December 26, 2008, Newsletter Issue #148: Calculating Pipe Pressure Loss

Tip of the Week

The values in the chart below present the approximate calculations since the pipe pressure loss can be affected by other factors, including water temperature, pipe ID tolerance, type of fittings, and pipe inner wall smoothness. In addition, schedule 40 and schedule 80 pipes have different IDs and, therefore, different pressure losses.

WATER FLOW GPM HOSE INSIDE DIAMETER, INCHES
1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2"
1 54 PSI 20 PSI 7 PSI 2 PSI
2 180 PSI 60 PSI 25 PSI 6 PSI
3 380 PSI 120 PSI 50 PSI 13 PSI
4 - 220 PSI 90 PSI 24 PSI
5 - 320 PSI 130 PSI 34 PSI
6 - - 220 PSI 52 PSI
8 - - 300 PSI 80 PSI
10 - - - 120 PSI

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