Raining effect on pressure in water pipes

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Pipes Pressure Water
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of heavy rain on the pressure in water pipes, exploring the relationship between external water sources, infrastructure, and consumer demand. Participants consider both theoretical implications and practical observations related to water pressure dynamics in various systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that heavy rain increases the hydrostatic pressure in nearby lakes or rivers, potentially affecting the pressure in water pipes.
  • Another participant argues that the pressure in mains water pipes is primarily determined by head tank towers and that source pressure diminishes quickly due to flow resistance.
  • A different viewpoint notes that during rain, consumer demand for water may decrease, leading to less pressure loss in the pipework.
  • One participant proposes a practical approach of installing a pressure gauge to monitor fluctuations in water pressure, emphasizing the need for empirical data to support any claims about the effects of rain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between rain and water pressure, with no consensus reached on the validity of the initial reasoning or the impact of consumer behavior. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the influence of external factors on water pressure.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the infrastructure used by water companies and the specific mechanisms of pressure regulation are not fully explored. The discussion also highlights the dependence on empirical data to substantiate claims.

Delta2
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Can we say that the pressure in the water pipes is increasing when it is raining heavy? Reasoning is that if the water company takes water from a nearby lake or river, rain causes higher water height in lake or river which causes higher hydrostatic pressure in the source which affects the pressure in the water pipes. So has this reasoning any validity or is it that the water companies use infrastructure and machinery that isolates the pressure in the source from the pressure in the pipe network and can maintain stable pressure in the pipes?
 
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The pressure in mains water pipes is due to the head tank towers. Source pressure is quickly lost to flow resistance.

Even in my POWS - privately owned water system - the pressure is due to an air loaded reservoir.
 
When it's raining people have no need to water their garden and are less inclined to wash their car... so perhaps demand falls and there is less pressure loss in the pipework?
 
Rather then speculate about the possible causes of a condition which may or may not exist, I propose that you install a pressure gauge in you house and monitor your water pressure. If you notice fluctuations you can then try to observe what external events correlate to the fluctuations. Once correlations are established we can speculate as to the mechanism of the correlation. As of now we are speculating about non-existent data.
 

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