I did not understand dry vs liquid filled gauges. I have an old dry water pressure gauge that I need to trash. I'm convinced is off by 5-10 psi. Thanks for that insight. I'm a fan of your work. Poking around the internet I discovered digital pressure gauges. Much more expensive, but more accurate and, if my understanding is correct, maintain accuracy across the full operating range.
Glad I could help. But as for which is correct--your old water pressure gauge or Flo by Moen--it's hard to say without testing against a known, calibrated, pressure reading device of some sort. One viewer had a Flo with an inaccurate flow sensor, then bought Phyn and had some discrepancies with the pressure sensor--it seemed he unfortunately had some bad luck with both devices, but the flow sensor was a deal breaker for him. In any case, I'm advocating for not throwing away the old one until proven it is the one with the problem. As for the digital pressure gauges--agreed, they can get spendy! Not sure if I answered anything there, but let me know if you have any other questions. I'll still follow up on your other comment after having tested the pressure on my remote Flo.
6 MONTH UPDATE: This water pressure gauge ROCKS. I've left it in place on a high sun/heat exposure (100+F reflective temps in Feb) hose bibb pretty much all the time for a series of different tests--a "dozen" uses is far behind. The gauge stayed calibrated and the glycerin did not change color. The red lettering, however, shows some fading. So perhaps point whatever water pressure gauge you end up with angled or down and keep it from facing the sun, if your water pressure gauge will have constant sun exposure.
Really glad to hear it helped and hope you are happy with the one you chose. I certainly tend to overthink some of these purchases (even these small ones) and I totally agree--there are sooo many!
I have a weird problem. My two outside hose bibs read 75. I use an adaptor that enables me to hook a hose up to my kitchen faucet. The kitchen faucet used to be fine but now the pressure is so low I can't wash my dog. I hooked up the pressure gauge and, astonishingly, it reads 75. I hooked a hose up to the faucet then the gauge to the other end of the hose. It reads 75 yet when I install a spray nozzle it sprays 1o feet but when hooked the same nozzle to the front the water will spray 45 feet.....I can't figure it out unless my gauge always reads 75.."it's always something"..good video, I liked your explanation. I'm subbing..
It certainly seems like the gauge is suspect if the spray is noticeably different. One way to verify is to close the system to your house like I did in this video and introduce a small leak: ruclips.net/video/UJWSV2pwS-g/видео.html. Does the gauge show a drop in pressure?
@@NoMoreLeaks I'll have to do your test next. What I did do was bought another gauge and it read exactly the same as the first one. Then I put the gauge on my kitchen faucet which gave me 75 before but this time I allowed just a trickle to flow. As soon as the void in the gauge was 1/2 full it jumped right up to 60 then 75...I'll have to do the test you performed in your video...thanks again..
With that additional information--now that you've eliminated the gauge as the problem. If all places are reading 75 psi at least it doesn't sound like there is a leak somewhere in the line. One culprit could be a blockage somewhere in the line to the sink. Perhaps this might be helpful: inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Pipe_Clog_Repair_Guide.php Full disclosure, I'm not a plumber and the advice is worth the price charged. ;-) Have you tried removing the screen from the faucet to see if there is buildup there?
@@NoMoreLeaks I actually removed the aerator when I attached my adapter, at the sink it read 75, I installed a hose and it read 75 but I figure that must be a built up pressure. When I compare the actual distance the hose only will spray at the sink then at the hose bib there is a significant difference....sheesh...maybe I'll buy a portable water pump and be done with it..thanks for your time, I do appreciate it..
Yes, agreed on the built up pressure going to 75. I had kinda assumed you had already removed the aerator, but didn't connect the dots to removing that to attach the adapter--sorry about that. Still frustrating to have no pressure at a high demand location and diagnosing the problem location is extremely hard.
I did the pressure gauge test in our water line. The pressure drops to zero within 2minutes after closing the valve before the water meter (indicating a leak). but if the valve is open the meter is totally still. Any idea please.
When the valve is open it is going to maintain pressure because the city/well, is maintaining the pressure. It sounds like you have a leak. You've probably looked indoors beneath the sinks and below the toilets. Have you shut off the valve before the water heater to eliminate the hot water lines ruclips.net/video/I4F4HV4nipk/видео.html? After that I'd suggest turning off the quarter turns/ball valves on the toilets. Just eliminate all possible shut off points before having to call in a forensic plumber.
@@NoMoreLeaks thank you. Pressure is maintained if the valve before the meter is open (meter is not turning...even for 24hrs the meter reading is the same). But if the valve is closed pressure drops to zero within 2min. By the way we don't have heater
Can a liquid filled water pressure gauge be mounted in any position? I am concerned that if my target PSI is at the top of the doll the bubble will obscure the needle not allowing me to get a accurate reading.
