In the world of plumbing, there are countless small, seemingly simple components that make a big difference to your convenience, safety, and comfort at home. Of these components, few are as important and little-known as the water pressure regulator, a small but key part of your home’s water supply.
Learn everything you need to know about water pressure regulators, why they’re more important than you may have realized, and how the pros at Chen Plumbing can help Georgia homeowners with their water pressure issues.
What Is a Water Pressure Regulator?
A water pressure regulator is a special valve that reduces water pressure as it enters your home. Water is generally supplied to your home from the municipal water system, which operates at very high pressure to reach every building in the area. However, this pressure is too high for your residential plumbing and fixtures to handle. The solution is a water pressure regulator.
What Is Normal Water Pressure for a Home?
Normal water pressure in a residential building is between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch, or PSI. This is compared to the pressure in the water supply line, which can be as high as 100 PSI. Most plumbing fixtures aren’t rated for pressures higher than 80 PSI, so it’s important that your home is fitted with a reliable plumbing pressure regulator.
Signs Your Home’s Water Pressure Is Too High
If you’re dealing with overly high water pressure in your home, it can show up in a few different ways. Below are signs that your water pressure is too high.
Pipe Leaks
Over time, the excessive force of high-pressure water puts strain on pipe connections, eventually leading to leaks. Left ignored, these can cause extensive water damage or promote the growth of hazardous mold.
Water Hammer
Water hammer (also known as hydraulic shock) is the loud banging noise that occurs in pipes when you shut off a faucet. This loud noise is caused by high-pressure water suddenly changing directions in the pipe, which is both annoying and detrimental to your plumbing system.
Faucet Leaks
If your faucets are constantly leaking or spraying when you open them, it’s a sign that high water pressure is forcing water out of the fixtures, even when they’re shut off.
Rising Water Bills
Another sign of excessive pressure is seeing an increase in utility bills with no change in usage. High pressure means more water, which means more consumption, which means a higher bill at the end of the month.
Running Toilet
Like dripping taps, a constantly running toilet can be a sign of excessive water pressure. This is caused by high-pressure water being forced through the closed fill valve and into the cistern, resulting in that irritating, constant flow in your bathroom.
Appliance Issues
Other appliances, such as your dishwasher or washing machine, can be damaged by high water pressure. These appliances are generally not designed for pressures above 60 to 80 PSI. In fact, your warranty may be voided if these appliances are damaged by the incorrect water pressure.
Signs Your Water Pressure Regulator Is Failing
If you notice any of the signs above, you likely need a new water pressure regulator for your house. Generally, these valves last about 10 to 15 years, so if yours is older than that, there’s a good chance you’ll need water pressure regulator replacement in the near future. If there’s any visible corrosion or damage on your regulator, this is also a sign that it needs replacement.
Risks of Ignoring Water Pressure Problems
If you ignore a failing water pressure regulator valve, you run the risk of dealing with countless plumbing issues, such as:
- Pipe and seal damage, which can lead to water leaks and water intrusion in your home’s structure.
- Damage to your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
- Voided appliance warranties.
- Loud banging noises from plumbing while using fixtures.
- Wasted water.
- Higher utility bills.
Water Pressure Regulator Repair vs. Replacement
In some cases, a water pressure regulator can be repaired simply by cleaning it or replacing certain components that are more prone to failure, such as the O-rings, spring, or diaphragm. However, it’s not worth repairing a regulator that’s likely to fail again in the near future. In these cases, we recommend investing in a new water pressure regulator installation for your home.
Professional Water Pressure Regulator Installation
If you’re recognizing these signs that you need a water pressure regulator, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace yours. At Chen Plumbing, we can replace this important component in a matter of hours. While high water pressure is less irritating than low water pressure, it can still damage your appliances, fixtures, and plumbing, which is why you shouldn’t ignore this issue for long.
When you work with Chen Plumbing, we make the entire process as stress-free as possible. We work quickly to minimize disruption to your routine, and we always thoroughly check our work to ensure your plumbing system runs safely and efficiently.
How a Pressure Regulator Protects Your Plumbing System
A high-quality pressure regulator protects pipes, fixtures, and appliances from the damage caused by excessive pressure. Limiting the pressure of the water circulating in your home helps reduce the risk of leaks, drips, and other issues, not to mention eliminating irritating problems like water hammer or a constantly running toilet.
Schedule a Water Pressure Inspection With Chen Plumbing
If you suspect an issue with your home’s water pressure, the first step is to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. The pros at Chen Plumbing will arrive quickly to inspect your plumbing system, water pressure, and regulator valve. From here, we’ll advise you on the services you need, whether that’s simply cleaning the valve, replacing the component, or performing more extensive repairs on your plumbing system.
This simple job is one of the best ways to protect your system, prevent damage from your home, and keep utility bills at a minimum. If you’re ready to get expert help with your plumbing system, reach out to Chen Plumbing and get a quote today!
