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1dlong1 · Jan 17, 2009, 08:56 PM

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to possible help me. I have just moved into a new loft in LA. The "tree huggers" just kidding... The local "Goverment" has restrictions on water pressure I was told by the manager due to water conservation. I am from the South and I need my water pressure. The shower is one lever and goes left to right to turn on . The more to the right the hotter it gets. When I turn the shower on it takes at least 3 minutes to get hot(really more like warm). The pressure is so bad it's like I am just standing in a light drizzle. The shower head has three different pressure levels which I will call Bad, Badder, and Badest. The one level that is suppose to have the most pressure reminds me of a 1990's water pic to brush your teeth with. I am wondering what the plumbers would suggest me do to remedy this problem that is not putting added pressure on me(pun intended). Please note I am not concerned of the legality of this as if I have to pay a fine I would no problem to be able to take a nice shower. Thanks for any help

Dave

Milo Dolezal · Jan 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

Dave, Welcome to Los Angeles. As you probably know, So. California doesn't have its own water. All water is brought in by concrete Aquaduct that comes all the way from No.California. It is simple equation: if it doesn't snow in No.California - we have no water in Los Angeles. These day, we cannot even water our lawns between 9AM and 4PM. City sends out Water Police that will warn you first time for watering during this time and fine you if you are caught second time.

There is a Law that mandates water flow through shower heads. Every house sold in Los Angeles has be retrofitted with Low Flow shower heads and proper paperwork has to be filed with Escrow. Your problem is not "low pressure" but "low flow". You can remove the shower head, look inside the threaded end and remove flow restrictor. Reinstall shower head and you should have enough water flow. If you want real good flow you will probably have to purchase better shower head - and again - remove the restrictor.

1dlong1 · Jan 17, 2009, 11:31 PM

Milo,

Thanks for the advice and the welcome. I will try and remove the restrictor to see if this helps. If it does not what would be the next step?

Milo Dolezal · Jan 18, 2009, 12:13 AM

Well, the shower head is the first thing you should look at. That's where the flow is reduced the most. Than, you can look at your water pressure. Make sure it is on high side. Depending what part of LA you live in, you can have well over 100 psi. So, if it is low, like below 50 psi, crank it up higher so you have more water coming through the pipes.

1dlong1 · Jan 18, 2009, 12:39 AM

Milo,

I so appreciate your help.. That's what I was wondering where would I find the valve to crank it up? Where is the valve to turn it up generally? Thanks again
Dave

Milo Dolezal · Jan 18, 2009, 12:51 AM

Is that new loft ? Is it part of larger complex ? Single story?

Usually, pressure regulator and main shut off valve are located outside, on one side of the house, when the water pipe enters the building. To increase pressure - turn set screw IN. I am enclosing picture of generic pressure regulator for your reference.

1dlong1 · Jan 18, 2009, 12:58 AM

Milo,

Thanks for the photo that will help. It is a single story older building that they have completely renovated with 15 lofts in the building. All new plumbing and fixtures.. So I assume the regulator is outside. The building is in area code 90031 between Chinatown and Downtown LA so I do not know what they allow regarding the psi.. So if I turn the screw in will that affect the entire building?

Milo Dolezal · Jan 18, 2009, 01:01 AM

Before I answer your last question: Do you have your own water meter or does HOA pays for water ?

1dlong1 · Jan 18, 2009, 01:05 AM

Milo,

HOA pays for water.

Thanks
David

Milo Dolezal · Jan 18, 2009, 01:13 AM

Ok, that tells me that you have 1 pressure regulator for entire building. Take channel locks, go outside, locate the regulator and adjust it (crew the bolt INWARDS ). It is a quick job, takes 10 seconds to do. Usually, regulator will be in the bushes, about 16" above ground. Since you have 15 lofts then it should be 2" in size - meaning BIG. However, I still think it is you shower head that is restricting water flow.

Let me know how you did...

1dlong1 · Jan 18, 2009, 01:21 AM

Awesome... Thanks so much for your help...

Milo Dolezal · Jan 18, 2009, 01:22 AM

De Nada ! (Time to start learning Spanish, Dave... :-D )

1dlong1 · Jan 18, 2009, 01:52 AM

HAHA Gracious Milo