Water Pressure
Due to the diverse terrain and the size of the Texas Water service area, water pressure will vary due to multiple factors including the elevation of the property and its physical relationship to the water source (tanks and reservoirs). Homes at higher elevations typically have lower pressure than homes at lower elevations. The distance between a water meter and your home can have a negative impact on your pressure as well. A utility's water pressure is predominately based on elevated storage tank water levels assisted by the use of booster pumps.
Texas Water highly recommends that all customers have a Pressure Reducer Valve (PRV) installed at their location to protect against high pressure and pressure surges as the water system evolves or changes in direction of flow.
Quick Reference Guide for Common Water Pressure Issue
|
Issue |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
|
Clanging or Rattling Pipes |
High Pressure |
Install or Service Pressure Reducer Valve |
|
Malfunctioning relief valve on water heater |
High Pressure |
Install or Service Pressure Reducer Valve |
|
Reoccurring customer leaks |
High Pressure |
Install or Service Pressure Reducer Valve |
|
Low pressure only internally |
|
|
|
Low pressure only hot water |
Water Heater |
Flush and service water heater |
|
Low pressure inside and outside |
|
|
|
Low pressure when running multiple faucets, appliances, sprinkler system, etc. |
Not enough volume through the meter, may need a larger meter |
Complete our Water Service Sizer Questionnaire and contact us; our staff can help determine the best sized meter |
|
Low pressure in the mornings, evenings and in the summer |
High Demand on main water lines during peak usage |
|
|
Sudden drop in pressure impacting multiple customers |
Water leak on main distribution line |
|
|
Low pressure area |
House is located at the higher elevation, like the top of a hill |
Install a booster system |
Pressure Reducer Valve (PRV)
A Pressure Reducer Valve (PRV) is a relief valve that controls and maintains a preset, reduced downstream (outlet) pressure by causing the main valve to throttle and sustain the desired reduced pressure regardless of variations in demand and upstream (inlet) water pressure.
Do I Need a Pressure Reducer Valve?
Due to circumstances beyond Texas Water control, water pressure may fluctuate. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all properties have a PRV installed to prevent any damage to pipes and/or appliances. The customer can attach their own PRV or have their own plumber do so. Typically, the PRV is factory set to 55 psi, but it is controllable by the customer. It is not recommended that the pressure exceeds 80 psi.
Texas Water is not responsible for any damage to customer property due to water pressure.
Is My Pressure Reducer Valve Causing Low or High Pressure?
If you have a PRV and are experiencing low pressure or high pressure, it may need to be adjusted or serviced.
A PRV has an internal diaphragm that can fail over time. When a PRV fails, this diaphragm often closes - restricting the flow or volume of water passing through the device. When this occurs, customers may experience normal pressure when they first turn on their faucets because of the water built up in their lines and then the pressure decreases quickly. In this instance, the PRV will likely need to be replaced.
Most PRVs have a screen on the inlet side of the device. Check the screens for particles that may be restricting flow, and clean as necessary.
Adjusting your Pressure Reducer Valve
Consult your owner's manual or a plumber should you need to adjust your pressure reducer valve.