Water in a pipe is pressurized by adjusting a valve on the main water supply line.
Adjusting the Main Water Supply Valve
To increase or decrease water pressure in a pipe, you typically need to manipulate a valve located on the main water supply pipe, often near the water meter. Here's a step-by-step process based on the reference:
- Locate the Valve: Find the main water supply pipe. The valve you need to adjust is usually located near the water meter.
- Identify the Adjustment Bolt: Look for a bolt at the top of the valve. This bolt is used to control the water pressure.
- Tighten to Increase Pressure: To increase water pressure, gently tighten the bolt. Make small adjustments at a time.
- Loosen to Decrease Pressure: To decrease water pressure, loosen the bolt, again making small adjustments.
- Use a Pressure Gauge: After making an adjustment, use a pressure gauge to check the PSI (pounds per square inch). A typical acceptable range is between 40 and 60 PSI.
- Monitor and Fine-Tune: Repeat the adjustment and gauge readings until you reach your desired pressure.
Example
For instance, if your water pressure is too low, you would locate the valve near the water meter and slowly tighten the bolt on top of it. After each small adjustment, you would check the pressure gauge. The goal is to incrementally increase the pressure until it's within the recommended range.
Why Adjust Water Pressure?
Maintaining the correct water pressure is essential for various reasons:
- Efficient Water Use: Adequate pressure ensures that water flows effectively through your pipes to your fixtures.
- Preventing Damage: High water pressure can lead to damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances.
- Comfort and Convenience: Correct pressure is necessary for comfortable and effective use of showers and faucets.
Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Locate Valve | Find the valve on the main water supply pipe near the water meter. |
| 2. Identify Bolt | Locate the adjustment bolt at the top of the valve. |
| 3. Tighten/Loosen | Tighten to increase pressure, loosen to decrease, in small increments. |
| 4. Check Pressure | Use a pressure gauge to monitor the PSI, aiming for 40-60 PSI. |
| 5. Fine-Tune | Repeat steps 3 and 4 until desired pressure is reached. |
