What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) and should you have one?
A pressure reducing valve is a plumbing device designed to regulate and maintain a consistent water pressure level in a system. These valves are essential components in plumbing systems to ensure efficiency, safety, and longevity of the overall water distribution system.
The pressure-reducing valve (“PRV”) works by reducing the high-pressure water coming into the home to a safe and manageable level, typically between 40-60 pounds per square inch (psi). By installing this valve, homeowners can protect their plumbing system from leaks, bursts, and premature wear, as well as prevent excessive water usage and potential water hammer issues.
Overall, a PRV contributes to the efficient and safe operation of a residential plumbing system by ensuring that the water pressure remains at a consistent and appropriate level throughout the household to a safe and manageable level for internal plumbing fixtures and appliances. The valve works by automatically adjusting to changes in the inlet pressure and reducing it to the set desired outlet pressure. This helps prevent potential damage to pipes, fittings, and appliances that may result from excessively high water pressure. The water pressure within each of our homes can vary. Typically, the closer your home is to the water source, the greater your water pressure will be.
Are homes required to have pressure reducing valve?
In many jurisdictions, the installation of PRVs in residential homes is not a mandatory requirement. While PRVs can play a crucial role in regulating water pressure and protecting household plumbing fixtures and appliances, their installation is often left to the discretion of homeowners or recommended by plumbing professionals based on specific circumstances.
The decision to install a PRV in a home is usually influenced by factors such as the incoming water pressure, the type of plumbing system in place, and the presence of high-pressure events that could potentially damage the plumbing infrastructure. It is advisable for homeowners to consult with a licensed plumber to assess whether installing a PRV is necessary based on their unique situation.
Ultimately, while pressure reducing valves can offer benefits in maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system, their installation requirement in residential homes varies and is not universally mandated across all areas.
How do you know when your water pressure is too high?
The PRV is essential in situations where the municipal water pressure is too high, which can lead to damage to appliances, fixtures, and pipes within the house. When the pressure begins to run high, you can begin to hear “screaming” noises, loud metal bangs, and even experience water leaks throughout your home. If this sounds like your home, you’re going to want to install a PRV to regulate it. The PRV protects your home from excessive water pressure beyond what your plumbing fixtures were designed to handle. The valves in your home are designed for water pressure less than 80 pounds per square inch (psi).
DIY TIPS … looking to install a PRV ? Follow our step by step video to do it yourself.
First things first, in any kind of home maintenance that involves plumbing work, the water in your home needs to be shut off and drained. This will help you avoid a potential mess or water damage when tapping into your water system.
Locate the lowest faucet that is closest to the main shutoff and open it.
Open all other faucets in the home and flush all the toilets as well to drain your home’s water lines.
Make a cut in the main water line using a pipe cutter leaving enough room to install the pressure reducing valve. Sand down ends of pipe where cuts were made to remove burrs.
Slide the valve over top of the cut ends of the pipe and secure with glue.
Turn the water valve back on and the job is complete!
Watch Jon & Jack demonstrate these steps in the video below!
Home maintenance doesn’t have to be a headache. Identifying the problem is the first step, and then, with a little time and effort, you can keep your home in tip-top shape saving you hundreds if not thousands in bills and other expenses.