Water Pressure Issues

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by 1ijac
Smaller pipes do not = lower pressure.  

Smaller pipes do lower pressure when water is flowing.  String together 10 garden hoses and see what happens.  When water is not flowing, pressure is the same as long as the elevation is the same.  Every added foot of elevation takes away 0.434 PSI.  I’m not a plumber either but hydraulics was a required course when I studied fire science in college.  The principles are also regularly applied when setting up hoses at a fire.

[1ijac]

Well, actually it depends on what type of pressure you are talking about.  "Static" pressure remains the same because water is not moving in the system.  "Dynamic" pressure can change because water is moving through the system.  A larger pipe will reduce water friction on the inside of the pipe which will result in less pressure loss from static pressure.  A rougher internal surface of the pipe will increase friction which will reduce the dynamic pressure more than if the internal surface was very smooth.  Elevation changes the dynamic pressure by reducing it as water flows uphill and increasing it as it flows down hill.  In regards to the fire hose scenario, you try to increase the size of the hose to increase dynamic pressure.  It reduces friction by allowing more volume to pass through the hose thereby causing less of the water flow to be affected by friction.  

I find this discussion fun because I haven't really thought about all the physics I took in college for a long time.  This is good for my 50 year old mind to be challenged.  It's been filled too much lately with all the blah blah blah chest thumping on channel 200 in AH.  

The effects on fluid flow and pressure can be reviewed at:

Water flow and pressure

Jim  1i

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by 1ijac
 

I find this discussion fun because I haven't really thought about all the physics I took in college for a long time.  This is good for my 50 year old mind to be challenged.  It's been filled too much lately with all the blah blah blah chest thumping on channel 200 in AH.  

The effects on fluid flow and pressure can be reviewed at:

Water flow and pressure

Jim  1i

You want physics fun?  Have you seen this thread: plane on a conveyor belt?

[WhiteHawk]

water pressure may read ok with a guage, but if its a volume issue, such as an incorrectly intalled valve, the pressure will reduce greatly while using it due to reduced volume.  Really, if your neighbors is fine and yours is as anemic as you say, it has to be an incorrectly installed or faulty valve assuming you and your neighbor are on the same feed line, especially if this was how it was from the beginning.

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by WhiteHawk
water pressure may read ok with a guage, but if its a volume issue, such as an incorrectly intalled valve, the pressure will reduce greatly while using it due to reduced volume.  Really, if your neighbors is fine and yours is as anemic as you say, it has to be an incorrectly installed or faulty valve assuming you and your neighbor are on the same feed line, especially if this was how it was from the beginning.

Yes, a valve is likely but it could be a supply line that is way too small, a kinked copper pipe, some odd obstruction or ?

[WhiteHawk]

I agree, some type of restriction is the problem.

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by WhiteHawk
I agree, some type of restriction is the problem.

Good; now that we’ve solved this let’s talk about Gunslinger’s drinking problem.

[Airscrew]

Originally posted by eskimo2
Good; now that we’ve solved this let’s talk about Gunslinger’s drinking problem.

Yes, if he has low water pressure that could impede the ability of his ice maker to make ice which directly limits his drink possibilities like Margaritas, white russians, bloody marys, etc.  That could cause a serious drinking problem...

[WhiteHawk]

Originally posted by eskimo2
Good; now that we’ve solved this let’s talk about Gunslinger’s drinking problem.

Is it a pressure issue or just strictly volume?

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by WhiteHawk
Is it a pressure issue or just strictly volume?

Both I think. He drinks so much that it creates enough pressure that he pees out of his ears.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by eskimo2
Good; now that we’ve solved this let’s talk about Gunslinger’s drinking problem.

Yes, and my only problem is 18 hours shifts for 6 weeks in a row does not allow adiquet time to consume.

About the outside valve, it's got a shut off valve and then what I assumed was some type of adjustable regulator.

I have a home insurance program that only costs me a $50 deductable.  I might give them a call first after I see what the pressure is reading.

[Shuffler]

Turn on the outside faucet where the water line meets the house.... if there is consistent good pressure there then you can start looking inside. I installed lawn sprinkler systems for years on the side... I have seen all kinds of issues... the funniest was the service line was 1/2 inch copper tubing, the guy worked for an airconditioning firm and used that. Your service line to your home should be 1 inch minimum.

[WhiteHawk]

Originally posted by Gunslinger
Yes, and my only problem is 18 hours shifts for 6 weeks in a row does not allow adiquet time to consume.

About the outside valve, it's got a shut off valve and then what I assumed was some type of adjustable regulator.

I have a home insurance program that only costs me a $50 deductable.  I might give them a call first after I see what the pressure is reading.

Keep in mind, even if your supply is restricted, your pressure will read normal unless you are using water.

[Maverick]

That's why I suggested the flow rate test.

[rpm]

Originally posted by Shuffler
Your service line to your home should be 1 inch minimum.

3/4" is standard.