Low Water Pressure in Wake Forest, NC

What Raleigh Water says about pressure

Raleigh Water's FAQ is direct: unless there is a water main break near your house, water pressure should be adequate and should not vary in a noticeable way. It says the most common cause of unusually low pressure is a faulty pressure reducing valve, or PRV, which is usually located on the customer side of the water meter box, and that a PRV can be replaced by a plumber.

That puts most low-pressure problems on the homeowner's side of the line. Raleigh Water is responsible for breaks in mains in the street; the property owner is responsible for breaks on private property, which includes the PRV and the service line to the house. The Town of Wake Forest's contact list routes water leak and pressure problems to 919-996-3245.

Narrowing it down

Start by asking whether the problem is everywhere or in one place. Low pressure at a single faucet often comes from a clogged aerator or a faulty fixture valve. Low pressure on the hot side only suggests the water heater or its valves. Low pressure throughout the house, especially if it came on gradually, fits the failing PRV that Raleigh Water describes.

If the drop was sudden and neighbors are affected too, a main break or system issue is more likely, so call Raleigh Water. The city also issues System Pressure Advisories when appropriate, according to its water and sewer pages. If the pressure dropped and your bill went up, look for a leak; see leak detection.

Leaks that look like pressure problems

A significant leak in the service line between the meter and the house can reduce pressure at the fixtures while the meter spins. Do the meter test in our leak detection guide: with all water off, the meter should not move. If it does, the lost pressure and the lost water have the same cause.

Leaks on private property are the owner's responsibility under Raleigh Water's policy, and they show up in CCF on the next bill. Our leak cost calculator estimates the monthly cost from the published tiers, and Raleigh's billing FAQ explains its leak adjustment rules.

Replacing a PRV

A PRV replacement is a plumbing repair. North Carolina law requires permits for the installation, extension or general repair of plumbing systems, with exceptions spelled out in statute and in the State Building Code, so ask the plumber whether the job needs a permit from the Town of Wake Forest; see plumbing permits.

Ask the plumber to check the pressure before and after with a gauge, so you know the new valve is set correctly. Check the license with the NC Plumbing Board's online search; see how to check a license.

Pressure and backflow

Raleigh Water's cross-connection program explains that backflow can occur when pressure in the distribution system drops relative to a service line, which can happen during firefighting, a main break, high usage or backpressure from a pump. For most residential customers, approved backflow protection is the dual check device in the meter box.

Homes with irrigation systems need a testable assembly; see backflow testing in Wake Forest for the schedule and who may test it. If pressure trouble came with discolored water, see discolored water.