Well Water Pressure higher then 60PSI?

I have a slightly different problem. I recently converted from well water to county water. The county pressure is very high and I need to cut it back to around 60 psi. I don't have a pressure gauge in line so I can't see what the pressure is now. How can I cut the pressure to about what I used to have with the pump? Do I need to just close down the valve where the water comes into the house or do I go to the meter by the street and close it down there? Or do I call the water company and have them adjust it? Thanks

You need to install a PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve) where the line enters the house...or where it enters the property if it branches off to different place. Can't give an estimate on cost but it is a simple thing and shouldn't be a bank breaker.

Closing down a valve will not do it. It might reduce the dynamic (while in use) pressure but the static (no water draw) pressure will build back up to the original.

Harry K

The only problem with that is plumbing fixtures are rated at 80 PSI. Your "3 GPM" shower will just dribble when that tank is coming down to

Thanks Harry. I will look into it today.

I think I paid around $30 for one a few years back. Home Depot perhaps. Personally I'd call the water company first and see what they say.

Hmmm... I'm not sure what you mean about dribbling. I completely bypassed my booster pump and pressure tank (set for about 45/60) and put a tank on my hill. I get around 40 psi and that's just fine and dandy. Washer fills up quickly, plenty of pressure for showers and hosing off cars, impulse sprinklers work just fine... No more of that sudden increase in pressure when the booster kicks in.... For that matter I was using a 55 gallon drum halfway up the hill for a while and was only getting about 21 psi and that was enough for a decent shower.

BS. If you are going to answer questions, at least make it something you know about. 40psi will still be giving needle showers.

Harry K

hat the

Good point! I have heard of places where the municipal system will pay for one if it is needed.

Harry K

That's some hill -- tank must be 90+ feet higher than the house to have that much pressure.

Actually no.

Thanks for all the info. I will call the counthy water folks to start with and go from there. Chuck

Its actually good design to have high system pressure and a regulator near point of use. Our local water utility does exactly that with high system pressure and a requirement that you install a regulator.

I took a look this morning and I seem to have a regulator installed in-line where the pipe comes into the house. It looks to have some sort of an adjustment on it. Is that supposed to limit the pressure? Also the end of the regulator is plugged. Is that ok? If I remove the plug and adjust the regulator does that cut down the pressure? I don't know why the plug is there. A plumber installed all this, last year. Thanks for any addl. info... Chuck