A home’s GPM, or gallons per minute, reflects the water flow rate. If this GPM gets too low, you’ll experience things like a water pressure drop, which is why it’s important to know what your house needs. The average household has a range of 6-12 GPM and can vary based on the amount of water your household uses, how many people are in the home, and how many bathrooms you have.
In this article:
- What is GPM and why does it matter?
- Typical GPM requirements for different household fixtures
- How to calculate the GPM your home needs
- What happens if your GPM is too low?
- How water filtration systems can affect GPM
- Whole-house water flow: Factors to consider
- Frequently asked questions
What is GPM and why does it matter?
GPM is a system that measures the water flow of a home’s system. It’s important for homeowners to know their home’s GPM to avoid low water pressure (with a low GPM) or using excessive water (with a high GPM). In some cases, like with shower heads, the government has mandated that they cannot exceed 2.5 GPM to make them more water-efficient.
Typical GPM requirements for different household fixtures
As mentioned with showerheads, several household fixtures or appliances are relegated to not exceed certain GPM. This helps them operate as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality performance. The most typical fixture GPM requirements include:
- Bathroom or Kitchen Faucet: 2-3 GPM
- Dishwasher: 2-4 GPM
- Low-Flow Toilet: Up to 1.6 GPM
- Showerhead: 1.5-2.5 GPM
- Toilet: 2-3 GPM
- Washing Machine: 3-5 GPM
How to calculate the GPM your home needs
Determining the GPM of your household depends on whether you run multiple appliances at once or not and how many bathrooms you have. Water usage directly impacts how well your water flow works.
An easy way to calculate your current GPM is to run a faucet on high and time how long it takes to fill a one-gallon container: (60 / # seconds to fill the bucket = GPM). So if it takes 10 seconds to fill a bucket, 60/10 = 6 GPM.
What happens if your GPM is too low?
Anytime a GPM falls too low, the water pressure in your home will be a big indicator. You may notice the shower not spraying as it should or your dishes not coming out clean from the dishwasher. Water pressure is a big part of how we clean ourselves and the things in our homes. So, these signs will be a red flag that something is amiss with your home’s GPM.
A GPM falling below its normal level can indicate several issues either in the home or outside of it. Water flow can be restricted by clogged or leaky pipes, a clogged filter, or even local water supply issues from your city or well.
How water filtration systems can affect GPM
The type of water purification system used in a home can affect GPM. For instance, whole-home water filtration systems are built to allow higher flow rates, which isn’t always the case with point-of-use filters such as faucet attachments. Point-of-use filters can cause low water pressure, though the water flow change should be minimal.
A whole home water filtration system is advised to avoid any GPM deterioration over time. Luckily, Leaf Home’s advanced filtration systems are designed to maintain optimal GPM while ensuring water quality.
Whole-home water flow: Factors to consider
Understanding your home’s water flow or GPM is about taking into account the whole house and not just individual fixtures. It’s important because your whole house usage affects your GPM. Your household size, the size of the pipes, whether your pipes are all in working order, and how you use your appliances all impact your overall GPM.
Contaminants present in your water can also affect whole-home water flow. That’s because undissolved contaminants like silt or sand can gum up your pipes, making it harder for water to flow through. These types of issues are a big reason why water filters are a good idea, especially if your water source is well water.
Even if your home’s water flow rate is excellent, it’s good to keep an eye on it. GPM can change as homes and their fixtures age. When you need an expert opinion, you can feel confident that our water experts at Leaf Home are ready to help, as they provide comprehensive solutions for helping maintain a balanced water flow. Our experts will be able to take a detailed look at your home’s water system and determine the best course of action to help keep your water pressure strong.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average GPM for a house?
The average household water flow rate is 6-12 GPM. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average water use per person is approximately 82 gallons of water daily.
What is the average GPM for a 4-bedroom house?
More bedrooms may indicate more people in a household, which results in a higher GPM. Generally, you can assume a 4-bedroom house will have roughly 8-12 GPM. However, that number increases if the 4-bedroom house also has additional bathrooms.
What is the average GPM for a residential well?
The average residential well will have approximately 5 GPM. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dictates that an existing well must have at least 3-5 GPM, and new wells must have at least 5 GPM. If you’re building a well, note that a larger diameter well can have a higher GPM as it can hold a larger pump.
How do people fix high water pressure in a house?
If your water pressure is too high, there is likely a problem with your home’s pressure regulator, often found near your water meter. It may need to be replaced, adjusted, or repaired to keep your water flow at a sustainable level. You can adjust the regulator yourself by turning the adjustment screw. You can turn it clockwise to increase water pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it.
How do you increase water pressure on an outside faucet?
First, check to see if there are any blockages from the faucet or in your attachments. If there aren’t, then check for leaks in your attachments. You may need to adjust your water pressure regulator to fix your outdoor faucet’s low water pressure.
