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What is Water Pressure? To
understand water pressure, you must first identify a volume of water.
For the purpose of understanding water pressure in the relationship to
water delivered by Rincon, the volume is the water available for
delivery from the reservoir that serves your neighborhood.
Once this water begins its journey into the delivery
system, on its way to your home or business, water pressure is created
by the physical weight of water forcing its way through the delivery
system. Since water pressure is considered a function of weight,
it is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). |
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How can I check my water pressure?
It's a good idea to have a pressure gauge on hand to measure your water
pressure. You can purchase a water pressure gauge at your local
hardware store for around $10. The device fits on most outdoor
hose bibs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Note: If you are
designing an irrigation system, we'd be happy to provide you with the
minimum and maximum pressures for your particular property. Just
give our engineering department a call at (760) 745-5522 or
click here to
send your request by email. |
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What is considered normal water pressure?
There really is no such thing as "normal" water pressure. Since
water pressure is influenced by the elevation of the reservoir that
serves your neighborhood versus the elevation of your water meter, water
pressure varies from property to property. Water pressure in the
District typically ranges from 45 - 125 psi; however, typical
residential systems are designed to function best under a pressure of 40
- 60 psi. If the water pressure entering you home exceed this
level, you should install a pressure regulator in 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. |
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What is a pressure regulator? 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.
Note: Like
all things mechanical, pressure regulators can and DO fail! The
typical life span of a pressure regulator is 6 to 8 years. The
higher the pressure that is being regulated, the shorter the life span
of the regulator.
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I usually have good pressure. Now my
pressure is very low. Why? The first thing you should
do is check with your neighbors. Is their pressure low too?
If the answer is yes, the low pressure is most likely due to an
occurrence within the District's infrastructure. Valve operations,
peak water usage, pump starts and stops, changes in storage tank levels,
power outages, piping failure, construction, and/or mechanical failures
can cause pressure problems that can be neighborhood-specific. If
this is the case, we'd appreciate hearing from you so we can advise you
of the situation or dispatch immediate assistance.
If low pressure is occurring only on your property,
it may be caused by any of the following:
Water leak
on the property
Failure of regulator
Mineral
deposits inside pipes or hoses
Plumbing modifications
Simultaneous household appliance use
Landscape irrigation scheduling
Landscape
valve and system design
Faulty adjustment of the regulator
Maintenance performed by your landscaper
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