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livetolearn · Feb 27, 2013, 05:25 PM

Hi does anybody know if there is a minimum water pressure that buildings are required to provide in NYC?

I have weak water flow/pressure in my newly renovated bathroom.
I live on the top floor (16) of a Brooklyn, NY co-op building. Management has had a plumber out here who confirmed I'm getting 16 PSI, but they haven't done anything since to increase that, saying that since I live on the top floor and the water tank is right above me, this amount of low water pressure is to be expected.

Meanwhile, the daily ritual of showering for me has become a frustrating and unpleasant ordeal.

Any suggestions? They initiated some talks of installing pressure boosters at first, but since then no action, simply pointing to the fact that my new Kohler shower body and shower head may be the cause of the problem. I have also removed the restrictor/regulator in the shower head.

joypulv · Feb 27, 2013, 06:13 PM

Was there good pressure before the renovation? Did you install anything like multiple or very large shower heads?

livetolearn · Feb 27, 2013, 06:17 PM

I never turned the water on prior to renovation as I renovated immediately upon purchase of the coop, and moved in after.

No, I installed standard Kohler shower head and body (Kohler Purist).

massplumber2008 · Feb 27, 2013, 06:28 PM

Sounds awful, but not unheard of in NY! I'm left wondering what pressure your neighbor below you has with and/or without the shower head on?

See if you can get a pressure reading from below.. can be done using a hose bib pressure gauge (see image... available at any home improvement store... may need to reduce pipe size from hose (7/8" to 1/2" IPS size) if need be.

The booster pump may be the only realistic option here...

Post back with results, OK?

Mark

joypulv · Feb 27, 2013, 06:29 PM

Is pressure is good elsewhere in the coop?
During plumbing, deposits and debris knocked loose gets caught in aerators and showerheads. Try taking it off and cleaning it in CLR or something similar. You can shower without it for a day or two.

massplumber2008 · Feb 28, 2013, 05:34 AM

He already tried that Joypulv when he said, "I have also removed the restrictor/regulator in the shower head"...

I also have to figure that pressure is just as poor throughout the unit or they wouldn't have talked booster pump here. However, with that being said, it would be nice if livetolearn could confirm that, for sure!

Pressure readings need to be taken at a neighbor's unit on the same floor (if possible) and below him next... ;)

Mark

livetolearn · Feb 28, 2013, 09:58 AM

Hi Mark,

The pressure is indeed poor throughout my apt- kitchen sink, bath sink, bath tub spout.

They said they also checked the pressure at a neighbor's apt, but wouldn't share the findings with me. They said the neighbor didn't have any complaints.

massplumber2008 · Feb 28, 2013, 04:05 PM

I never like answers/attitudes like that, huh?

16 PSI is unacceptable anywhere that I know of. Here, most codes do not state a specific PSI requirement but the language is pretty specific. Quoting Massachusetts (sorry don't have NY, but it will be very much the same) plumbing principle #2

"Adequate Water Required. Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances must be supplied with water in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without undue noise under normal conditions of use".

I'd make a call over to a local plumbing inspector and see what he thinks about this. I might also talk to the board of health.

Finally, if your neighbor doesn't mind I'd try to get a pressure reading using that hose-bib gauge I posted a picture of (reread that post to get all necessary parts) and see what his/her pressure is. It could be inadequate and then you would be doing BOTH of yourselves a favor here!!

Keep me posted as you go if you like, OK?

Mark

mygirlsdad77 · Feb 28, 2013, 06:24 PM

I agree, 16 psi is simply too low, however, UPC (not sure what code you are under) states that the minimum water pressure shall not be less than 15psi to every fixture, so they may not have to do anything if your code is the same. Now, interpritation of that specific code can very. I would take it as a minimum of 15 psi at all fixtures with all fixtures in the dwelling fully running. I would suggest testing pressure with all fixtures running, and if it drops below 15, you have every right to demand a booster pump or alternative fix. Get your local plumbing inspector involved if need be. Either way, please do let us know how things work out.