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Summer Water Rules

Low Water Pressure

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It is not possible for the City to adjust the pressure for individual properties, the pressure in the city owned main lines is regularly checked. Due to the higher water pressure needed in the City’s system a PRV valve is recommended and can be installed by a plumber.

Do You Have a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?

Edgewater’s water system operates at high pressure, often over 100 PSI, to make sure water reaches every part of the city and provides enough flow for firefighting. Because the City must maintain high pressure for system flow and emergency use, the pressure entering your home can exceed what many residential plumbing components are designed for.

A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) lowers the pressure entering your home to a safe, consistent level, around 60 to 70 PSI, helping protect pipes, faucets, and appliances from damage and leaks.

New homes are required to have a PRV, but many older homes were built before that standard. If you notice fluctuating pressure, noisy pipes, or dripping fixtures, check your setup. You can purchase a simple water pressure gauge at most hardware stores or contact a licensed plumber for help determining whether a PRV is installed and functioning properly.

A small valve can make a big difference in keeping your home’s plumbing safe and reliable.

Low water pressure could be caused by several things:

The faucet aerator is clogged with mineral deposits.

A faucet aerator is the fitting that screws into the end of kitchen and bathroom faucets. An aerator adds air to the water to create a consistent flow. Inside the aerator is a small screen that can become clogged. To clean it unscrew the end of the faucet (if you use pliers be careful not to damage it) then check inside the faucet spout for any debris, then use a toothpick or paperclip to clean any blocked holes in the screen. You can also soak the parts in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits.
If the toilet is filing slowly or not filling properly you can try flushing out the fill valve. Consult the instructions for the model you have, there are also videos on the internet on how to do this.

The house shutoff valve is not open all the way.

The pressure reducing valve (PRV) is failing or one is not installed.

A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) reduces the high pressure from the City water supply which can be over 100 PSI to a safe level for in-door plumbing which is about 60-70 PSI. The City needs to maintain a high water pressure to ensure all homes have enough pressure and for firefighting. Not all homes have them, but a PRV valve is essential for providing correct and consistent pressure to appliances and faucets in a home. If you are experiencing pressure issues, it is strongly recommended that you ask a plumber about a PRV valve.

Old service lines have internal build-up.

In older homes, water service lines made of galvanized steel pipe can have a build-up of minerals and corrosion that decreases the pipe diameter and reduces the water flow. Please note that the build-up of minerals does not cause a health threat. The service line is owned and is the responsibility of the property owner. The solution for a build-up in a line is to replace the lines or live with a lower flow rate. A plumber can evaluate the lines to see if they are galvanized and if this may be an issue. This type of problem develops over decades, so the reduction is gradual.

There is a leak in the pipe.