When any water source is turned on IN the house, all other water sources have DRASTICALLY decreased pressure until the first source is turned off. This happens throughout the house. For example, you are getting water via the refrigerator water and someone starts washing their hands in the bathroom - the refrigerator water pressure drops down DRASTICALLY until the sink water is turned off. Any ideas? This is upstairs and downstairs - all water sources internal to the house. The house is on public water and sewer and was built in 2000.:confused:

It really isn't the pressure that is the problem, it's the volume of water isn't meeting demand. To verify connect a temporary pressure gauge to the outside spigot, it should read about 45 psi. If it is near 45 psi it's a volume issue, check to make sure the main valve is fully truned on. Do you have a whole house filter or PRV (pressure reducing valve)

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Originally Posted by MGore

When any water source is turned on IN the house, all other water sources have DRASTICALLY decreased pressure until the first source is turned off. This happens throughout the house. For example, you are getting water via the refrigerator water and someone starts washing their hands in the bathroom - the refrigerator water pressure drops down DRASTICALLY until the sink water is turned off. Any ideas? This is upstairs and downstairs - all water sources internal to the house. The house is on public water and sewer and was built in 2000.:confused:

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The plumber connect the pressure gauge to the outside bib and said it was too high at 90. He also said the thought te PRV should be replaced... but that shouldn't cause the symptoms I am describing... is that right?

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The plumber connect the pressure gauge to the outside bib and said it was too high at 90. He also said the thought te PRV should be replaced... but that shouldn't cause the symptoms I am describing... is that right?

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Bob's bang on. This is a volume problem pure and simple. Something between you and the meter's choking your entire house down. Now just what's between you and the meter that would caues this problem? That's right sports fans! You have a faulty PRV valve. 90 PSI is twice the pressure that should be entering your home. Too much pressure will be hard on the pipe joints, faucets and any other fixtures that use water. Replace the PRV valve and set the pressure between 40 and 50 PSI and I bet the volume problem disappears. Let us know. Tom

I don't guess that's anything we can do ourselves, is it? I think the plumbers are asking for $1000 to change it out - is that fair?

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Originally Posted by MGore

I don't guess that's anything we can do ourselves, is it? I think the plumbers are asking for $1000 to change it out - is that fair?

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A thousand bucks? To replace a PRV valve? Let's examine that.
I'm going to give you a link so you can check out PRV valves. Water Pressure Reducing Valve - Plumbing Supplies - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review
Since most homes have a 3/4" water service I've found 2 that would fill your bill. One for $59.65 and one for $140. OK! That takes care of the material.
Let's check out the labor. Shut off the water to the house at the meter. (5 minutes).
Disconect and reconnect the PRV valve, (1 hour tops)
Calibrate and set the PRV valve to house pressure and pressure up. ( 15 minutes) One hour twenty minutes labor.
Figure 75 bucks a hour labor and that works out to $100.00
You have the figures you do the math.
Be cheaper to fly me and my tools up there to do the job.
I think your plumber is planing a vacation to Aruba on your dime.
My advice? Get three estimates and go with the one you're most comfortable with. Good luck, Tom

You can fly me there too and I'll be Tom's gopher. $1000 is a rip off. Like Tom says, its always ggod to get at least 3 bids, even for a small job gone wild.