Plumbing - PSI Question

KMP · #1 12/28/2007, 09:51 AM

Does anyone know what the PSI rating needs to be for the return line (from sump back to tank)? The pump is rated 1000gph . Thanks.

dsanfilippo · #2 12/28/2007, 04:06 PM

PSI is equal to about .5 PSI per foot of head pressure - You should be no where near the maximum pressure of any of the pipes normally used in plumbing systems. most piping and PVC glue joints are rated to at least 150 PSI, we usually operate under 20 PSI (unless you have some crazy system with a huge pump)

KMP · #3 12/28/2007, 09:20 PM

ok, i think i understand what you are saying. so instead of being focused on the gph, I need to consider the head pressure:

head pressure x .5 = psi

is that correct? so now, what exactly is the head pressure

dsanfilippo · #4 12/28/2007, 09:34 PM

head pressure is basically the pressure (PSI) exerted by a column of liquid due to its height. this is why we normally talk about "feet " of pressure. The terms are measuring the same thing in different units 1 foot of water =.434 PSI (round to .5)
You are correct in thinking of GPH and PSI/Feet of Head seperately they are measuring totally different things