A pressure-reducing valve, or PRV, lowers the water pressure coming into your home from the street to a safer level for your pipes and fixtures. Without one, high pressure can strain pipes, wear out parts faster, and raise the risk of leaks and bursts.
Where It Is Located
A PRV is usually installed on the main water line, close to where it enters the house and near the main shut-off valve. It often looks like a bell-shaped brass fitting with an adjusting screw on top. Not every home has one. Whether you need one depends on the pressure your water supply delivers.
Why Water Pressure Matters
Water mains sometimes carry higher pressure than a home needs. Many plumbers aim for household pressure in a moderate range, often somewhere around 50 to 70 pounds per square inch. Pressure much higher than that can make faucets spray hard, cause banging in the pipes, and shorten the life of water heaters, toilets, and appliance hoses.
Signs a PRV May Be Failing
- Sudden high pressure, with faucets that spray or hammer when shut off
- Unusually low pressure throughout the house
- A running toilet or dripping relief valve on the water heater
- Pressure that changes a lot throughout the day
- Leaks or hissing at the valve itself
PRVs often last around 10 to 15 years, but water quality and use can shorten that.
Checking Your Pressure
A simple pressure gauge that screws onto an outdoor faucet or laundry valve can show your home’s pressure. If it reads very high or very low, a plumber can test the valve and adjust or replace it. Adjusting a PRV without the right tools can create new problems.
High pressure is one of the hidden causes of split pipes and failed fittings. If a line has already broken, repairing the pipe that gave way is the first step. To have your pressure tested, you can book a check with our plumbers at (833) 603-1840.