Once water begins its journey into the delivery system, on its way to your home or business, water pressure is created by the physical weight of water forcing its way through the delivery system.  Since water pressure is considered a function of weight, it is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

You can purchase a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store for around $10.  The device fits on most outdoor hose bibs (faucets).  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.  It's a good idea to have a pressure gauge on hand to measure your water pressure.

There really is no such thing as "normal" water pressure.  Since water pressure is influenced by the elevation of the reservoir that serves your neighborhood versus the elevation of your water meter, water pressure varies from property to property. 

Water pressure in Hesperia typically ranges from 40 - 125 psi; however, typical residential systems are designed to function best under a pressure of 40 - 60 psi.  If the water pressure entering your home exceeds this level, you should install a pressure regulator on the line to reduce the pressure to an acceptable range.  This protects your equipment and piping in your home from damage from excess force exerted by the water. 

Symptoms of high pressure include "clanging" or "rattling" of pipes that occur when a faucet, dishwasher, or washing machine shuts off; water heater pressure relief valve malfunctions, and reoccurring leaks.  The symptom of low pressure is typically a noticeable reduction of flow.

A pressure regulator is a spring-loaded mechanical device installed in your water system to reduce water pressure.  Installation of this device is recommended to protect your system from pressure greater than the preset level of the regulator.  The regulator is owned and maintained by the customer, and is usually located near the front of the house or business, either by your meter or on the water inlet pipe. 

Note:  Like all things mechanical, pressure regulators can and DO fail!  The typical life span of a pressure regulator is 6 to 8 years.  The higher the pressure that is being regulated, the shorter the life span of the regulator. 

The first thing you should do is check with your neighbors. Is their pressure low too? If the answer is yes, the low pressure is most likely due to an occurrence within the District's infrastructure. Valve operations, peak water usage, pump starts and stops, changes in storage tank levels, power outages, piping failure, construction, and/or mechanical failures can cause pressure problems that can be neighborhood-specific. If this is the case, we'd appreciate hearing from you so we can advise you of the situation or dispatch immediate assistance.

If low pressure is occurring only on your property, it may be caused by any of the following:

• Water leak on the property
• Failure of regulator
• Mineral deposits inside pipes or hoses
• Plumbing modifications
• Simultaneous household appliance use
• Landscape irrigation scheduling
• Landscape valve and system design
• Faulty adjustment of the regulator

Should you decide to contact a plumber, the City recommends that you obtain multiple quotes from qualified plumbers with both a State Contractors License and City of Hesperia business license.