The Quest for Perfect Water Pressure and Quality
When my wife and I purchased our fixer-upper in 1987, we knew we were in for a wild ride. One of the first surprises we encountered was the lack of hot water. As it turned out, our 40-gallon gas water heater just wasn’t cutting it. I soon discovered that only 80% of the tank’s contents are usable, leaving us with a mere 32 gallons. After some quick math, I realized that our showerhead’s 3-gallon-per-minute flow rate was depleting our hot water supply in no time.
Upgrading to a Bigger Tank
I decided to upgrade to a 50-gallon tank, which would provide us with 40 gallons of usable hot water. However, after installation, I didn’t notice a significant difference. That’s when I called the manufacturer, Ruud, and spoke with an engineer who asked about our water pressure. It turned out that our pressure was 93 psi, 13 psi above the maximum allowable in Massachusetts. The engineer explained that this excessive pressure was causing our water heater to work overtime, even with a flow restrictor in place.
Reducing Pressure with a PRV
The engineer recommended installing a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to bring the pressure down to 60 psi. I purchased a 1″ Watts U5B PRV and adjusted the pressure accordingly. With the reduced pressure, our 50-gallon water heater finally performed as it should. No more running out of hot water, and no more blaming my wife!
Tackling Iron Stains and Manganese
However, our water woes didn’t end there. We soon noticed iron stains on our dishes and laundry. I sent a water sample to CUNO for testing, which revealed high levels of iron and manganese. The engineer suggested installing a whole-house sediment filter, which would essentially become an iron magnet and remove most of the impurities from our water.
The Power of Sediment Filters
I purchased a double sump with two AP 110 filter cartridges, which allowed for a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute. I set up a 3-valve mechanical bypass and installed gauges to monitor the pressure drop. This system worked wonders, and our iron stains began to disappear.
The Importance of Thermal Expansion Tanks
But there was another issue lurking beneath the surface. Our water pressure would fluctuate wildly, causing problems with our plumbing system. The engineer at Watts explained that installing a PRV had turned our open system into a closed system, which meant that the increased pressure during water heater cycles wasn’t being absorbed by the street main. The solution? A thermal expansion tank, which would absorb the additional pressure and maintain consistent water pressure.
A Decade of DIY Plumbing
Over the years, I’ve continued to tweak our water system, experimenting with different pressures and filters. I’ve replaced our thermal expansion tank twice, and it’s been a game-changer for our plumbing system. I’ve also added a point-of-use filter under my kitchen sink, which makes our water safe for human consumption.
The Moral of the Story
If you’re struggling with water pressure or quality issues, don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands. With a little DIY know-how and the right equipment, you can transform your water system and enjoy the perfect shower every time.
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