Plumbing and Piping - Water flow gets weak
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twindaddy66
09-01-08, 08:12 PM
Hello, folks.
I recently have problems with weak water flow on the second floor of my house. The problem is when I use any two water units(showers, toilets, sinks, etc) at the same time, it gets weak (low water flow). I never had this problem before. I thought main water flow get lower than earlier, however, it feels like the water pressure got stronger when I turn on only one water unit(noticible when I turn on faucets in bathroom). I know it sounds weird, but it is happening here. We never touch anything, however alll of the sudden, single unit seems getting stronger water flow, but it gets really low when I use any others at the same time.
If you think of any possible cause, please advise.
Thanks in advance.
ANDY.
I recently have problems with weak water flow on the second floor of my house. The problem is when I use any two water units(showers, toilets, sinks, etc) at the same time, it gets weak (low water flow). I never had this problem before. I thought main water flow get lower than earlier, however, it feels like the water pressure got stronger when I turn on only one water unit(noticible when I turn on faucets in bathroom). I know it sounds weird, but it is happening here. We never touch anything, however alll of the sudden, single unit seems getting stronger water flow, but it gets really low when I use any others at the same time.
If you think of any possible cause, please advise.
Thanks in advance.
ANDY.
Speedwrench
09-01-08, 08:16 PM
are you on well water or city water?
murphy was an optimist
murphy was an optimist
twindaddy66
09-01-08, 08:27 PM
My bad....
I am on city water.
Please advise.
Thanks.
I am on city water.
Please advise.
Thanks.
furd
09-02-08, 04:00 AM
I'll bet a dozen donuts that you have a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) in the main water line. The symptoms you describe coincide with a "stuck" PRV. The PRV is not shutting off tight and that allows the house pressure to increase when no water is being used yet because the valve is stuck in a fixed position it cannot allow enough flow when more than one fixture is in use.
The cure is to either rebuild or replace the malfunctioning PRV. Since a rebuild is not fool proof AND that rebuild kits often cost more than 50% of the cost of a whole new valve I suggest replacement.
The cure is to either rebuild or replace the malfunctioning PRV. Since a rebuild is not fool proof AND that rebuild kits often cost more than 50% of the cost of a whole new valve I suggest replacement.
twindaddy66
09-02-08, 08:57 AM
Thanks for replying.
I guess your suggestion is great. However, since I am familiar with this, where could I possibly find Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) you mentioned? I have water heater (Rheem 41V50) and there is a main water shut off valve next to heater in my garage (I don't think it is connected to water heater).
Since I am dumb enough not to know what Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is, if you tell me any possible location for this, that would be helpful.
Thanks again.
I guess your suggestion is great. However, since I am familiar with this, where could I possibly find Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) you mentioned? I have water heater (Rheem 41V50) and there is a main water shut off valve next to heater in my garage (I don't think it is connected to water heater).
Since I am dumb enough not to know what Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is, if you tell me any possible location for this, that would be helpful.
Thanks again.
furd
09-02-08, 03:54 PM
I assume you meant that you were UNfamiliar.
Here is a page describing the hows and whys of PRVs. Scroll down a bit and on the right hand side is a picture of a Direct Acting Valve, that is what you want to look for. It will be somewhere between the street shutoff and the first inside faucet connection. The usual place is right after the main shut off valve inside the house.
http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/watersafety_flowcontrol/learnabout/learnabout_wprv.asp
Here is a page describing the hows and whys of PRVs. Scroll down a bit and on the right hand side is a picture of a Direct Acting Valve, that is what you want to look for. It will be somewhere between the street shutoff and the first inside faucet connection. The usual place is right after the main shut off valve inside the house.
http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/watersafety_flowcontrol/learnabout/learnabout_wprv.asp