If you're like most homeowners, you probably take for granted the fact that you can adjust your water pressure to exactly where you want it when you're taking a shower or doing the dishes. Such a luxury wouldn't be possible without a water pressure regulating valve – it controls the pressure of water through pipes before it reaches any plumbing fixtures inside your home. Not being able to control the pressure of water coming into your home could spell disaster. Below we lay out how water pressure regulators work, their benefits, and who they're right for.
How Do They Work?
Upon installation, the valve on a water pressure regulator is preset to a fixed setting that allows the desired amount of water to make its way through the lines. This is a measurement of pounds per square inch, or PSI. An adjustable spring‐loaded diaphragm senses when the desired water pressure is reached and allows it to expand against the springs, thereby closing off the valve so that no more pressure builds. When pressure is reduced, the spring constricts and the valve opens back up. In essence, the water pressure valve and the diaphragm inside act like a balloon that constricts and contracts so that enough water can pass through but not so much that it will cause damage to the faucets or spigots inside your home.
What Are the Benefits of a Water Pressure Regulator?
Having a water pressure regulator is essential to maximizing the efficiency of your plumbing system, saving you money, and preserving a valuable resource.
To begin, not being able to regulate your water pressure can quickly damage your plumbing fixtures. If water is rushing through pipes and to your fixtures with too much pressure, you'll likely notice cracks before too long. This can lead to leaks, bursts, and other costly repairs that a pressure regulator can mitigate on the front end. By investing in a water pressure regulator upfront, you'll save yourself precious time, money, and the hassle of having to replace seals and gaskets while ensuring that you maximize the life of the fixtures inside your home.
Take a moment to think about the expensive appliances in your home that involve water supply. Your washing machine certainly wasn't cheap. What about your dishwasher and water heater? Just like faucets and spigots, these costly appliances are susceptible to the stress caused by excessive water pressure. Here again, a water pressure regulator can help alleviate the risk of having to make repairs to expensive machinery you rely on every day.
Who Can Benefit from a Water Pressure Regulator?
You may find it surprising that not everyone has a water pressure regulator in their home. The beckoning question is, should you have one?
To determine if a water pressure regulator is the right move for you, the first step is to test the PSI of the water coming in through the main line. For the majority of households with updated water systems, having 45–75 PSI is adequate for daily water usage needs. If you find that water comes gushing out of your faucet or barely drips out of your shower head in the morning, it's a sure sign that something is amiss, and investing in a water pressure regulator right away is a smart move.
Even if you already have a water pressure regulator, it's a good idea to check it every so often to make sure your water pressure is spot on. If you're not sure how to do this yourself, a quick call to your local plumbing expert is worth the effort and minimal cost.
Final Thoughts
Having the proper water pressure in your home is something that is all too easily taken for granted. For most people, the thought of not having the right water pressure to clean our bodies and brew our favorite pot of coffee in the morning is fleeting. With that being said, it is certainly not something that should be overlooked.
In an effort to save hard‐earned money on your water bill every month and make your use of water the most efficient it can be, it's worth making a one‐time investment in a quality water pressure regulator. Not only will you see the monetary benefits on the front end, you'll save yourself the heartache and agony of undue repairs to fixtures and appliances, all while doing your part to preserve our most valuable resource.
Just like anything that concerns the flow of water inside your home, it's in your best interest to make sure that your water pressure is reliable and meets your needs. If you're willing to take the time to do the necessary research, finding the right water pressure regulator is sure to be a worthwhile investment.
