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Moved Water Line and Now Have Too Much Pressure

14 years ago

We live in the country. Are on a community well. 28 years ago when we built, the water company wouldn't put a meter at our home site. We had to put it 300 yards down the road! With the expansion of the system, they've allowed us to move our meter to our property. We had very good water pressure before (according to plumbers and water sprinkler people) but now it's reallllllly strong. But here's the thing I don't understand. When no one has used any water for awhile and the water dispenser on the fridge or water out of any sink or even the washing machine is turned on, it comes out very forceful AND THEN AFTER A 2-3 SECONDS IT BACKS DOWN A BIT. Have you heard of this? Is it *just* too much pressure or is there something else wrong? I'm calling the water company tomorrow to have them turn down the pressure but I don't understand the initial force and then it slows down a little. Seems like there's an enormous amt of water pressure just sitting on my plumbing waiting to be released. Hoping it isn't released by blowing a fitting apart :o

Monica

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Comments (4)

baymee
14 years ago
I don't know the scientific answer but I would say the initial burst is the real pressure in the line (static) and the slowing down is the pressure that is slightly reduced when the water is flowing (dynamic).

You can always install a pressure reducing valve.
david1948
14 years ago
Install a pressure gauge on the water line. They make gauges with faucet threads for utility sinks, hose bibs etc. Install the gauge and open the corresponding valve. Time will tell if it is a pressure increase. If not, could be an air pocket. If so, faulty pressure regulator somewhere. Best of luck. Dave
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monicakm_gw
Original Author
14 years ago
We've bought a pressure reducing valve. Plumber will be here this week.
We're on a community well in the country.
Water guy came out last week with a gauge. It read 90psi and then went up to 100. He said "in the middle of the night, your pressure is probably over 100psi" :o He measured from an outside faucet. Last summer when we had a sprinkler system installed, our pressure was 65 to 70.
David, faulty pressure regulator...is that the water company's responsibility or ours? They're saying WE need to install a pressure reducing valve. The main is at the street. DH thinks we should install the valve at the house's shutoff box (I'm sorry I don't know all the correct terminology), this way the sprinkler system (between the road and house)will retain the extra pressure we've gain by moving the meter. What's everyone's thoughts on that? If I need to explain better, just lmk :)
Monica
weedmeister
14 years ago
My PRV is installed just this side of the water cutoff valve in the utility room.

I understand that some water companies install them next to the meter (out by the street in my case).

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