Q&A: Water Pressure

Q: Is it normal for water pressure to drop or temperature to change if someone flushes the toilet while you are in the shower?

While many homeowners grow accustomed to the sudden drop in water pressure that occurs when one household member flushes a toilet while another one is using the shower, this is something that is potentially unsafe, as it could cause scalding in some cases, and does not have to occur. In older homes, it may be the result of a limited water supply due to pipes clogged with mineral deposits. This sudden drop in water pressure can even occur in new homes when undersized piping is used. A slight drop is typical, but if you regularly experience this problem, a licensed plumber should assess the piping/plumbing system to determine what remedial options are available. Whether or not a water-supply problem can be corrected, experts recommend installing special pressure-sensitive anti-scald faucets designed to maintain uniform mixing of the hot and cold water even when there is a drop off in the water supply, or anti scald showerheads.

Q: A few years ago the pressure regulator valve on our main water line failed and some water pipes in our home burst, causing considerable damage. We have a new valve but I worry about it failing also. How will I know if it fails and is there anything else I can do about this problem?

The water pressure coming into your house must be extremely high to cause a regulator valve to fail and pipes to burst. The usual symptoms of high water pressure are surging water from faucets and shower heads, leaking faucets, banging pipes and premature wear in faucets and malfunctions in some water-using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Make sure you have high-pressure metal hoses on your washing machine; rubber hoses are highly vulnerable to high pressure. The new valve should reduce the pressure in your pipes and fixtures to no more than 50 to 60 pounds per square inch, and should give you protection for many years. But if you experience symptoms like those described above, have the pressure checked immediately. I think you should also contact your water company about the problem; it is possible that adjustments can be made to reduce the pressure coming into your house. You might also check with neighbors to see if they are having similar problems. A series of complaints to the water company is more likely to produce some action if there is a neighborhood-wide problem.

Source: Housemaster.com. http://enewsletter.housemaster.com/questions/article5_7_2010.html