That means if you are routinely measuring 15-30 psi, then a 60 psi gauge is probably appropriate. Most irrigation needs can be handled with the 0-100 psi gauge, but if you are measuring high static pressures, a 200 psi gauge may necessary. However, resist the temptation to make a high range gauge work for all cases!
The optimum operating pressure for most residential sprinkler heads is between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch (PSI). With correct water pressure, each head will perform the way they were designed, and the result will be even spray-patterns and efficient use of water.
For many sprinklers, the recommended operating water pressure ranges between 30-40 pounds PSI. A pressure regulator ensures that water pressure consistently stays within this recommended PSI range, regardless of the water pressure before it reaches the sprinkler.
Under 40 is considered low, so you may need to boost pressure if installing an irrigation system. Over 80 is high, and many household water appliances may be at risk of damage over this range. A pressure reducing valve may be necessary. Static pressure is affected by elevation.
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
Water pressure over 80 psi can cause damage to your home's plumbing fixtures, including anything with a rubber gasket. Common problem areas include: water heaters.
One of the leading reasons for low sprinkler water pressure relates to the valves on your backflow preventer device. If you notice limited water pressure in your sprinkler system but normal water pressure inside your home, then the problem might be that your backflow preventer valves are not completely open.
The most common cause of low water pressure in sprinklers is the backflow preventer valves not opening fully. There are two main pipes in your backflow preventer – one horizontal and one vertical. Each pipe has a handle that can be turned to run with the line or across to open the valve.
By simply examining the sprinkler heads, you might notice that the adjustment of sprinkler heads is not proper. If so, you can simply turn the sprinkler head anti-clockwise for increasing the flow of water from the sprinkler head.
The standard sprinkler flow rates, in general, are from 4 gallons per minute (gpm) from a 5/32-inch nozzle at 30 pounds pressures to over 11 gpm from a 7/32-inch nozzle at 70 pounds pressures.
A drip system that operates at high pressure (above 40 psi) may appear to be operating adequately, however it is more likely to develop problems over time.
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.
Generally, the larger a pipe is, the higher the water flow. The water pressure level always has to be taken into consideration, however. Even the biggest, smoothest pipes will not have effective water flow if the water pressure is low, because there is not enough strength to defeat the force of friction.
Most spray sprinklers have recommended operating pressures between 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and 45 psi. Operating a sprinkler system at a pressure higher than recommended can cause significant water waste, due to excessive flow rates, misting, fogging, overspray, and uneven coverage.
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.
Turn the water flow up or down to affect the spray distance.
This is the easiest way to adjust how far your sprinkler sprays. Twist the knob of your water source to the right to increase the water flow. Turn it to the left to decrease water flow.
The ideal water pressure for a house will be somewhere in the range of about 45 to 65 psi. Anything higher than 80 psi can cause damage, and anything much lower than 45 psi may result in issues when you use your shower, toilet, dishwasher and other water-consuming appliances.
The water pressure in a plumbing system should be between 45 and 55 psi (pounds per square inch). If the pressure rises above 60 psi, it can create problems for the plumbing, including damage to the pipes. In most cases of high water pressure, a professional must analyze the problem and find a solution.
Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI. Once you measure the water pressure in your house, you can adjust it to a setting that is ideal for all family members and household uses.
Do I need a water pressure regulator? Building code requires that homes that receive water with pressure greater than 80 PSI have a water pressure regulator. A home's water pressure should stay in the range of 40 to 60 PSI.
Adding a Water Pressure Regulator Protects Your Appliances
High water pressure can prematurely wear out appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine, water softener, and water heater.
Lawn irrigation systems can backflow contaminated water into your drinking water. In order to prevent this, building codes require that these systems be protected with a backflow preventer: International Plumbing Code 2006 608.16.
Drip irrigation systems are designed to work at an even lower pressure than is set for the house, with the optimal pressure for a drip system between 15 and 30 PSI.
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).