# Average Household Flow Rate Created 2023-08-02 tags: #guide ---   ## Home Water Flow Rate vs. Water Pressure – The Distinction  Water [[flow rate]] refers to the volume of water used or coming out of a pipe or faucet within a specific time frame, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). It indicates how much water flows out of a faucet at any given moment. On the other hand, water pressure refers to the force or strength used to push the water through the tap. It represents how vigorously the water moves from one point to another, such as from your faucet into a drinking glass or shower. [[Water Pressure]] is generally measured in pounds per square inch (psi).  While water pressure can indeed influence water flow, low water flow does not low pressure. Various factors can impact a home's water flow rate beyond just water pressure. The flow rate and water pressure in a household can vary depending on the house's size, the required pounds per square inch to reach a fixture or appliance, and other factors that we'll explore in detail here. ## Factors Affecting Home Water Flow Rate  Your water flow rate depends on several factors, including the size of your household and potential buildup in fixtures and pipes. Let's delve into these factors and understand how they can influence your flow rate:  ### 1. Number of Household Members  The average household size typically ranges from two to four people. Any household with more than four members is considered large. In large households, water flow issues often arise when multiple people are using intensive water fixtures simultaneously, leading to a drop in water pressure and lower flow rates throughout the house. One common water flow scenario may are familiar with is reduced flow and pressure when talking a shower and someone starts the dishwasher or load of laundry. However, it's essential to note that a large household doesn't guarantee low water flow; other factors can also affect the flow rate.  ### 2. Square Footage of Your Home  The square footage of your home plays a significant role in determining water flow rate. Square footage represents the total living area of your home in square feet (sq. ft.). The average sized home is 2,500 sq. ft. If your is larger the water will need to travel a greater distance to reach faucets, showerheads, and appliances. Consequently, you'll require longer pipes and higher pressure to ensure the water reaches its destination.  However, longer pipes come with a drawback—the flow rate decreases inversely to the pipe length. If you double the pipe length, you'll get only half as much water through it per unit time. While homeowners with larger households can increase water pressure to compensate, excessively high water pressure can damage pipes and water-using appliances, such as water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets, due to added stress. Plumbers generally recommend a maximum water pressure of 60 psi for average residential households, so homes with larger square footage may experience gradual decreases in flow rates.  ### 3. Number of floors in Your Home  The number of floors in your home affects the water pressure you experience when you turn on a faucet or a shower. Gravity pulls water down from a higher elevation to a lower one. Friction slows down water as it moves through pipes and valves. The more floors there are in your home, the more gravity and friction affect the water pressure. The higher the floor the lower the water pressure.  ### 4. Low Water Pressure  Low water pressure can significantly impact the flow rate. If most fixtures and appliances in your home experience low flow rates, it indicates low water pressure. Several factors can lead to low water pressure, including problems with water pressure regulators, partially closed shutoff valves or meters, blockages in pipes, fixtures, or appliances, interior pipe deterioration, mineral buildup in pipes, and issues in the public water distribution network.  ### 5. Blocked Pipes, Fixtures, or Appliances  Even in regular-sized homes with two people and normal water pressure, low water flow rates can occur due to blockages in pipes or fixtures. These blockages are often caused by mineral buildup from hard water or constriction due to iron corrosion in pipes. Sediment and hard water mineral buildup in water heater systems can also cause significant reductions in hot water flow. Dirt, debris, sand, rust, and other sediments can accumulate in the hot water tank over time, disrupting the hot water pressure in your home. [See how to flush your water heater.](https://cascadianwater.com/blogs/cascadian-clear-blog/how-to-flush-your-hot-water-heater-a-comprehensive-guide?_pos=1&_sid=8f9a4db)  ### 6. Plumbing Size  The diameter of plumbing pipes can also affect water flow in a household. Larger diameter pipes allow for greater water flow. For example, a 3/4" pipe has an approximate flow rate of 10-12 gallons per minute, while a 1" pipe flows at a higher rate of 15-20 gallons per minute.  If all your faucets and appliances were running simultaneously, how much would your GPM be? The typical residential water flow rate for small households is between 6-12 gallons per minute, so unless you plan to add extra kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms to your home in the future, your home will never need to exceed that final GPM, assuming your flow rate is already normal.  Then again, when you start running more than one fixture at a time, the gallons per minute add up quickly. If you have a water softener or a particular water treatment unit that restricts flow, you may see a pressure drop when several fixtures run simultaneously.  ## Final Thoughts  Most Cascadian Water whole house point of use water treatment systems have a continuous or best [[Flow Rates|flow rate]] of 8 gpm with a peak of up to 15 gpm. Our larger light commercial systems will treat from 30 to over 150 gpm. If you've had untreated hard water for a while, then you may have caused scale to build up in the pipes and constrict flow. Adding a water softener will remove this scale and possibly increase flow rate as well.