The Importance of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) and How Water Pressure Affects Your Fixtures
Water pressure in your home’s plumbing system plays a critical role in ensuring everything functions smoothly, from your faucets to your water heater. Many homeowners don’t give much thought to it until a problem arises, such as a dripping faucet, damaged pipes, or even a prematurely failing appliance. That’s where a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) comes in. Installed in many homes to regulate water pressure, a PRV ensures that the pressure remains within safe limits, protecting your plumbing system from excessive or insufficient water pressure.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of maintaining balanced water pressure, how PRVs work, and how incorrect pressure levels—whether too high or too low—can cause significant issues for your plumbing fixtures.
What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?
A Pressure Reducing Valve is a device installed on your main water line that regulates the water pressure flowing into your home. It reduces the water pressure from your city’s supply (which can be quite high) to a safe level for your home’s plumbing. PRVs are crucial because municipal water systems often deliver water at higher pressures to meet the needs of taller buildings, fire hydrants, or remote homes. However, this pressure is often too high for residential plumbing systems and can cause damage.
The Goldilocks Zone: Ideal Water Pressure
The ideal water pressure for most residential homes falls between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). Too much pressure can strain pipes and fixtures, while too little pressure can make tasks like showering or running a dishwasher frustratingly inefficient.
When a PRV is properly installed and adjusted, it maintains this “Goldilocks” range—where the pressure is just right, preventing the negative impacts of both high and low water pressure.
Let’s break down what happens when your home’s water pressure is too high or too low and the effect it can have on your plumbing fixtures.
Too Much Pressure: A Recipe for Damage
When the water pressure in your home exceeds 60 psi, it can start causing significant issues over time. Though the initial signs may be minor, excessive pressure will gradually take a toll on your plumbing system and appliances.
1. Damaged Pipes and Leaks
High water pressure increases the wear and tear on your pipes, especially at the joints and fittings. Over time, it can cause cracks, ruptures, and leaks. If left unchecked, these leaks can lead to costly water damage in your home, especially if they occur in hidden areas like behind walls or under floors.
2. Fixture Wear and Tear
Your faucets, showerheads, and toilets are designed to handle a specific range of water pressure. Excessive pressure can wear down the internal components, leading to leaky faucets, constantly running toilets, and malfunctioning showerheads. These issues not only waste water but also reduce the lifespan of your fixtures, meaning more frequent repairs or replacements.
3. Increased Utility Bills
High water pressure often results in excessive water usage, even if you don’t notice it right away. Faucets and appliances may dispense more water than necessary, leading to higher utility bills. Over time, the waste adds up, costing you more money than you may realize.
4. Premature Appliance Failure
Household appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are also vulnerable to damage from high pressure. The excessive force can strain the seals, valves, and internal components, leading to leaks, reduced efficiency, and ultimately, premature failure. Considering the cost of replacing major appliances, this is a problem best avoided.
Too Little Pressure: Inconvenience and Inefficiency
On the flip side, having water pressure that’s too low can also cause a range of problems in your home, though these issues tend to be more about inconvenience than outright damage.
1. Weak Water Flow
One of the most common complaints with low water pressure is weak water flow. Whether it’s a trickling shower or a faucet that takes forever to fill a pot, low pressure can make daily tasks much more difficult and time-consuming.
2. Inconsistent Water Temperature
If your water pressure is too low, it can also affect the performance of your water heater. You may experience inconsistent temperatures while showering or using hot water appliances. In some cases, low pressure can even prevent water heaters from working correctly, leading to poor performance and reduced comfort.
3. Poor Performance of Appliances
Appliances that rely on water, like dishwashers or washing machines, won’t perform as efficiently if the water pressure is too low. This can result in incomplete washing cycles, poor cleaning, and higher energy consumption as the machines struggle to work with insufficient water flow.
How PRVs Protect Your Plumbing System
A PRV is your home’s first line of defense against these water pressure issues. It’s installed on the main water supply line, typically near where the water enters your home. The valve reduces the incoming water pressure to a level that’s safe for your plumbing system. Here’s how it helps:
1. Regulating Pressure
The PRV keeps your water pressure within that ideal 40–60 psi range. By doing so, it protects your pipes, fixtures, and appliances from the damage that high pressure can cause. It also ensures you have adequate pressure to meet your household’s needs without the inefficiency of low pressure.
2. Improving the Longevity of Plumbing Fixtures
With a properly adjusted PRV, your plumbing fixtures and appliances will last longer because they aren’t constantly being subjected to the stress of excessive pressure. You’ll experience fewer leaks, fewer repairs, and less water waste over time.
3. Saving Money
A well-maintained PRV not only protects your plumbing system but also saves you money in the long run. By preventing damage to pipes and appliances, reducing water waste, and improving the efficiency of water-dependent appliances, you can avoid costly repairs and lower your utility bills.
When to Check Your PRV
Just like other parts of your plumbing system, your PRV needs to be regularly inspected and maintained. If you’re experiencing issues like high water bills, weak water flow, or frequent leaks, it might be time to have your PRV checked by a professional. In many cases, adjusting the valve can resolve pressure issues, but sometimes the PRV may need to be replaced if it’s no longer functioning correctly.
Conclusion: Maintain Optimal Water Pressure for a Healthy Plumbing System
Whether it’s too much or too little, incorrect water pressure can wreak havoc on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Installing and maintaining a Pressure Reducing Valve is one of the best ways to ensure your home’s water pressure stays within the ideal range, preventing damage and improving efficiency.
At Advanced Plumbing in Des Moines, we specialize in maintaining and adjusting PRVs to protect your home’s plumbing system. If you’re experiencing water pressure issues or want to ensure your system is working at its best, give us a call today! Let us help you keep your fixtures and appliances in great shape for years to come.