If you are experiencing a total water outage or have had a sudden, drastic decrease in water pressure, please contact Village Hall at (608) 424 - 3341.
Water pressure will vary based on several factors, namely the elevation of your building. Water pressure may also fluctuate during peak demand - the times of day and/or days of the week water is most in demand. Typical water pressure runs from 40 to 170 pounds per square inch (psi).
The heaviest demand for water is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, when most customers are in the habit of watering. If you'd like to improve pressure in your neighborhood, talk to your neighbors about Smart Watering - balancing out watering throughout the week by taking turns between even and odd-numbered houses.
Most fluctuations in pressure are unnoticeable, yet the Village ensures that water always remains at a safe level.
Troubleshooting Low or High Pressure
Most water pressure problems originate inside the home. If you are experiencing an increase or decrease in water pressure, please check these common culprits.
- Pressure Reducing Valve - Inside many homes, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) is installed to safeguard internal plumbing from high water pressure (80 to 170 psi). The PRV is a fist-sized bell-shaped device with a screw sticking out of the top of the "bell." It's usually located near the household shut-off valve. The PRV constricts incoming water so that even if the supply pressure fluctuates, you only see a constant flow of water at a functional pressure.
- Water Softener - Water softeners can cause a sudden change or decrease in water pressure. To check it, switch the water softener to bypass mode and see if the pressure improves. You may also want to have the water softener serviced by a service technician if you believe it’s the cause of your low pressure.
- Clogged Aerators - If you only have low pressure at one faucet, it may be a clogged aerator. Check the aerator screen for rust, debris, and other particles restricting flow. This most commonly occurs when water service is shut-off. Without pressure in the indoor plumbing system, mineral particles adhering to your pipes flake off and become trapped in the aerator filter. Watch a How to Clean a Faucet Aerator video.
- Shut-off Valve - The shut-off valve shuts off water to the home. It’s normally located where the water service pipe comes into the home. If this valve is partially closed, it will affect water pressure throughout the entire home. Check that the valve is completely open.
- Low Flow in Older Homes - Sometimes low flow masquerades as low pressure. What’s the difference? Pressure is the degree to which the incoming water supply enters your home. Flow is the ease of the water traveling within your internal plumbing system. A common problem in older homes (generally 50 or more years and older) is a reduction of flow rate. Over time, mineral deposits and corrosion sediment accumulate on the interior of galvanized pipes. This decreases the diameter of the interior pipe, creating a more turbulent and restricted path for the water. This internal build-up of minerals and corrosion does not pose a safety concern, but it does cause weaker flow. Indoor plumbing and the service line are owned by and the responsibility of the property owner.