How Do You Calculate Pounds Per Square Inch In Elevated Water Storage Tanks?

Elevated water tanks consist of a raised cistern connected to water mains or plumbing. The elevation means that the weight of gravity presses down on a tall column of water, producing pressure to drive water through pipes. The basic principle is that the water pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) at any point in the system is equal to the weight of a one square inch column of water with a height equal to the vertical distance between the point being measured and the surface of the water in the tank. Determine the vertical distance between the bottom of the cistern and the point the outlet pipe connects to the water main or plumbing system. This will be stated on the blueprints or building permit documentation (available from the city or county office that enforces building codes). Measure the depth of the water in the tank. This is the vertical distance between the top of the outlet pipe and the surface of the water collected in the tank. Most tanks have a gauge or markings to ...  more