My water pressure is very high. When I turn on the sink the water shoots down so hard that it splashes everywhere. My showers pressure is so strong that it stings when I take a shower. My hot water only lasts 5 minutes. I use a gas water heater tank. How would I go about with resolving this matter without seeking a professional?
2007-02-04 16:48:23 · 7 answers · asked by atowneddie 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like you need to have a pressure regulator valve installed on your incoming water supply. Or if you already have one it may have failed. You probably do need to call a professional as most of the time this will require cutting the copper line and installing a new valve. You are also having problems with your water heater which may or may not be caused by the high pressure. If you are running out of Hot water that quickly your water heater may be filled with mineral deposits caused by the super heated water. As the tank "fills" up with deposits, it does not allow the tank to totally fill to its rated storage capacity which could be 40 or 50 gallons for an average home. If this is not resolved quickly you may "blow" the water heater apart or you will start bursting water lines. The average water pressure for a house here in California is 65 lbs. Most water heater tanks, faucets or water lines will spring a leak at 120 lbs or higher even though they should be rated at 200psi. Age, wear and tear and corrosion will weaken the lines over time and cause leaks, especially if the pressure is unusually high. You can purchase a water pressure testing gauge at your local hardware store for about $10.00 and test your water pressure from a hose bib located in your back yard. The front yard bibs are usually hooked directly to the incoming line and will show a higher pressure since they usually bypass the pressure regulator if your home is so equipped. "Turning down your valves" will not solve your problem it will actually make it worse. The extra pressure on a partially closed valve will cause that valve to wear at a faster rate. Most valves have two positions, opened and closed. Try calling your local plumber to come out and check your plumbing. That's our job..."Keeping Americas water safe!"
Joe the Plumber
2007-02-04 17:14:48 · answer #1 · answered by pipejetter 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
if you have city water then you may want to look into getting a pressure regulator. if you have well water, then you will need to find your pressure switch. some wells have them with their pressure tanks, and others have them in the well head. it should be a small box about the size of your fist. it will have a water line connected to it, as well as some wires that come from the breaker box and lead to the well pump, it will also have a pressure gauge. with the power on(be really really careful, wells have access to a lot of power) remove the cover. there should be some kind of switch that is connected to two springs and a pressure diaphram. you will want to turn a faucet on to a decent flow. enough to cycle the pump, but not enough to make it cycle a lot. you just have to adjust the screws on the springs in order to change the pressure level. this will work for anyone who wants to raise or lower their water pressure. just pay attention to the gauge. dont let the pressure get too high or you will start blowing fittings inside your house.
2007-02-04 17:17:14 · answer #2 · answered by cronos51101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the water heater thermostat can be turned down. It sounds like it should be turned down if it is scalding. But also know you will have "less" hot water. IOW it will run out sooner because you will use more at a lower temperature which gives you the added pressure. But the cost is the same.
2016-05-24 14:15:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have a water shut off just before the water meter. Close the valve partially to restrict the flow of water to the pressure you want. Good luck
2007-02-04 16:53:13 · answer #4 · answered by mjv842 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install a water pressure release valve while the volume of water flow remain. Hardware store might help u if u wanna diy.
2007-02-04 17:04:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u have a well.. i think you can turn down the pressure on your pressure tank..... other wise find the water main that comes in your house and shut the shutoff valve a little so its not so strong.... thats what i would do
2007-02-04 16:52:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your water system needs to have a regulator installed
2007-02-07 10:32:51 · answer #7 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