Build This Test Unit For Water Pressure
Here is a handy device you can build to check the water pressure of your home plumbing system. Correct working water pressure is important for the proper operation of your plumbing system and fixtures. This handy tool will be an effective instrument for troubleshooting your system.
Building this tool is simple and requires only two brass parts and a gauge. From left to right:
- Female Hose to FIP Swivel: 3/4" x 1/2"
- Male Pipe to FIP Hex Bushing 1/2" x 1/4"
- One Pressure Gauge with a 1/4" NPT connection
Put this together by assemblying the parts. Some people use pipe dope on the joints but I stand by the rule that brass on brass needs no thread dope. Assemble the parts tightly with two ten inch adjustable wrenches: fifty to ninety pounds torque should be adequate.
After the unit is assembled, take it outside and install it on a hosebib. Turn on the water and read the pressure. Be sure to turn the water off before trying to remove the unit. This unit will install onto most laundry sink faucets, as well.
The cost to put this project together is modest: the two brass parts total about eight dollars and the gauge will run from twelve dollars to twenty-five dollars (unless you want to buy something elaborate). If your local hardware store does not have the swivel in the 3/4" x 1/2", you may purchase the more prevalent 3/4" x 3/4" swivel, insert a 3/4" x 1/2" bushing, then install the 1/2" x 1/4" bushing into that and then install the gauge. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Hope this is helpful and enjoy!