How to Increase Home Water Pressure with a Reducing Valve
Water pressure in the mains is set by the municipality or water supply company in your city. This is normally set between 150 and 200 PSI (lbs. per square inch) to overcome the pressure drop between the pumping station and elevated water towers and high-rise building supply tanks. Apart from that, high pressure is required for firefighting purposes. Domestic pressure reducing valves are required to bring the pressure down to below 80 PSI to protect domestic plumbing and appliances. Domestic pressure reducing valves are factory-set at 50 PSI to save water and keep utility costs to a minimum. These valves are adjustable to a maximum of 75 PSI. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Water pressure test gauge
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket wrench
- Socket
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Instructions
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Close the tap and unscrew your washing machine supply hose. Thread the pressure gauge into the tap and ask a helper to stand by with a cell phone to monitor the pressure adjustment. Locate the pressure-reducing valve on your main water supply inlet pipe. This valve is fitted with an elongated bell-shaped dome, and has an adjusting bolt and lock nut protruding from the top.
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Turn the lock nut counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench to undo it; unthread the lock nut several turns. Use a socket wrench fitted with the correct-size socket to adjust the valve. Call your helper on your cell phone. Turn the valve-adjusting bolt clockwise to reduce water pressure, and counterclockwise to increase water pressure.
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Adjust the water pressure to the desired setting. Keep the socket wrench on the adjusting bolt to prevent it from turning and tighten the lock nut.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your water pressure as low as possible to save money and to contribute toward a green lifestyle.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit eau image by Rémi BORNET from Fotolia.com
