The ideal water pressure is an individual choice.
What you may consider as adequate, is inadequate for another person.
The genesis of variations in water pressure is plumbing problems.
Now, let’s consider what is the standard water pressure for your mobile home.
So, What Is the Standard Water Pressure for A Mobile Home?
The recommended water pressure for your mobile home is 50psi. The standard measurement varies depending on where you live but many plumbing professionals recommend 50psi. Even though there is an adjustable limit of between 40 to 60 psi. most homeowners prefer the average, 50psi.
The incoming pressure is affected by many factors
- the source of your water
- the nature of the piping structure
- and the size of your home.
If you are living in a larger mobile home then you will require higher incoming pressure than the one living in smaller homes.
How To Determine Your Home’s Current Water Pressure
Follow the following quick steps to measure the incoming water pressure:
- First, get the water pressure gauge in place
- Locate the incoming water line. At this point, the water pressure is highest. It is a quick indicator of whether the pressure problem is within the house or it is originating from the source of water.
- Before you proceed further, ensure that there is no water being used within the house and shut off valves from sections you do not wish to include in the test (like the toilet).
- Close off the main valve and place the water pressure gauge on the faucet.
- Turn on the faucet and proceed to take the pressure readings.
From the readings obtained from the above readings, you can tell if the water pressure is ideal or below the standard.
You can still go-ahead to test individual faucets within the house by simply following the above procedure to get the measurements.
Interpretation Of Water Pressure Readings
Once you have obtained the readings, you need to interpret the results.
The readings have to be meaningful to help you make adjustments if there is any problem with your plumbing system.
A pressure reading of less than 40psi means that your water pressure is insufficient.
For proper functioning, you need an outlet pressure of between 40 to 60 psi.
And depending on your house needs, you may require an incoming water pressure of up to 75psi.
Therefore, any reading above 75psi is an indicator that you need to take action to lower your water pressure.
How To Test Your New Plumbing
This method is more effective. You can purchase test kits from your local hardware.
Here is the testing procedure:
- Shut off all drains, toilet flanges, and vent pipe fittings using inflatable test balloons.
- Attach test caps to the end of all sub-out pipes.
- Insert the test weenie to the clean-out fitting. Check that the gauge is placed upright and it is readable.
- Adjust the pressure within the pipes to 5psi and wait for 15 minutes. Check for any changes.
If you suspect that there is leakage in the system, you can confirm by placing diluted soap on the joints and watching out for air bubbles.
Alternatively, you can use colored smoke.
What Are The Causes Of Low Water Pressure?
You need to know the causes of low water pressure in your mobile home to seek the correct resolution.
1. Open Water Meter Valve
The meter can get turned over slightly away from the on-position which can restrict the flow of water, causing low water pressure in your home.
2. Leaky Pipes
It may be a challenge to identify the leaking parts of the pipe system.
You can perform a water pressure test using the above-mentioned methods to help you identify specific leaky pipes.
You can contact a professional plumber to identify and repair leaking pipes.
3. Faulty Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators are normally set at 45-60psi. However, over time it will begin to wear out making incorrect readings.
4. Mineral Deposits
If your home plumbing system is connected by galvanized iron pipes, then it is a common occurrence to undergo corrosion.
The pipes may be corroded enough to restrict the smooth flow of water.
4. Time Of The Day
If you are popping into the showers in the morning, likely, your neighbor is also on the same schedule.
At the peak moment of the day, there are many users thus low water pressure.
Six Ways To Increase Low Water Pressure
1. Contact Your Local Water Department
If you are sourcing water from the local municipality, the first move is to contact the water department.
Most solutions of low water pressure are beyond the skills of an average mobile homeowner.
The municipality plumbers will investigate the cause and make the required adjustments.
2. Adjust The Meter Valves
If the valves are the problem, you can quickly fix them with ease.
Locate the pressure valve along the main pipe and loosen the locking nut.
You can use the pressure gauge to balance the adjustment to the right water pressure.
3. Fix Leaking Pipes
Check the pipes for cracks and damage that are siphoning the water.
You can contact a professional to locate and repair the problem areas.
4. Clear The Pipe Clogs
If you are using old iron pipes mineral deposits will accumulate along the pipes. You can call in a professional to dissolve the mineral deposit that is blocking the pipes.
5. Replace Blocked Pipes
You can replace galvanized iron pipes with steel water pipes.
6. Install Water Softeners
Hard water contains a lot of minerals that can build up in the pipes.
The easiest method to get rid of these clogs is to pump in a water softener in the water line to dissolve the accumulated minerals.
Wrapping Up
As a mobile homeowner, low water pressure can be annoying.
By following the above adjustment methods, you can easily rectify the low-pressure issues.
However, if the adjustments don’t work for you or you are not comfortable making the adjustments yourself, it is recommended that you call a plumbing professional.
