I have a question about water pressure?

Individual water pressures can vary based on service locations and their relative elevation to the City's reservoirs. Those services closer in elevation to the reservoir will see lower pressures in the 40-80 PSI range. Services located at a lower elevation will see pressures in excess of 80 PSI. 

Pressure Reducing Valves: 

In Oregon, pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) are required on private plumbing systems when the incoming water pressure exceeds 80 PSI. This is mandated by the Uniform Plumbing Code, which Oregon has adopted. The PRV helps protect plumbing systems from damage caused by high water pressure by reducing it to a safer level, typically between 25 and 75 PSI.

• PRV's are located after the meter and are therefore the responsibility of the individual owner to install and maintain. It could be in the Utility room, laundry room, garage, crawl space, or in a plastic or concrete box between the meter and the house. Etc.

• The PRV has a spring and rubber seal in it that changes your water systems pressure to a preset amount. So, whether you are using one faucet or multiple faucets and the shower, this seal moves up and down allowing for constant water pressure. Therefore, if you are experiencing abnormally high, low or varied water pressures, it is an indication that your PRV is malfunctioning. 

• PRVs have a strainer to help capture loose debris in the system.  Once the PRV is located, the strainer should be integral to the valve.  The  model and size of the PRV is usually available on the Web and the manufacturer’s strainer cleaning instructions should be found there.  Cleaning the strainer should be done first.  After any dirt or other debris is removed, next clean the aerator screen at the faucets.  The shut-off valve for the fixture is another possible place where debris may be trapped, but cleaning it is more complicated and should be done by an experienced plumber.

• Pressure gauges that attach to the house hose bib are inexpensive and can be found at the local hardware or home supply store.  These can be screwed onto an exterior hose bib and the pressure reading can be recorded. The most accurate time to record your house pressure is at 7am or 7pm when the most water use occurs.  The maximum static (no flow) pressure allowed is 80 psi and the minimum is 15 psi.  Pressure readings from 45 to 65 psi are very normal.

• There are tutorials & videos online or you can call a plumber to assist you.

High pressure:

If your PRV fails by staying fully open, you will experience high pressure. If you believe your PRV is operating correctly but you still have a problem, you may need to call a plumber to investigate.

Varied pressure:

You will experience high and low pressure when your PRV is starting to fail because the seal and spring are getting stuck and then becoming unstuck. If you believe your PRV is operating correctly but you still have a variable pressure problem, you may need to call a plumber to investigate.

Low pressure at only one location:

If you are experiencing low pressure at one faucet in the home you can try cleaning the debris screen where the water comes out. Sediment can build up or break free in the pipes and then cause a blockage. If this isn’t the problem, you may need to call a plumber to find out if there is a blockage in your plumbing or in the faucet cartridge.

Low pressure on all faucets:  

If your PRV fails by staying closed, you will only get a trickle of water. If you think your PRV is operating correctly and you have low pressure at all fixtures, please call the City to request a leak check due to low pressure.  (If the City is providing low pressure it would be low at all faucets, hose bibs, shower, washing machine, etc. It would also be a problem for multiple homes in the neighborhood.)