Some of the first signs of a failing pressure regulator are a leaking water heater or commode. The water coming from a faucet may also exit with such force that splashing or water “hammering” may occur.
These problems can include: Leaking appliances: High water pressure can cause appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to leak or fail prematurely. Burst pipes: Excessive water pressure can cause pipes to burst, which can lead to water damage and costly repairs.
Water pressure regulators need replacement about once every 4 to 12 years. While some PRVs may last longer than others, manufacturers recommend swapping out your regulator at least once every 5 years to prevent damage. Your home will show signs when your regulator may be failing.
Water pressure regulator replacement: $250 to $1,000. Pipe section replacement: $500 to $4,000.
With the right tools, you will be able to adjust the water pressure regulator by yourself instead of calling in the plumber. Here's how you go about the job. The first step is to locate the water supply line that supplies water to your house. Once you have located the line you will be able to find the water meter.
Pressure Relief Valve – $20 to $200
If you notice that the valve is consistently leaking, it may mean that the tank's pressure is too high, or you might simply have a faulty/clogged valve. The cost of a new pressure relief valve is about $20, and repairs may total to $200.
These mineral deposits accumulate inside of the valve body, leading to lower-than-intended home water pressure. In most cases, a plumber can resolve this issue by disassembling and cleaning out your regulator valve. Soaking the valve in a calcium and lime remover loosens up and dissolves unwanted mineral deposits.
Water Pressure Readings
Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI. Once you measure the water pressure in your house, you can adjust it to a setting that is ideal for all family members and household uses.
A pressure reducing valve usually resembles a bell or dome. As mentioned earlier, you'll usually see it alongside a gauge. It may be built right into your water meter. In most cases, however, you'll find the valve in the form of a separate device that lies after the meter within your home's water supply chain.
Temperature changes – As the temperature increases in your plumbing system, water will expand and pressure will increase. This can occur as water is heated by the water heater, especially if it has a defective expansion tank or pressure relief valve.
For most houses, 80 psi (pounds per square inch) is about right. If the water pressure is over 100 psi, that's too much. This increase in pressure is usually the fault of the municipal water company, which sets the pressure higher in order to accommodate fire hydrants and tall commercial buildings.
A faulty fuel pressure regulator may result in engine misfires, reduction in power, poor acceleration, and a decrease in fuel efficiency.
Install a pressure regulator
The pressure regulator protects your sanitary installation from overpressure and therefore from water hammer. It also prevents wear and tear on your sanitary fittings and household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
When a pressure regulator fails, it could cause a sudden increase or decrease in water pressure. A common reason for failure is sediment build up in the valve, which could cause blockages, pump problems, and short cycling.
Residential water pressure tends to range between 45 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything below 40 psi is considered low and anything below 30 psi is considered too low; the minimum pressure required by most codes is 20 psi. Pressures above 80 psi are too high.
Find the spigot closest to your source of water. Make sure all the taps and other water uses are turned off in your house. Now turn on the spigot and see how long it takes to fill the bucket. Dividing the number 60 by the time to fill the bucket will give you the gallons per minute number.
Pressures above 80 psi are too high. Whereas low water pressure is more of a nuisance than a serious problem (some fixtures, like washing machines, have minimum pressure requirements), high water pressure carries with it a significantly increased risk of damage to pipes, joints, fixtures and seals.
Pressure reducing valves, like most components in your system, are subject to water quality and repetitive use. They should be inspected and cleaned at least once every 12 months.
Pressure regulators are not designed to control flow rates. Although pressure regulators used in flowing systems inherently affect the flow by controlling the pressure, they are not designed to act as flow controllers.
Your house has a main water valve, usually located near the meter; the valve controls the flow of water into your home's pipes. Find the valve and check to see if it's completely open. Opening a half-shut valve is one of the quickest ways for increasing home water pressure.
Nearly 99% of PRV failures happen because of installation or re-installation issues. And when a PRV fails, it can lead to an explosion. Damaged equipment, disrupted work flow, and even injury may result. Why take that risk when you can easily tell whether or not your pressure relief valve needs replacing or repair.
Under normal conditions, the useful safe service life of a pressure relief valve is 10 years from the original date of manufacture. However, the safe useful life of the valve may be shortened by certain environmental conditions and other factors. At times, replacement may be necessary much sooner.
How long will a Water Pressure Reducing Valve last? The life expectancy of a water pressure regulator is most commonly in the range of 10 to 15 years. However, you may see a regulator malfunction at three years and one still properly functioning at 20 years old if regularly maintained.