3rd Floor water pressure/volume issues (my parent's house).
#1
08-14-12, 05:25 AM
3rd Floor water pressure/volume issues (my parent's house).
I was out at my parent's place this past weekend and while changing my brother's tie-rods, was chatting with my dad about some of the work I'm doing at my place this upcoming winter.
My dad mentioned that he is still having pressure/volume issues in his third floor bathroom. Both of us are on similar pump systems, running with 1/2" copper pipe and have bathrooms three stories from the pump gear.
Talking it over a bit, we realized that I have a lot of horizontal runs to my third floor, where his third floor feed is straight up from the utility room.
If all things where equal with our pump gear (both 40/60 switched, same pressure tanks) different sources and he's running big blue filters, could his straight up piping vs. my horizontal --> up --> Horizontal run make the difference?
Other then replacing all his pipes and going with 3/4" (which I am in my home), what options could he consider to up the pressure/volume to his third floor?
My parent's house is 100% completely finished, so replacing pipe for larger diameter isn't a considerable option. The house was built in 1999.
My dad mentioned that he is still having pressure/volume issues in his third floor bathroom. Both of us are on similar pump systems, running with 1/2" copper pipe and have bathrooms three stories from the pump gear.
Talking it over a bit, we realized that I have a lot of horizontal runs to my third floor, where his third floor feed is straight up from the utility room.
If all things where equal with our pump gear (both 40/60 switched, same pressure tanks) different sources and he's running big blue filters, could his straight up piping vs. my horizontal --> up --> Horizontal run make the difference?
Other then replacing all his pipes and going with 3/4" (which I am in my home), what options could he consider to up the pressure/volume to his third floor?
My parent's house is 100% completely finished, so replacing pipe for larger diameter isn't a considerable option. The house was built in 1999.
#2
08-14-12, 09:43 AM
Group Moderator
I think the overall length of pipe and number of fittings, especially 90 degree ones, would have more affect than horizontal versus vertical as long as both are going up about the same elevation. If it's a big deal I suppose you could install a booster pump if you have access to the plumbing for the 3rd floor. I would also check to insure that all shutoff valves are completely open and all aerators & strainers are nice and clean. You could also try removing the flow restrictors on the 3rd floor fixtures.
I'm sure someone will chime in that 1/2" shouldn't be used for runs like that...
I'm sure someone will chime in that 1/2" shouldn't be used for runs like that...
#3
08-14-12, 09:50 AM
The pressure/volume has been like that since day one.
I was thinking either a booster pump or maybe a second tank after the filters, single connection to the system like a hot water heating system tank. It in therory would help balance the volume.
As for the 1/2" pipe.... I have the same size of pipe and as long as I don't add another demand (shower and toilet for example) my pressure/volume is good. I'm upgrading as I have two young boys and a third on the way. Water demand over time will definately increase. Better off doing the upgrade now.
I was thinking either a booster pump or maybe a second tank after the filters, single connection to the system like a hot water heating system tank. It in therory would help balance the volume.
As for the 1/2" pipe.... I have the same size of pipe and as long as I don't add another demand (shower and toilet for example) my pressure/volume is good. I'm upgrading as I have two young boys and a third on the way. Water demand over time will definately increase. Better off doing the upgrade now.
#4
08-14-12, 12:10 PM
Super Moderator
You would want to keep the flow restrictors in on the third floor. Actually get a 1.25 gpm shower head and you will have better pressure.
Same for the aerators at the sinks. Possibly his issue is that the flow restrictors were removed.
Also do a bucket test to see his GPM compared to yours.
Big blue filters? How many micron? Do a bucket test with the filter and without the filter.
Same for the aerators at the sinks. Possibly his issue is that the flow restrictors were removed.
Also do a bucket test to see his GPM compared to yours.
Big blue filters? How many micron? Do a bucket test with the filter and without the filter.
#5
08-14-12, 12:21 PM
Believe his manual backwash is 50 micron, first settlement filter is 5 micron and the final is a charcoal. That is followed by the UV filter.
Will check his GPM on the third floor. The other floors don't appear to be affected enough to complain.
Will check his GPM on the third floor. The other floors don't appear to be affected enough to complain.
#6
08-14-12, 01:00 PM
Super Moderator
5 micron is too small IMO. The flow rating through the 10 micron big blue filters is 4 gpm what the data shows. Probably clogging up real fast?
The 30 microns flow 10 + gpm with less then 1 psi loss. ( I use 30 micron filters in my own home.)
Its worth a test to remove them.
The 30 microns flow 10 + gpm with less then 1 psi loss. ( I use 30 micron filters in my own home.)
Its worth a test to remove them.
#7
08-15-12, 05:01 AM
Are the big blue filters that much more dense then the smaller units?
I only drop 2 PSI over my 2 filters and the water softener.
I have a pressure gauge before and after the treatment gear. Just replaced the gauge before (on the pressure tank) as it was found faulty when I drained the pressure tank a few weeks ago.
I'll be out at my parent's place this coming weekend (they are 2 hours from my house). will test the GPM on the 3rd floor vs the other floors.
I only drop 2 PSI over my 2 filters and the water softener.
I have a pressure gauge before and after the treatment gear. Just replaced the gauge before (on the pressure tank) as it was found faulty when I drained the pressure tank a few weeks ago.
I'll be out at my parent's place this coming weekend (they are 2 hours from my house). will test the GPM on the 3rd floor vs the other floors.
