What is the proper water pressure (PSI) for a house? How to adjust pressure at regulator?

Question

Current reading is 60 PSI.

If I have the shower on and turn on the kitchen sink, will sometimes get the "rattling" sound in the pipes.

Answer 1

The usual working pressure is around 40 PSI (3 ATM) Max is usually 120 or so. It depends on your local regulations and supply.

The problem you describe is not a pressure problem, it is called 'water hammer' caused by the pipes not being sufficiently attached to resist motion. The motion comes from a slug of water suddenly being stopped or having it's direction being redirected. Some relief can be had by putting a short piece of pipe vertically in the line with a cap. This bit won't fill, and gives a little air chamber to soak up the hammer effect.

Another source for the rattle sound can be the kitchen tap being worn at the sleeve it spins in. The shaft will rattle as the valve opens.

Answer 2

I usually see the water pressure anywhere between 45-60 psi, which is what is recommended. If you have pressure higher than that, you run the risk of blowing valves out. You're fine.

The rattling sound can be cured in one of two ways:
- You'll have to open the wall a little bit, but you can use a pipe clamp to secure the pipe to one of the studs.

- You could install (or have a plumber install) a water hammer arrestor. When you open a faucet, the entire system exerts pressure on the valve that's going to allow it to flow. Any air in the supply lines will cause the pipes to rattle when you turn it on or if you turn it off suddenly. The arrestor should be installed as close as possible to the source of the noise.

Answer 3

Without pressure regulator water pressure at my house was 100 PSI at miday and may be 120 PSI at night. In two years I paid for change of two toilet assemblies.Change Two kitchen faucits.Leaking washer valves and water damage due to kitchen osmosis water system filter body crack. Last things was water heater tank leak. Plumber checked the pressure and instaled water pressure regulator. And set it on 50 PSI, I also replaced my water meater from 1 inch to 3/4 inch free of cost from Suburban water district. Net saving of $15 a month on Meater and $ 6.00 on water usage as high pressure waist more water in kitchen sink and shower. No problem with water low pressure, leakage faucet or squeaking pipes from two years.

Answer 4

my water gage reads 55 lbs but surge is 120 is this too high for water heater