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distributing
water around the house
Distributing Water Around the House
Pressure is the key element that ensures
a safe, usable water system. Water pressure provides the
energy needed to deliver water to you. Pumps located at
the water treatment plant and elsewhere in the distribution
system maintain the water pressure. These pumps control
the pressure making it possible for you to get water when
you need and where you need it.
As water gets carried from the water main
to the various plumbed appliances in your home, proper water
pressure is absolutely essential for the protection of your
faucets, toilets, showerheads and other appliances. An overload
of water pressure will cause plumbing fixtures and appliances
to become damaged or leak excessively. Also, if the pressure
drops too low, plumbing fixtures and appliances might not
work efficiently.
The system must be designed accordingly
so that each appliance receives the proper pressure of water.
Multiple appliances must be able to function at the same
time as well. The pressure must be conserved and reduced
to a level that can be safely dealt with. Also, keep in
mind that maintaining a positive water pressure serves to
protect the water quality by protecting it from untreated
groundwater with which the pipelines might come in contact.
Water pressure is measured by the amount
of force it exerts per square inch of internal pipe space,
or in pounds per square inch (psi). A gauge installed on
the piping system keeps an accurate measure of this. The
typical water pressure for a public distribution system
is between 40 - 80 psi, and should always be above 20 psi.
Anything over 80 psi is dangerous.
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