[Seansrt2000]

Are homeowners allowed to turn off the main water supply to their homes at street level with a water meter key or are we required to call the city to do this? The reason I am asking is that at certain times I notice a loud squealing coming from my water pipes and I figured it could be air in the pipes, so in order to remove air from the lines I need to shut off the main. By the way is this the correct procedure::

- https://www.hunker.com/12335092/how-to-get-rid-of-air-in-water-pipes

Also what else could be causing squealing pipes apart from air? Thanks

 

[joecaption]

If it is air in the lines, shutting the water off is the last thing you'd want to do, need the water pressure to force the air out.
First thing I'd do is check the water pressure at the house.
There's no need for it to be above 60 PSI.
One of these attached to the outside faucet is all you'll need.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Water-Source-Water-Test-Pressure-Gauge-WSPGH100/308724108

Does it make noise when any water is used, or just when something like the toilet gets flushed?

 

[Seansrt2000]

It seems to occur randomly during the day, loud whining sound that lasts for approx 10 seconds. Should the water company check the pressure for me?

 

[joecaption]

All you can do is ask.

 

[Seansrt2000]

Just called them and they said they will come out, thanks

 

[Old Thomas]

If the shutoff is upstream of your meter you are not supposed to turn it off. Turning it off could let you do something to steal water. That said, if I had turned mine off myself I would not admit it.

 

[Seansrt2000]

Got the report left at my door and it said that the home pressure is low (45psi) and main is at (90psi). FYI my home is situated on an incline. Where is the PRV usually located? Any advice on what I should do? Still getting loud humming noise that lasts about 10 sec which occurs randomly.

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

Yes...it might be something with a leaky PRV,,,not sure...but....

The PRV is brass and will be located near the entrance of your water supply into the home. Don;t have a picture but it is sort of the size of a coke can that is tapered on one end (with a screw in the end) and mounted and sticking out at 90 degrees from your supply pipe.

Maybe someone will have a pic....or google it

 

[Seansrt2000]

Ok do you think 45 psi is low? Could a leaky PRV cause this random humming noise?

 

[mark sr]

45psi isn't all that low [I'd be tickled if I could average that] 50-60psi is normal. Is your PRV leaking to the outside of the unit? The PRV's job is to keep the pressure going above where it is set.

 

[Seansrt2000]

45psi isn't all that low [I'd be tickled if I could average that] 50-60psi is normal. Is your PRV leaking to the outside of the unit? The PRV's job is to keep the pressure going above where it is set.

Ok do you think air in the water pipes can cause this whining noise that occurs randomly? Where would the PRV usually be located? Do you recommend me to turn off the main shutoff at the water meter so that I can bleed the air from the pipes? I figure I would try this before I call the pros.

 

[mark sr]

I don't know how turning off the water would bleed air from the pipes. To remove air you need to open up all faucets and let the running water flush out the air. PVRs are generally shortly after the water supply line enters the basement or crawlspace. To be effective they need to be installed before the first faucet.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

It happens " at certain times and randomly " . Is it possible these times are when the PRV is making an adjustment to maintain the set pressure? I've heard similar noise on air PRV's.



COPIED:

Inside, a water pressure regulator has a variable spring-loaded diaphragm that automatically widens and narrows depending on the amount of water pressure entering the valve. When the water enters the regulator at high pressure, the inner mechanism constricts the diaphragm to narrow the flow of water.Jan 17, 2020

 

[Seansrt2000]

I don't know how turning off the water would bleed air from the pipes. To remove air you need to open up all faucets and let the running water flush out the air. PVRs are generally shortly after the water supply line enters the basement or crawlspace. To be effective they need to be installed before the first faucet.

Ok I will try doing what you said - so do I just turn on all the faucets at one time and let the water run? How long should I let it run? If this doesn’t work I will call a plumber to check my PRV.

 

[Seansrt2000]

It happens " at certain times and randomly " . Is it possible these times are when the PRV is making an adjustment to maintain the set pressure? I've heard similar noise on air PRV's.



COPIED:

Inside, a water pressure regulator has a variable spring-loaded diaphragm that automatically widens and narrows depending on the amount of water pressure entering the valve. When the water enters the regulator at high pressure, the inner mechanism constricts the diaphragm to narrow the flow of water.Jan 17, 2020

Ok thanks for your reply, yes this occurs randomly. I have never noticed this sound in the last 5 yrs of living here. I think I will call the plumber to check the PRV. By the way is Pressure regulator valve and pressure reducing valve the same thing?

 

[mark sr]

is Pressure regulator valve and pressure reducing valve the same thing?

Yep, different names for the same thing.

so do I just turn on all the faucets at one time and let the water run? How long should I let it run?

It shouldn't take long. If there is air in the line you will hear the faucet spurt/sputter until it's a steady stream.

 

[Seansrt2000]

is Pressure regulator valve and pressure reducing valve the same thing?

Yep, different names for the same thing.

so do I just turn on all the faucets at one time and let the water run? How long should I let it run?

It shouldn't take long. If there is air in the line you will hear the faucet spurt/sputter until it's a steady stream.

Ok thanks !

 

[Seansrt2000]

Could a failing hose bib vacuum breaker cause a random humming noise in my pipes when the faucet is off?”

 

[hkstroud]

Got the report left at my door and it said that the home pressure is low (45psi) and main is at (90psi).

That is an indication that the PRV is failing. It is probably failing from a build up of mineral deposits or just age.

It will probably have to be replaced. You could try loosening the lock nut around the adjustment screw, turning the adjustment screw in 2 or 3 turns, then turning out the same number of turns. Then turn out 2 or 3 turns then turn back in 2 or 3 turns. Ending up in the original position. That may dislodge any build up of mineral deposits. May also return your water pressure to the desired pressure. Most likely the PRV will have to be replaced.

Could a failing hose bib vacuum breaker cause a random humming noise in my pipes when the faucet is off?”

NO!



You do not have air in your water lines. If you did, it would come out as soon as you opened a faucet.

 

[bruceb3]

This could also be a running toilet. Shut them off 1 at a time and see if that stops the noise. No, shutting off the water is not how to get air out of the line.