drain. When it has quit draining reassemble the stop and move on to the next one. Do this on each one of your angle stops. There will be six of them in a two bath home. When you are done, close off the faucets you have opened, turn on the water to the house, and give yourself a pat on the back.
You have just recharged your air chambers and saved yourself a hefty service call bill. Hope this helps you out TOM