Reduced Water flow
 

Last week we had a water main break on our street. We never had an instant where we lost all water but the flow was weak. Since that time I have noticed that when we flush the toilet there is a reduced water flow in all the faucets in the house. I never noticed this prior to the water main break. Can anyone here provide and insight to what is going on?

John

water break
 

Sometimes when that happens all the sediment in the line breaks loose . Clean out screens on all faucets, this may help.

However when the toilet has filled up the flow returns to normal so there is no sediment in the faucets.

John

weak flow= low pressure. maybe the lines hadn't had time to build back the required water pressure. usually water pressure 60 to 90 PSI depending on how close to water tower you are???

60 to 90 should be street pressure with a house PRV taking it down to a normal house pressure of 35 to 45 psi.

John, does your home have a whole house water filter installation that could be clogged? Did the water department have to shut off your house curb stop to repair the water main? That might not be fully opened?

Home Depot and Lowes sells pressure gauges that you install to a outside faucet where you can accurately measure water pressure in the house distribution system...be interesting to know what you read (the gauges are about $10).

Also call your water department as they have people they can send out to assist at no charge...at least that's what I did 40 years ago when I worked for a water department.

Also read this: What Causes Low Water Pressure? | EasyWater

There are no installed prv's here

Our water flow slows considerably when our filter needs changing. It used to be every 3 months but recently, we have had to change it in 5/6 weeks. Same as you, if the washer is running or you flush a toilet, good luck in the shower. :(
Just wondering if it has something to do with the increase of population during the winter months.

I installed several Nova filters which have pressure gauges, all were 60-70 PSI.

Sounds like debris in line, it will work it's way out more than likely.

As far as changing the cartridges, if you are changing them every 5/6 weeks that is a residential small filter cartridge.

Our Nova filters will last 9-12 months.

Can't compare residential to commercial grade, it less expensive in cartridge changes because there are three large ones.

If you have a water softener, it may be plugged. Put the softener on bypass and see if that helps.