My ~20 year old 2 story house in a subdivision has developed a water pressure problem; it’s probably going to require a professional to fix but I’d like to know what I’m up against.
When I first turn on a faucet, any faucet, the water pressure is low. Real low. Over a span of 2 minutes or so it gets better and after about 3 minutes it’s near normal. No neighbors have this problem, and my separately metered yard faucet still has full pressure. Before I can take a shower I flush the toilet — filling the tank brings the pressure up to a reasonable level. I turned off all the faucets and checked the water meter: no leaks. Anything I can look for before calling in the cavalry?
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Cold and hot water both?
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again
Yup, both cold and hot have the same problem.
>> Yup, both cold and hot have the same problem. << That would indicate that the problem is between the water meter and the HW tank. How about adjusting the pressure reducing valve - perhaps it's malfunctioning - assuming you have one. Matt
I would talk to your water company and tell them that you suspect a problem with the water pressure regulator for your house.
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I would talk to your water company and tell them that you suspect a problem with the water pressure regulator
It depends on the local water utility. Here, the homeowner owns the regulator.
-- J.S.
Pressure or flow?
Is there a pressure regulator where the main enters the house?
I would suspect a pressure regulator or whole house water filter or water softener if you have one.
But I am wondering it a sticky water meter might also cause this?
Did you ever answer the posts asking if you had a pressure reducing valve? I'm leaning to other posts that are pinpointing this area. Luck.
>> Did you ever answer the posts asking if you had a pressure reducing valve?uh, errr, ahem, No I didn't answer that one... this is embarassing... I've inspected the outside edges of the slab twice and can't see where the water enters the house, thus can't know if I even have a pressure reducer. Of course it could be shoved into that tiny hole with the water meter and a gazillion spiders. Or it could be... where?
If the city supplies it the PR could be in the meter pit."I've inspected the outside edges of the slab twice and can't see where the water enters the house, thus can't know if I even have a pressure reducer."If it is "yours" then it usually near the main shutoff valve. Do you know where that is?In general it will come in at a location nearest the meter. Often the WH is in that area, not not always.I wonder if it could be a problem with the main shut off valve. But off the top of my head I can't think of a problem that would cause those symptoms.
This is almost certainly a pressure regulator or check valve that's past its prime.
This is city supplied water right - not a well. I've seen symptoms similar to what you describe on a well with a leaking foot valve.
If we fail to catch a cosmic fish it may be a trillion years before the opportunity comes again