I'd assume so, but honestly, I'm not 100% sure. 🤔 A mechanic would probably know best. However, I'm now curious...I'll rig something up on a water hose tomorrow and check it out! I'll do another reply on my tests.
My testing took longer than expected...I discovered a hole in one of the water hoses. With the second and third hoses I think I'm limited in my testing by the leaks present in the water hose at the hose bibb connection when it is at pressure and how much a hose expands based on the cooler water temperature heating up in the water hose at 106F. Long story, short, I couldn't get a good reading on my water pressure gauge in any position other than putting it as you see here on the hose bibb. When I had someone flush the toilet I did see the pressure drop that matched what I was seeing in Phyn Plus, my water monitor, but it wasn't accurate because of my issues. When I remove the hose from the equation, the pressure gauge matches Phyn 100%. Could it be mounted in any position? At this point I have to punt to a mechanic or plumber to get proper testing for that situation because I currently can't replicate that setup--a good future video idea! If you do go that route, I'd love to hear how it works for you.
Thank you very much for your reply. I just check out websites as well and it now makes sense that it should be upright. Perhaps I got lucky on my 6 month experiment outside where it was definitely opposite. I had gotten this kind because I had originally expected to only use it a few days before letting my husband have it to work on cars and be more flexible for other applications.
Hello, Have you checked whether the analogue gauge gives the same reading as your Phyn Plus? I just got a Phyn, but it is always showing me about 10 psi less than what the analogue gauges are showing (I've tested with three different gauges in various places around the house)... It doesn't really affect the function, but it's pretty annoying if the Phyns pressure sensor isn't very accurate...
Sure have, Will! I have a video (ruclips.net/video/Oydikbzschw/видео.html) on how much pressure is released when you heat a 50 gallon water heater from the ambient incoming water temperature to 120F. I verified it with both Phyn Plus and the water pressure gauge: my husband's phone did a 50 minute screen record while my phone did a hyper lapse of the 50 minute temperature run up on the water pressure gauge. I waited for the gauge to hit 80 psi before releasing the pressure with the main shutoff. Each time Phyn Plus mirrored the water pressure gauge in this video. Interestingly enough, I also started adding the Phyn Plus readings when it came to capturing the results of the smallest leak I can detect with a water pressure gauge. Unfortunately, I didn't have that thought until I was done with the 8 hour tests and on to the 15 minute and 1 hour tests, but you can see it here where I started including it at this exact timestamp: ruclips.net/video/UJWSV2pwS-g/видео.html TLDR: I get excited about verification and I'm admittedly nerding out on plumbing right now. My Phyn Plus water pressure gauge is spot on. Perhaps reach out to Phyn customer service? I've definitely been calling them on a regular basis as my testing and research has progressed and they've been extremely helpful. My concern would be if the pressure sensor is having an issue it could impact the function: the accuracy of your water events could be questionable and would the automatic daily plumbing checks possibly miss the smaller leaks because it's already starting at a lower pressure? Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope Phyn can solve your issue!
@@NoMoreLeaks Thanks for the reply - The flow rate measurements seem to be pretty accurate, along with the fixture identification ability... maybe just a bummer I got a unit that's off by a little bit. Do you know if the ultrasonic flow sensor doubles as the pressure sensor? or are they different sensors? I've now tested three different gauges at various points around my house and the phyn is always 8-13 psi lower. I did contact Phyn and they said everything is working fine for me, they said they don't affirm that Phyn will display 100% accurate pressure. So they wouldn't replace my unit. It's definitely annoying but I guess I have to live with it now My only hope is that somehow the phyn actually is accurate and there is a real pressure differential somehow for some reason within the house - though I'm not sure how that could possibly be true (maybe air trapped in pipes somewhere after the phyn, I don't know..). Maybe the unions were overtightened during installation, who knows. Or a copper shaving got stuck somewhere near the sensor I did try to bottom out my PRV adjusting bolt (My prv says it allows for a range of 25-75 psi) and the phyn showed a pressure of 80 psi. So that seems reasonable, but probably not a very reliable or accurate test.
It is my understanding the pressure sensor is separate from the ultrasonic flow sensor. They work in conjunction somehow because I have an open system with no backflow preventer and Flo by Moen recorded all the
Here's the same link I used to buy it myself: amzn.to/37x4OHw -- looks like they've added other options to the listing, but this link highlights the one I have.
