Some homeowners are experiencing high water pressure in their home water supply. Readings as high as 90 to 100 pounds per square inch (psi) have been made. This puts an unnecessary strain on your homes' piping systems & valves in your dishwasher, washing machine, ice-maker, and toilet tanks.
In a large municipal water supply system, homes are connected to the same water mains that supply the fire hydrants. Water main pressure is 100 psi or more. Homes are automatically fitted with pressure regulators that reduce the pressure to about 50 psi.
The Aqua Virginia pumps that supply our water turn on when our water main pressure falls to 40 psi and turn off when it builds to 60 psi.
Homes on similar elevations as the pumps see these pressures. Homes on lower elevations than the pumps see an increase in pressure of 1 psi for every 2-3 feet in lower elevation. This difference in "head" is causing the problem for some homes.
Chip Hunt (703.268.9473) and I (Bill Bracker 804.580.9095) have water pressure gauges that attach to garden hose connections. Either one of us would be glad to check the water pressure at your home so you can evaluate the need for a pressure regulator.
Bill Bracker
