Water pressure/ flow question

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'm almost done getting the must-do's complete after moving into my new construction home. The water service to the house was a mix of me doing it myself and the plumbers tying into it. I have a 3/4" meter directly into a 3/4" regulator being serviced by a main that according to the water department runs typically 100 to 120 PSI. From there I ran 1-1/4 sch 40 PVC out to the house site ~450 feet. I put in a frost free hydrant for temp water while the house was being built. Had lots and lots of pressure.

The plumbers tied into it with, I think, 3/4 pex into another regulator. I have decent flow inside but it is a little lacking. The place I notice it the most is the hose bibs on the outside of the house. They are frost free ones and there is crap for pressure outside. I just really noticed it since I am finally to the point of cleaning sidewalks, driveways etc. I'm thinking there is some bad juju having 2 regulators in line. The one on the house is maxed out on adjustment. I'm wondering if I should remove the one at the road or the one at the house and if that should correct the problem.

 

[ponytug]

I can't think why you need or want two regulators in line, unless the city regulator only drops the pressure to 80psi or so. I also wonder if it is possible that the regulator in the house is installed backwards, or won't get you 40-60psi in the house. Have you checked the pressure in the house and at the hose bib? Pressure does not equal flow, but it is a start. Some frost free bibs aren't particularly high flow.

I'd get the plumbers back out, after checking the pressure is up to snuff.

All the best,

Peter

 

[steve tym]

I agree, why two regulators? Check the pressure, you should be able to crank up the regulators, or eliminate them.
They may have plumbed outside sill cocks in 1/2", not great for flow.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I was also stumped that they put another regulator in line. Is it better to keep the one at the road or the one at the house. The one at the house is easier to get to and I wouldn't have to worry about my service line if I keep the one at the road.

 

[steve tym]

Check codes for placement of the regulator, and who owns it.
As you stated, at the house is easier to service, at the street protects the line. Is there any elevation difference from the street to the house?

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'm good on code and I own both regulators. I would guess 10' or less rise over about a 425' run.

 

[LD1]

1-1/4" line sounds about right for a 450' run. And given good pressure/flow at frost free hydrant confirms that.

My first concern is 3/4" then feeding the WHOLE house from that point on. But even that alone shouldnt cause any issues IF no one else is using water at the time you are trying to use the outside water.

What you didnt say was how the house is plumbed inside.

You have a 1-1/4" reduced to 3/4" for main service. But within the house itself...did they drop to 1/2" pex....and maybe even 3/8" pex branches to feed the outside?

I am unfamiliar with water pressure regulators, as we dont use them here. Our water mains typically run 60-70psi at the meter. All we have is a meter out by the road. Line comes into an expansion tank and thats it.

Can you take a pic of your outside hose bibs. Cause I agree, there are some cheapie ones that just suck too

 

[DarkBlack]

I always specified schedule 80 PVC for pressure feed sides of runs. I used Schedule 40 only for unpressurized drains. I’ve seen way too many schedule 40 pvc pipes crack, to even consider using it on a pressurized line.

 

[ponytug]

I always specified schedule 80 PVC for pressure feed sides of runs. I used Schedule 40 only for unpressurized drains. I’ve seen way too many schedule 40 pvc pipes crack, to even consider using it on a pressurized line.

Personally, I prefer going to continuous tubing for long runs as there are fewer couplings and it is more tolerant of soil settling. Digging up pipe to repair failing couplings gets old fast in my book.

@LittleBittyBigJohn like @LD1 I do wonder how the 1 1/4 was handled in the house. Might it be possible to feed the outside house bibs from before the house regulator for better outside pressure?

All the best,

Peter

 

[ultrarunner]

Are their strainers you can check?

Water company did a major line replacement in the area...

I soon noticed the improved line was actually less flow to me...

Turns out my regulator strainer was full of small ribbons of blue plastic... the kind from squaring up the ends of the blue plastic water pipe before heat welding.

Cleaned the strainer once and no more problem.

 

[orezok]

When I built my house I was at the end of the pressure zone and due to undersize mains in my area the water company boosted the pressure to 150 PSI.I felt that that was too much pressure for the 2” 700’ long PVC lateral to the house so I added a pressure regulator at the meter set at 80 PSI.

80 PSI is too high for the house so I have a second regulator at the house reduced to 60 PSI. No issues for almost 20 years.

The district has since replaced the undersized mains and reduced pressure to 120 PSI.

But for fire protection I added a loop with a second valve that allow me to bypassed the meter regulator providing full pressure for my 500’ of 1 1/2” fire hose.

I have 3 different 1 1/2” connections that allow me to set up 3 different coverages simultaneously.

 

[jaxs]

You need to buy a pressure guage and test for yourself. I would want first regulator AFTER 3/4 meter if possible.
Other than possible leaks caused by higher pressure,having regulator at house is better than 450' away at meter. However it might be possible to have your cake and eat it to. Try setting regulator at meter to 95 psi and one at house at 60psi. I would want at least one hydrant before regulator at house to make it easy to monitor supply pressure plus high pressure hose is often nice to have.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I'll get a pressure guage and take the regulator up from the road side in the next couple of weekends.

Do you know if this has a water saver in it?

 

[34Willys]

When I built my house, code said anti-siphon on all hose bibs.
Talk about flow restricting. As soon as we got COO, those were removed.
Those bibs you have there may have something of an anti siphon valve built into them?
Patrick

 

[ponytug]

I'll get a pressure guage and take the regulator up from the road side in the next couple of weekends.

Do you know if this has a water saver in it?
View attachment 857995

Nice catch @34Willys!

As @34Willys caught, the knob at the top houses an antisiphon valve, which may, or may not affect flow, but I prefer to have the antisiphon valves on the garden hose side, as not everything needs it in my view, and it is much cheaper/easier to replace when needed.

FWIW: For outdoor uses, I have moved to 3/4" pipe, with 3/4" ball valves for better flow.

All the best,

Peter

 

[34Willys]

I think those outdoor drain back/not freeze style bib valves would have to anti syphon, or they wouldn't be able to drain back through the wall as designed?
I've never lived where it's so cold, so long that I would consider them.
Patrick

 

[steve tym]

Those are frost free, anti siphon silcocks. I don't believe they have an intentional flow restrictor in them. Why are there two side by side?

 

[ultrarunner]

Hot and Cold??? maybe for RV?

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

Yes hot and cold. It was the closest one I could get a quick pic of. I had them add hot, cold and a drain on the back porch. I plan on putting a sink out there to use when I'm grilling. I'll hook it up in the summer and unhook it in the winter.

 

[cameronwhite]

That sounds really tough. It's understandable to feel worried, but it's great that your doctor is taking steps to investigate further with an ultrasound of your kidneys. Hopefully, it'll provide some answers and help put your mind at ease.

In the meantime, when I experienced water damage that wreaked havoc on half of my house, water damage restoration services were a real lifesaver. If you're still feeling uncertain or anxious about your situation, they might have some helpful advice or insights to offer. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for support.