High pressure can be managed by installing pressure regulators on the main line near valves that separate irrigation zones or sprinkler bodies that have internal pressure regulation. The location and number of pressure regulators will depend on where a system experiences high pressure.
Many valves have a flow control option and if yours does, you can adjust it to bring the pressure back down to the optimal level. If your valve does not have flow control, you can implement your own with a gate valve in series with your sprinkler valve.
Pressures higher than 80 psi can possibly damage household appliances. Generally, the ideal pressure is 65 psi. A pressure regulating valve (PRV) can be used to reduce if the pressure is higher than 65 psi.
If your pressure is higher or lower, then you'll need to install, repair, or adjust your pressure regulator to comply. Adjusting your regulator is easy, as long as it's working properly. Simply tighten the screw down clockwise to increase pressure and counter-clockwise to decrease pressure.
If you're dealing with ongoing high water pressure, you should check on your regulator. You may be able to lower your water pressure by adjusting the regulator, or you might need to replace it with a new one.
Adjust the Pressure
The regulator will have a screw or bolt and a locking nut system. Loosen the locking nut with a wrench and using quarter-turn increments, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise (to the left) to decrease water pressure, and clockwise (to the right) to increase water pressure.
Sprinkler heads are rated at a specific GPM flow rate at a specific pressure. We recommend that you use 40 psi when designing your system.
Impact sprinklers are excellent for low-pressure water sources. This type of sprinkler is built with integrated regulation valves that control water flow. Using impact sprinklers will still allow you to achieve healthy growth of grass and plants, even if the water pressure in your house is less than ideal.
The pressure gauge should read between 50 psi and 100 psi. If the gauge reads either very low or no pressure at all, you should contact a licensed sprinkler contractor about repair.
The water pressure inside the zone decreases and the sprinkler head disengages and moves on to the next watering zones, you can't water more than one zone at a time.
Modifying the Pressure-Reducing Valve
Locate the PRV, usually near the main water shut-off valve. Look for an adjustment screw on top of the valve. To increase pressure, turn the screw clockwise.
The purpose of the relief valve is to prevent excessive pressure build up within the automatic sprinkler system. For example, excess heat can cause the water within the pipe to expand and possibly rupture the pipe, fittings or sprinklers.
Turn off the water supply. Briefly run one of the sprinkler heads to relieve the water pressure in the system. Automatic draining should begin, clearing the pipes of excess water.
Use Special Zone Control Valves: These valves are modified to have a pressure regulating module. This module allows you to individually assign reduced pressure levels. These reduced pressure levels will apply in all the different watering zones around the house.
Keep in mind that sprinkler and drip systems will not work properly if the pressure is too low or too high. Most sprinkler systems work at an optimal pressure of 30-50 psi, and most drip systems work best in the range of 20-40 psi.
This will primarily be determined by the total flow rate and pressure you have available at your source. For example, you generally have a flow rate of 10 gpm from a ¾-inch spigot where you connect your hose. With your 10 gpm flow rate at your spigot, you could run two sprinklers at 5 gpm each.
This will result in the remaining water draining into low spots and subjecting the system to freeze damage. Ideal pressures are in the range of 40 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi) for the air compressor with 80 psi being the maximum for rigid PVC pipe and 50 psi for polyethylene pipe (flexible black pipe).
You need pressure regulators to achieve the intended distribution pattern and application rate. If you do not control the system pressure, it can negatively affect the sprinkler performance. Without regulators, the throw radius can alter, fitting, and emitters could even take damage or blow out of the tubing.
Removing the water restrictor from your showerhead can also improve water pressure.
Check with your water supplier
It could be that the mains' water pressure has increased, which is an issue with your water network. Call your water company to see if they have set the pressure higher than normal because of maintenance work. You might also find that neighbouring homes have reported the same issue.
By mixing air with water, aerators reduce water usage while maintaining the feel of high pressure. This process not only minimizes water waste, but also creates a softer, more controlled stream that's less likely to splash.