Static Pressure Loss in Piping
Static pressure loss along a pipe run.
Example
You enter
- Elevation change (ft) 30
- Friction loss (psi) 5
You get
- Elevation loss 13 psi
- Total 18 psi
Checked against published worked examples from: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water.
Details, formula, and sources
Formula or tablePressure head from elevation (P = ρgh, English form 1 ft of water = 0.433 psi) plus accumulated friction loss along the run.
Source and editionClassical fluid statics; AWWA M11 5th ed. C-values for the friction term.
Free accessNIST fluid-property tables free at nist.gov; AWWA M11 licensed.
What governsEstimate. AHJ and licensed plumber / gas fitter govern. Verify against the IPC / IFGC edition adopted in your jurisdiction.
API field nameselevation_change_ft, friction_loss_psi, elevation_loss_psi, total_psi
- Conversion factor 1 ft H2O = 0.433 psi at 60 °FNIST