What is the average city water pressure

The power of pressure. Water pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch, and represents the force at which water enters your home from the water main. Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi.

Several factors affect your water pressure; these can include the type of residential water service offered in your area and the elevation of your home. Knowing the warning signs of high water pressure could save you from having more extreme issues:. Now, if the gauge shows that the entire house has low water pressure, then try adjusting the pressure-reducing valve.

Start by talking to your neighbors. If their pressure is good, then call the water company to check the shutoff valve out by the street. It consists of an electric pump that feeds water to a tank that keeps the water at the desired pressure. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Knowing what causes low water pressure in your house is absolutely critical to seek a resolution.

Common causes of low water pressure include:. There usually are two water meter valves in most homes — the customer valve located in your water meter box and the home valve, located in front of your house. Both of them can get turned ever-so-slightly away from the on position, causing low or even no water pressure in your whole house. It may be difficult to find, but a leaking pipe can also be a cause of low water pressure.

The best way to find out for sure is to take a reading from your water meter, then shut off all faucets in your house. Leave for a few hours, the read your meter when you return. Pressure regulators, normally preset for 45 to 60 pounds per square inch psi can wear out after years or decades on the job. Older homes with galvanized iron pipes often have mineral build-up that has accumulated over decades.

Or they can be corroded enough to restrict water flow. You could have low water pressure in your whole house because a lot of things are happening at peak times: several people using different bathrooms for early morning or late afternoon showers. If the water pressure entering your home exceeds this level, you should install a pressure regulator on the line to reduce the pressure to an acceptable range.

This protects your equipment and piping in your home from damage from excess force exerted by the water. Symptoms of high pressure include "clanging" or "rattling" of pipes that occur when a faucet, dishwasher, or washing machine shuts off; water heater pressure relief valve malfunctions, and reoccurring leaks. The symptom of low pressure is typically a noticeable reduction of flow.

A pressure regulator is a spring-loaded mechanical device installed in your water system to reduce water pressure. Installation of this device is recommended to protect your system from pressure greater than the preset level of the regulator. The regulator is owned and maintained by the customer, and is usually located near the front of the house or business, either by your meter or on the water inlet pipe.