If you’ve ever dealt with low water pressure, you’ll know it can be a pain to take a shower, or fill the bathtub or washing machine. While you may not notice high water pressure as much, it can be a major problem and cause damage to your pipes and appliances. A water pressure regulator can take care of high pressure issues and help you save money on your water bill.
How Does a Water Pressure Regulator Work
A water pressure regulator is also called a pressure-reducing or regulating pressure valve. Its job is to regulate water pressure and reduce pressure from the main line as it travels into a home. Without this valve, the water pressure from the main line would be too strong for the home’s plumbing to manage, resulting in all kinds of potential problems.
If the water pressure isn’t reduced, it can cause damage to the piping in your home and any appliances affected by the water, such as the water heater and washing machine. The last thing you want to deal with at home is a flood from a burst pipe or a slab leak.
The water pressure regulator valve uses a spring, which water must pass through before it enters the home. When too much pressure is present the valve closes and lets less water through. You can control your water pressure by adjusting a screw located on the outside of the regulator.
If you aren’t sure whether you need a water pressure regulator, consider the following benefits to help you decide. If the answer is “yes,” you can contact Bill Howe Plumbing for installation.
Protect Plumbing Fixtures
When your water pressure is too high, it places stress on the components inside your water fixtures. You may have to replace gaskets and seals less often with a regulator, and you run less risk of experiencing a catastrophic failure. This system also ensures you have adequate water pressure when you take a shower because you can up and down regulate your pressure.
By stabilizing the pressure, you won’t need to worry about not using the dishwasher while taking a shower or getting a gush of water unexpectedly from changes in the water pressure.
Protect Appliances
Your water fixtures aren’t the only things taking a hit when the water pressure is too high. High water pressure is also hard on your appliances. The water pressure causes similar damage to the internal components of a washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater as it does to your fixtures. By regulating your water pressure, you will extend the life of your fixtures and appliances and spend less on maintaining them, too. Another thing to consider is that high water pressure can void the warranty on your appliances. Many warranties put restrictions on the level of pressure. If your water is above the threshold, you may end up paying for any repairs on your own, even when a warranty would usually cover the appliance.
Reduce the Risk of Flooding
If the city makes changes to the water line that increase its pressure, it can cause your pipes to burst. The result is a flood that’s extremely costly to repair and remediate. Older pipes have an especially hard time adjusting to increased water pressure, so considering a pressure regulator if you have older home infrastructure is a smart move.
Consistent high water pressure is hard even on newer pipes and can cause cracks, which turn into leaks in time. A flood can do major damage to your home, resulting in having drywall and flooring replaced, and paying for mold remediation, which is a common problem after flooding occurs.
By reducing high water pressure in your home you’re protecting your appliances and plumbing fixtures and you’ll save money on repairs in the long run. Your appliances will also last longer, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them as often.
Another way a water pressure regulator can save you money is cutting down on water usage. Even reducing the water pressure by just ten psi can cut your water usage by thousands of gallons per year, and that adds up on your water bill.
Do You Need a Water Pressure Regulator?
Most newer homes have a water pressure regulator already installed. Regulations require every home built after 2002 to have one. However, these components only last for a decade or so, and you’ll need to replace them when they wear out.
If you need to have your water pressure reduced or regulated, you can contact Bill Howe Plumbing. We are your San Diego plumbing experts and can install a water pressure regulator for your house or diagnose other issues with your plumbing.
Contact Bill Howe at 858.276.0256 for all water treatment services, including water pressure problems. We provide installation services for water softeners and water heaters, diagnose leaks, clean out clogged drains and much more! When you need an expert for your home’s plumbing, trust Bill Howe Plumbing. We know Howe!