I am in the midst of a major remodel on a nice, two-year-old house and have discovered that there is no water pressure reducer installed in the plumbing system. I installed my water pressure gauge and found 80 pounds of pressure at the first water heater and about 70 downstream. As most water pressure reducers come factory set at (I think) 55 pounds, maybe this is a close call situation. I don’t have any of the appliance manuals (dishwasher, etc.) to refer to.
The owners have commented that they like the strong output in their showers (2 shower heads each in 3 bathrooms). Does this system need a water pressure reducer? And if so, what would be the maximum recommended pressure?
Thanks,
Jim in North Carolina
Replies
80 PSI is high however the issue is that if the city water pressure increases significantly for some unknown reason pipes and/or fittings in the home could/will burst and create a domestic disaster. Further, I'm pretty sure no plumber would guarantee their work under such circumstances. BTW - I'm guessing it is city water - with that pressure - not sure if the same situation could exist with a private well.
"that if the city water pressure increases significantly for some unknown reason pipes and/or fittings in the home could/will burst and create a domestic disaster."How high does the water pressure have to increase for pipe and fitting to start busting.My pressure run 110-120 and after 30 years I did have a toilet supply line give out. Typically water pressure can't increase becuase of atmosphic pressure relief "equipment"; ie the water tank overflows.But some places, specailly at the bottom of hills, pressure reducting stations are used to control the pressue in the mains.I know of one system that water was pumped over Lockout Mtn. At the bottom it was about 800 psi..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
According to Code Check the water pressure can be between 40 and 80 PSI according to both UPC and IRC/IPC.
Min. static pressure 40psi {15psi} . . . . . . . . [2903.3] {608.1}
Max. unregulated pressure 80psi . . . . . . . . . . .[2903.3.1] {608.2}
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Just looked at my NIBCO catalog and they rate their 1 1/4" copper fittings for 150 PSI working pressure at 150F (smaller sizes would handle even higher pressures). Type M (the thinnest) 1 1/4" copper pipe is rated at about 500 PSI working pressure at 150F. IMO, you can sleep peacefully at night without a pressure reducer.
Most codes call for a max. of 80lb. on a domestic system. The idea is to keep the presure down to where it will work the system; the higher the pressure, the more wear and tear. You just have to tell the owners if they want it high its their call, no liability on you. Lots of luck.
"If all else fails, read the directions"