![How to Use a Cheap Water Pressure Gauge to Detect Leaks [Active Plumbing Leak Test Demo]](/img/1.gif)
I did not understand dry vs liquid filled gauges. I have an old dry water pressure gauge that I need to trash. I'm convinced is off by 5-10 psi. Thanks for that insight. I'm a fan of your work. Poking around the internet I discovered digital pressure gauges. Much more expensive, but more accurate and, if my understanding is correct, maintain accuracy across the full operating range.
Glad I could help. But as for which is correct--your old water pressure gauge or Flo by Moen--it's hard to say without testing against a known, calibrated, pressure reading device of some sort. One viewer had a Flo with an inaccurate flow sensor, then bought Phyn and had some discrepancies with the pressure sensor--it seemed he unfortunately had some bad luck with both devices, but the flow sensor was a deal breaker for him. In any case, I'm advocating for not throwing away the old one until proven it is the one with the problem. As for the digital pressure gauges--agreed, they can get spendy! Not sure if I answered anything there, but let me know if you have any other questions. I'll still follow up on your other comment after having tested the pressure on my remote Flo.
6 MONTH UPDATE: This water pressure gauge ROCKS. I've left it in place on a high sun/heat exposure (100+F reflective temps in Feb) hose bibb pretty much all the time for a series of different tests--a "dozen" uses is far behind. The gauge stayed calibrated and the glycerin did not change color. The red lettering, however, shows some fading. So perhaps point whatever water pressure gauge you end up with angled or down and keep it from facing the sun, if your water pressure gauge will have constant sun exposure.
Thanks for helping me chose a guage. I have been totally confused what to select with all the options. 😃
Really glad to hear it helped and hope you are happy with the one you chose. I certainly tend to overthink some of these purchases (even these small ones) and I totally agree--there are sooo many!
I have a weird problem. My two outside hose bibs read 75. I use an adaptor that enables me to hook a hose up to my kitchen faucet. The kitchen faucet used to be fine but now the pressure is so low I can't wash my dog. I hooked up the pressure gauge and, astonishingly, it reads 75. I hooked a hose up to the faucet then the gauge to the other end of the hose. It reads 75 yet when I install a spray nozzle it sprays 1o feet but when hooked the same nozzle to the front the water will spray 45 feet.....I can't figure it out unless my gauge always reads 75.."it's always something"..good video, I liked your explanation. I'm subbing..
It certainly seems like the gauge is suspect if the spray is noticeably different. One way to verify is to close the system to your house like I did in this video and introduce a small leak: ruclips.net/video/UJWSV2pwS-g/видео.html. Does the gauge show a drop in pressure?
@@NoMoreLeaks
I'll have to do your test next. What I did do was bought another gauge and it read exactly the same as the first one. Then I put the gauge on my kitchen faucet which gave me 75 before but this time I allowed just a trickle to flow. As soon as the void in the gauge was 1/2 full it jumped right up to 60 then 75...I'll have to do the test you performed in your video...thanks again..
With that additional information--now that you've eliminated the gauge as the problem. If all places are reading 75 psi at least it doesn't sound like there is a leak somewhere in the line. One culprit could be a blockage somewhere in the line to the sink. Perhaps this might be helpful: inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Pipe_Clog_Repair_Guide.php Full disclosure, I'm not a plumber and the advice is worth the price charged. ;-) Have you tried removing the screen from the faucet to see if there is buildup there?
@@NoMoreLeaks I actually removed the aerator when I attached my adapter, at the sink it read 75, I installed a hose and it read 75 but I figure that must be a built up pressure. When I compare the actual distance the hose only will spray at the sink then at the hose bib there is a significant difference....sheesh...maybe I'll buy a portable water pump and be done with it..thanks for your time, I do appreciate it..
Yes, agreed on the built up pressure going to 75. I had kinda assumed you had already removed the aerator, but didn't connect the dots to removing that to attach the adapter--sorry about that. Still frustrating to have no pressure at a high demand location and diagnosing the problem location is extremely hard.
I did the pressure gauge test in our water line. The pressure drops to zero within 2minutes after closing the valve before the water meter (indicating a leak). but if the valve is open the meter is totally still. Any idea please.
When the valve is open it is going to maintain pressure because the city/well, is maintaining the pressure. It sounds like you have a leak. You've probably looked indoors beneath the sinks and below the toilets. Have you shut off the valve before the water heater to eliminate the hot water lines ruclips.net/video/I4F4HV4nipk/видео.html? After that I'd suggest turning off the quarter turns/ball valves on the toilets. Just eliminate all possible shut off points before having to call in a forensic plumber.
@@NoMoreLeaks thank you. Pressure is maintained if the valve before the meter is open (meter is not turning...even for 24hrs the meter reading is the same). But if the valve is closed pressure drops to zero within 2min. By the way we don't have heater
Can a liquid filled water pressure gauge be mounted in any position? I am concerned that if my target PSI is at the top of the doll the bubble will obscure the needle not allowing me to get a accurate reading.
