Greetings,

Last year I had the main shut off changed from a globe valve (not a gate valve) to a ball valve. The globe was used to reduce pressure in the system.

The pressure before the replacement was 20-30 psi. With the new ball valve, the pressure is now close to 80 PSI.

Is that too much pressure?

My other question is volume. What is considered a good volume to have? I haven't measured it but my old water softener displayed volume and it was around 5-7 gpm.

We have 3/4" pipe from the street to the house. Next year the city is going to be digging up our street to replace the gas lines, serwer lines and street replacment. I have heard that they also offer (for a F$$ of course) to replace the main line. If not too unreasonable, should I replace the main line? Should I go with 1" or the largest they offer?

Thanks as always,

Dan

Hi Dan,
"The pressure before the replacement was 20-30 psi. With the new ball valve, the pressure is now close to 80 PSI. Is that too much pressure?

The average house pressure is 45 PSI. Your "gliobe valve" sounds like it was a PRV, (pressure regulator valve). 80 PSI puts a strain on your system. A ball valve will not regulate the house pressure and I would replace it with a PRV. A 3/4" water service has always been the normal residential house service. Unless your water service is galvanized iron I would leave it alone.
Good luck, Tom