Does Your Flow Diminish With Age?

We bought this house new in 2002 (Fort Worth). I noticed about three months ago when the shower was on or the tub was filling, if the toilet got flushed the flow to the tub or shower was audibly reduced until the toilet tank filled. It had never done that in all these years.

Tonight I'm trying to put some water on our lawn and the flow can't even operate the hose-end sprinklers; front yard and back yard spigots with two different types of sprinklers.

Could there be blockage in my line coming in from the street?

Could it just be more demand on the system (they did just build out a new subdivision very nearby, prolly 150 homes).

Mineral deposit build up. Very common problem. I spent 32 years as a plumber and pipefitter and the only way I know of fixing it is to have the lines replaced with PEX. A bit expensive, but a one time fix.

Yes, but prescriptions may help.

Check with a Urologist.

Yep

Might need to get a PSI test

At the meter, an 18 year old house shouldn't have clogged pipes on city water.

Do you mean the line from the meter into the house?

I would have the city to change out the meter and see if that helps.
Have you checked to make sure the stop at the meter is fully open?

To me that new subdivision is suspect.

I think I would have the city or a plumber check the pressure at the meter first.

haha - for sure they help

Ten thousand comedians out of work and you try to be funny.

That's what I thought of when I saw the title.

It is possible that the new subdivision is effecting your system.
First, have the water company check the pressure.

Pressure will develop through an eighth inch orifice. It's not about PSI, it's about GPMs. Look at it this way: Pressure is about how much corn is in the bag. GPMs is about the size of the hole in the bottom of the bag.

Asking the city to replace the meter first is a good idea. That might solve the problem. If it doesn't you'll need to have every line in your system replaced. And a system no older than yours being suspect, yeah, I agree with that, too. Something is amiss.

August in Texas...hottest and driest month of the year. Water usage is up and could be part of the issue.

We had a similar problem years ago in a rental home. Turned out to be a check valve at the meter. Water company eventually came out and replaced it and all was good.

Wait until you are all electric and your water well goes out. Been there.

The line from the meter into the house?

My PSI comment was wordplay on a PSA test....it kind of dribbled.

In Lubbock, the city installed smart meters the last couple of years. 15% have failed and are leaking and they hired cheap labor that left valves partially closed on another 10%. Has there been any work done in your area or at your house?

No, but the water dept. did put out a notice that there were "big changes" coming soon and when I was on the city website they were seeking bids for a two year project for the water dept. that had something to do with the water meters.

Start with something like this:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/WaterMaste...MnyPuNj3PxoCoBYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I understand about the flow analysis above, but start with the pressure gauge first. Then if you call the city you have some info for them. They aren't coming out and replacing your meter without real good reason.

Since you are in the city I wouldn't think your lines are suffering from clogged arteries since 2002. Replacing all your lines with PEX is a MAJOR ordeal. Don't even think about that unless a last resort. You would have to have the crapiest city water in the country to clog them up that quick.

Hopefully you may know a plumber you can trust that won't want to re-plumb your home. I also suspect the new subdivision and faulty engineering for water needs.

I just had to adjust the pressure regulator on our house due to low water pressure. Somehow it had backed off, so I adjusted it and tightened the set nuts tight on it.

Our house is 45 years old...and no problems with the pressure...the lake house is 70 years old and again, no issues with the pressure....unless either water department has a break in a line.

That's what I was thinkin'. Used to be able to stand next to an 8ft privacy fence and pizz over the top of it. Not so anymore.