How to test your water flow and water pressure at home?

 

Anyone can roughly measure the flow of water in their home without specific tools, all one would need is a 1 litre measuring jug and a timer, however for a more accurate reading one would need to use a device such as a water flow weir cup which can be easily purchased at your local hardware store or online if not.

Before commencing, important information to understand is the following

14.5 PSI = 1 Bar

As a general rule of thumb, 14.5 PSI / 1 Bar = 10 litres per minute flow rate

Method 1 - 1 litre measuring jug

All you need is a 1 litre measuring jug and a timer.

Step 1

Put the measuring jug under the tap and turn it on whilst starting the timer.

Step 2

After exactly 6 seconds turn the tap off.

Step 3

Multiply the amount of water measured in litres in the jug by 10 to get the flow rate in litres per minute.

Example 1

After 6 seconds there is 400ml of water in the jug, 400ml = 0.4 litres, 0.4 litres x 10 = 4 litres per minute flow rate.

As a general rule of thumb, 14.5 PSI / 1 Bar = 10 litres per minute flow rate

Therefore 4 litres per minute flow rate = Psi/Bar - 5.8/0.4

Example 2

After 6 seconds there is 900ml of water in the jug, 900ml = 0.9 litres, 0.9 litres x 10 = 9 litres per minute flow rate.

As a general rule of thumb, 14.5 PSI / 1 Bar = 10 litres per minute flow rate

 

Therefore 9 litres per minute flow rate = Psi/Bar - 13.05/0.9

 

Method 2 - Water flow weir cup

All you need is a water flow weir cup.


Step 1


Put the water flow weir cup under the water source and turn it on.


Step 2


Take note of the water flow measurement on the water flow weir cup.


Example 1


The water flow measurement on the water flow weir cup is 4 litres per minute flow rate.


As a general rule of thumb, 14.5 PSI / 1 Bar = 10 litres per minute flow rate.


Therefore 4 litres per minute flow rate = Psi/Bar - 5.8/0.4


Example 2


The water flow measurement on the water flow weir cup is 9 litres per minute flow rate.

As a general rule of thumb, 14.5 PSI / 1 Bar = 10 litres per minute flow rate

Therefore 9 litres per minute flow rate = Psi/Bar - 13.05/0.9