The normal pressure for your home will depend on its physical relation to the water source supply. If your home is at a higher elevation relative to a water source location, you will have lower pressure. If your home is downhill from a water source, your water pressure will be higher. Average water pressure for a home in our district is about 75 psi, however this will vary depending on your location.
If you are experiencing high water pressure, you may have a failing PRV (pressure reducing valve) or need one installed if you don’t already have one. A PRV is a type of valve installed in the interior plumbing of the home that reduces the water pressure coming from the District’s main lines to a pressure that is appropriate for the household plumbing system.
A PRV is located typically where the service line enters the house. High water pressure can cause pipe damage and leaks. A failing PRV can cause clanging, hammering, or banging noises to come from your pipes. It can also cause a sudden loss or gradual reduction in water pressure.
If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home, here are some other steps to follow besides checking for a failing PRV:
Check to see if the District is doing any work in your area or if there has been a water main break by going to our website, Facebook or Next Door page.
Check with your neighbors – It may be possible that your neighbors are experiencing a similar issue. If they are not, this may indicate a problem with your private plumbing. The location of the problem will determine who is responsible for fixing it.
Check for a leak – A leak in your home’s plumbing system will reduce the water pressure throughout the home simply because not all of the water is flowing toward its proper place. To determine whether you have a leak, shut off all of the water taps both inside and outside of your home, and then record the meter. Come back a short time later to see whether the meter has registered usage. If your water usage has increased at all from your first recording, there’s a good chance you have a leak that needs to be repaired by a plumber.
If you have questions about the water pressure to your home, or if you are experiencing a water pressure problem, please contact the District office at 303-979-2333.