Top Signs of Water Pressure Regulator Problems
Pressure regulator valves are a necessity these days, especially with the higher demands of modern water delivery systems. Many municipalities require them, but you can always ask your Leon Springs plumber to know for sure. The pressure on any given water system is in direct proportion to how many houses in the area are being serviced. To maintain adequate pressure over the whole system, lots of pressure is needed (as you can imagine).
Also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), a water pressure regulator is designed to reduce water pressure as it passes into your home through the main water line. Usually, the pressure is just too high for the average home’s plumbing to handle on its own. As a result, pipes and water-reliant appliances may deteriorate over time. A PRV will prevent those items from getting damaged by constant high water pressure.
But just like with any valve, pressure regulator valves can wear down, get damaged, break, and generally fall into disrepair. Sometimes repair or replacement is necessary. How do you know if you have a water pressure regulator problem? Here are the top signs to be on the lookout for.
Age
Even the best water pressure regulator will need replacement over time, usually within five to 10 years. If you’re handy, you can tackle this as a DIY project. But if you don’t have the skills, time, patience, or tools to do it yourself, or if the water pressure has been very high for too long of a time period, it’s best to hire a San Antonio plumber for this problem. Not only can they address the regulator issue itself, they can fix any ancillary damage that may have occurred as a result of the water pressure regulator valve failure.
Leaking Water Heater or Toilet
Another sign of a failing pressure regulator is a toilet or water heater that leaks. You may even turn on the faucet and be met with a high-pressure stream or splash called water hammering. This is when the force of the water is so strong that the pipes make a loud banging or hammering sound.
Frequent Repairs of Leaking Faucets
If you find yourself needing to repair leaking faucets over and over, this indicates that your water pressure is higher than normal. You may be able to make a simple adjustment in the regulator itself to see if that works, but if you don’t have success with that, you may just need a new regulator.
You can test your incoming water pressure by attaching a gauge to your faucet. By testing your water pressure regularly, you can detect problems when they are small and easily fixable. This dedication to regular maintenance also extends the life of your plumbing system.
Problems With a House Under Pressure
A water pressure regulator valve is essential in many homes. Without it, the pressure can get very high and lead to serious problems with your appliances and household plumbing system. In general, pressure that exceeds 80 psi (pounds per square inch) can damage anything from faucets and dishwashers to toilets and water heaters.
A water pressure regulator that is installed by a professional plumber will usually be set at between 45 and 60 psi. Fortunately, regulators can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of your household. It’s a simple yet critical procedure.
Most building codes require the presence of a water pressure regulator in homes with pressure greater than 80 psi. Keep an eye on your home’s water pressure, as it should hover in the range of 40 to 60 psi. Keep in mind, homes that get their water from a municipal water supply will experience fluctuations in their water pressure on a daily basis.
This often happens with sudden high demands for water, such as in the case of firefighting. In those cases, a PRV can keep those fluctuations steady. If you don’t have a PRV in place, your pipes will be under constant strain from high water pressure, and can deteriorate over time. As a result, cracks can form and pose a threat of water damage throughout the home.
Regulators can help keep your pipes and appliances running smoothly. It’s not cheap to install new plumbing or to re-pipe your home; in fact, it can cost thousands of dollars and lead to a huge disruption of your daily life. This is why it’s so important to address elevated water pressure before your plumbing system is extensively damaged.
Get a Free Quote From Plumb Star Plumbing in San Antonio
If you aren’t sure if your home has a water pressure regulator valve, or if you are concerned that you need a replacement of an existing valve, rely on Plumb Star Plumbing to uncover the answers to your questions. We specialize in affordable residential plumbing installation and repair services for homeowners throughout Fair Oaks Ranch, Leon Springs, Boerne, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free quote on water pressure regulator valve repair, replacement, or adjustment at (830) 981-8702.