Water Pressure at 38 PSI

[Alcyone]

The water pressure at my house is 38 PSI. I attempted to turn the Watts regulator valve up by loosening the lock nut and turning the flat head clockwise a full turn, but no change in pressure at the outside hose bib downstream of the valve. Should I try to turn the valve more? It says max 75 PSI so I don't think I'll damage anything. Although, I believe I turned it until it wouldn't go anymore with no change in pressure.

Are there any other troubleshooting steps I should try or would it be wise to consult a plumber?

My house had hard water when I bought it (10 gpg). I've since put in a softener but don't know the extent that the hard water clogged things up.

On city water.

Thank you

 

[Snoonyb]

We have about the same, here in the land of 10K lakes.

The local provider said that, that was about the normal PSI, so ask them.

 

[PJB12]

Hello Alcyone,
What Snoonyb said about normal isn't unusual. Ours is only 42 psi-g ahead of the meter and 40 after. The city may (probably will) be more than happy to have someone stop by and verify that your pressure at the meter is good. (Could be a partially closed or clogged curb stop.)

Your pressure at your test location may be lower than at the meter due to elbows and pipe length, plus any restriction in the hose bibb. (Hose bibbs, especially frost proof, are notorious for flow restriction and pressure drop.)

If you are so inclined, testing ahead of the meter is a good location. There are adapters to connect the gauge to the bayonet. You'll have to turn off at the curb stop to connect the gauge if no pre-meter valve is present.

If not ahead of the meter, just after it is second best. This rules out pressure drop due to "equivalent length" of elbows and piping. But meters can cause drops, too.


Do you have galvanized pipes? They clog with minerals after time. Perhaps that is part of the low pressure.

Just Some Thoughts That May Help...

Paul

 

[Alcyone]

Paul, thanks for the info. I have copper piping. I called the utility company and they're going to send someone out to check the pressure. Hopefully they can do this at the shutoff valve and/or meter before the pressure regulator. I tested it at my hose bib and am getting 38 psi. I'm not sure if the pressure regulator has failed and if that could be the culprit.

 

[PJB12]

Paul, thanks for the info. I have copper piping. I called the utility company and they're going to send someone out to check the pressure. Hopefully they can do this at the shutoff valve and/or meter before the pressure regulator. I tested it at my hose bib and am getting 38 psi. I'm not sure if the pressure regulator has failed and if that could be the culprit.

Hi Alcyone,
The utility person probably carries a pressure gauge that attaches to the meter bayonet, so they should be able to check before your regulator.

I apologize that I forgot all about your pressure regulator when I wrote my replies. Some of them have inlet screens in the body. Or you may have a wye strainer ahead of the regulator. Each can get partly clogged with lime or other debris. Perhaps, if the water company can't find a cause, check the model number on line to find if yours has such a screen. (If you've a wye strainer, you'll see it. It'll look similar to the photo below.)

Also note that if your regulator is determined to be the cause, many can be rebuilt while still installed. Hopefully that will save you some effort and money if yours needs attention.

Paul

 

[Alcyone]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the additional info. The utility company came out and stated that there's a regulator in the ground compartment right in front of the meter compartment. He recommend I remove the regulator that's installed inside my house next to the hot water heater as I shouldn't have 2 of them in place. The one just ahead of the meter might have failed. Going to try and turn it up to see if that makes a difference.

 

[Alcyone]

Utility company verified 150 PSI at the street. I was able to adjust the PRV at the curb and am now getting 52 PSI at front hose bib and 50 PSI at rear hose bib, although there is a spike when I first turn those faucets on. Appreciate the help.

 

[Snoonyb]

Isn't it wonderful, when you knowledge base is expanded.

We usually run at 65PSI in CA, while here in MINN. they just run more stations for lawn sprinklers, inspire of the 10K lakes.

 

[PJB12]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the additional info. The utility company came out and stated that there's a regulator in the ground compartment right in front of the meter compartment. He recommend I remove the regulator that's installed inside my house next to the hot water heater as I shouldn't have 2 of them in place. The one just ahead of the meter might have failed. Going to try and turn it up to see if that makes a difference.

Delete- Didn't see the results in #7.
Glad it worked out!
Paul
PS: The momentaty spike that you mentioned is normal for diaphragm type regulators.