The best way to reduce water pressure in your home is by installing a pressure regulating valve (PRV).
Understanding Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs)
A Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) is a device specifically designed to control and lower the water pressure coming into your house. It's crucial for preventing damage to your plumbing system and fixtures due to excessively high water pressure. Here's a breakdown:
- Function: A PRV reduces the incoming water pressure to a safer and more manageable level.
- Installation: PRVs are installed directly onto your main water supply pipe.
- Professional Help: A professional plumber is typically required to install a PRV correctly.
How a PRV Works
- Incoming Pressure: Your home's plumbing is connected to a city water supply or well, which may have a higher water pressure than your house needs or can handle.
- Pressure Regulation: The PRV has an internal mechanism that automatically reduces the incoming pressure to a pre-set level.
- Consistent Output: The PRV ensures that the water pressure in your house remains consistent, protecting your pipes, appliances, and fixtures from high pressure damage.
Benefits of Using a PRV
- Protects Plumbing: High water pressure can lead to leaks, burst pipes, and damaged fixtures.
- Saves Water: Lower pressure can also reduce water consumption, saving on your water bill.
- Prevents Appliance Damage: Excessively high pressure can shorten the lifespan of appliances that use water, like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
- Reduces Noise: High water pressure can cause noisy pipes.
- Adjustable Settings: Many PRVs allow for some adjustment of the output pressure.
Steps to Reduce House Pressure
- Identify High Pressure: Determine if you have high water pressure in your home. This is often evident through noisy pipes, leaky faucets, and frequent appliance issues.
- Consult a Plumber: Contact a qualified plumbing professional to assess your situation and recommend a suitable PRV.
- Professional Installation: A licensed plumber should install the PRV on your main water supply line, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Pressure Adjustment: Once installed, you or the plumber can adjust the valve to your desired water pressure, usually measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Example
Imagine you live in an area with a city water supply at 100 psi. Without a PRV, that same high pressure enters your house, which could damage your plumbing. With a PRV, the incoming pressure is reduced to a manageable 60 psi, protecting your home's system and appliances.