I'd assume so, but honestly, I'm not 100% sure. 🤔 A mechanic would probably know best. However, I'm now curious...I'll rig something up on a water hose tomorrow and check it out! I'll do another reply on my tests.
My testing took longer than expected...I discovered a hole in one of the water hoses. With the second and third hoses I think I'm limited in my testing by the leaks present in the water hose at the hose bibb connection when it is at pressure and how much a hose expands based on the cooler water temperature heating up in the water hose at 106F. Long story, short, I couldn't get a good reading on my water pressure gauge in any position other than putting it as you see here on the hose bibb. When I had someone flush the toilet I did see the pressure drop that matched what I was seeing in Phyn Plus, my water monitor, but it wasn't accurate because of my issues. When I remove the hose from the equation, the pressure gauge matches Phyn 100%. Could it be mounted in any position? At this point I have to punt to a mechanic or plumber to get proper testing for that situation because I currently can't replicate that setup--a good future video idea! If you do go that route, I'd love to hear how it works for you.
Hello,
I found out that liquid filled gauges must be installed vertical.
Thanks
Thank you very much for your reply. I just check out websites as well and it now makes sense that it should be upright. Perhaps I got lucky on my 6 month experiment outside where it was definitely opposite. I had gotten this kind because I had originally expected to only use it a few days before letting my husband have it to work on cars and be more flexible for other applications.
Hello,
Have you checked whether the analogue gauge gives the same reading as your Phyn Plus?
I just got a Phyn, but it is always showing me about 10 psi less than what the analogue gauges are showing (I've tested with three different gauges in various places around the house)...
It doesn't really affect the function, but it's pretty annoying if the Phyns pressure sensor isn't very accurate...
Sure have, Will! I have a video (ruclips.net/video/Oydikbzschw/видео.html) on how much pressure is released when you heat a 50 gallon water heater from the ambient incoming water temperature to 120F. I verified it with both Phyn Plus and the water pressure gauge: my husband's phone did a 50 minute screen record while my phone did a hyper lapse of the 50 minute temperature run up on the water pressure gauge. I waited for the gauge to hit 80 psi before releasing the pressure with the main shutoff. Each time Phyn Plus mirrored the water pressure gauge in this video.
Interestingly enough, I also started adding the Phyn Plus readings when it came to capturing the results of the smallest leak I can detect with a water pressure gauge. Unfortunately, I didn't have that thought until I was done with the 8 hour tests and on to the 15 minute and 1 hour tests, but you can see it here where I started including it at this exact timestamp: ruclips.net/video/UJWSV2pwS-g/видео.html
TLDR: I get excited about verification and I'm admittedly nerding out on plumbing right now. My Phyn Plus water pressure gauge is spot on. Perhaps reach out to Phyn customer service? I've definitely been calling them on a regular basis as my testing and research has progressed and they've been extremely helpful. My concern would be if the pressure sensor is having an issue it could impact the function: the accuracy of your water events could be questionable and would the automatic daily plumbing checks possibly miss the smaller leaks because it's already starting at a lower pressure?
Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope Phyn can solve your issue!
@@NoMoreLeaks
Thanks for the reply - The flow rate measurements seem to be pretty accurate, along with the fixture identification ability... maybe just a bummer I got a unit that's off by a little bit. Do you know if the ultrasonic flow sensor doubles as the pressure sensor? or are they different sensors? I've now tested three different gauges at various points around my house and the phyn is always 8-13 psi lower.
I did contact Phyn and they said everything is working fine for me, they said they don't affirm that Phyn will display 100% accurate pressure. So they wouldn't replace my unit. It's definitely annoying but I guess I have to live with it now
My only hope is that somehow the phyn actually is accurate and there is a real pressure differential somehow for some reason within the house - though I'm not sure how that could possibly be true (maybe air trapped in pipes somewhere after the phyn, I don't know..). Maybe the unions were overtightened during installation, who knows. Or a copper shaving got stuck somewhere near the sensor
I did try to bottom out my PRV adjusting bolt (My prv says it allows for a range of 25-75 psi) and the phyn showed a pressure of 80 psi. So that seems reasonable, but probably not a very reliable or accurate test.
It is my understanding the pressure sensor is separate from the ultrasonic flow sensor. They work in conjunction somehow because I have an open system with no backflow preventer and Flo by Moen recorded all the
i can't see what the name of the gauge you have is...??
Here's the same link I used to buy it myself: amzn.to/37x4OHw -- looks like they've added other options to the listing, but this link highlights the one I have.