Vibrating Shower Pipe & low water pressure

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05-15-11, 10:46 AM

Fenway44

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Vibrating Shower Pipe & low water pressure

If the water is turned on first then redirected to the shower there is a short burst of vibration and then stops, maybe a second of vibration.

If the shower is left on before turning on the water the vibrations begin immediately & keeps vibrating until we have adjusted the water pressure enough for it to stop.

My guess is the shower pipes aren't braced in properly allowing them to move and vibrate?

Second, our water pressure is low. We live in a duplex and our neighbors have twice the pressure we do. I have turned the water pressure up at the main switch, but there is little improvement. Cold water is pretty good, hot water is about 1/2 the pressure. If the upstairs toilet is flushed, it kills about 90% of all water pressure upstairs. If water is used downstairs or the toilet is flushed all the water pressure in the rest of the house is lost until the toilet refills. This is a larger issue as we have rented out the basement. My concern is the city pipe has been damaged under my front yard ($$$$).

The house is 1/2 a duplex built in 1982.

Tips, Advice?

Thanks.

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05-15-11, 05:43 PM

Pulpo

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There is a gauge available that connects to the hose bib. It will read the pressure in the line. Is should be about 60 PSI. If that's good, then the problem is internal.

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05-15-11, 05:56 PM

lawrosa

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Hi,

It could be the lever in the spout that diverts the water. They get calcium build-up and sometimes cause a vibration. Try pulling up on it all the way.

Also the cartridge, or pressue balance spool can cause this also. Try turning the water on all hot, or all cold and see if it happens.

Of course you can have a pressure issue and should check that first, since its easy to check. Usually you get one big bang.

Mike NJ

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