To reduce high pressure in a home, you'll need a Pressure Reducing Valve ( PRV ). In fact, these are often required by code for pressures beyond 80 psi . These devices do exactly what they say, reducing pressures of up to 400 psi down to a reasonable level of your choosing (most are factory set at 45 psi).
If you're dealing with ongoing high water pressure, you should check on your regulator. You may be able to lower your water pressure by adjusting the regulator, or you might need to replace it with a new one.
If your pressure is higher or lower, then you'll need to install, repair, or adjust your pressure regulator to comply. Adjusting your regulator is easy, as long as it's working properly. Simply tighten the screw down clockwise to increase pressure and counter-clockwise to decrease pressure.
Water pressure is primarily due to the elevation of storage tanks relative to the elevation of your home. Higher water pressures are in geographically low points (near a creek or the bottom of a neighborhood).
A water pressure regulator, if you have one, is usually located where the main water line comes into the house and after the main shut off valve. This way if you need to work on or change the water pressure regulator you can simply shut off the water main to do so.
Over time, mineral deposits and debris can build up inside your pipes, restricting water flow. This restriction forces the water to push through narrower passages, increasing pressure and potentially leading to leaks and burst pipes.
However, when low water pressure originates from an issue specific to your home, such as a water pipe or your pressure regulator fails, plumbing repairs can correct the problem. Some issues are solved with simple troubleshooting on your own around the home. These are: High Water Demand.
Install a Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator is a type of safety valve used to control the pressure in your home's plumbing system. The regulator is fitted to the main water line entering your home and restricts the pressure to a safe level before it reaches the plumbing fixtures inside your home.
The ideal water pressure level is between 50-70 PSI.
If your water pressure goes above 70 PSI (even occasionally), you should install a pressure regulator to your main water line.
Normally, the standing residential house has a water pressure of around 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Anything above 80 PSI is considered too high and can cause serious damage to your pipes and equipment.
Once you find the main water supply, turn it completely off. Turn all faucets to the 'on' position. Once the water supply is off (you might want to double-check this), turn all the faucets in your home to the 'on' position. This will allow for any trapped air to flow through the water lines.
High pressure is unlikely to be dangerous, even if it's a lot higher, as your system should have a pressure relief valve that will trigger. However, you should not rely on this to prevent overpressurisation. First, it'll be inefficient, and second, it could be dangerous if the relief valve is faulty or jammed.
If you tighten the screw the water pressure will be more and if you loosen the screw the water pressure will be less. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it and increase the pressure, or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the pressure. Do not be too hasty.
The regulator will have a screw or bolt and a locking nut system. Loosen the locking nut with a wrench and using quarter-turn increments, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise (to the left) to decrease water pressure, and clockwise (to the right) to increase water pressure.
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
The best way to reduce a home's water pressure is to use a pressure regulating valve, or PRV. A PRV attaches right to your pipe. A professional technician can install it, and then you can easily change your plumbing's water pressure to the correct psi.
Install a pressure-reducing valve
Installing a pressure-reducing valve can regulate and decrease the incoming water pressure to a safe and optimal level for your home. A PRV valve can lower water pressure coming into the home if the municipal water supply has a high pressure exceeding 80 PSI.
No, and in some cases, you may not need one. Certain municipal supplies regulate their water pressure safely, but if that pressure runs above 80 psi, you'll want to protect your plumbing system by installing one.
Location:
The pressure-relief valve is typically located on the top or side of the tank. It includes a discharge tube that extends to about six inches above the floor. This tube is designed to safely discharge water in case the valve is triggered.
Find the water pressure regulator on your supply line. It should look like a large brass bell sitting on more brass piping.