Adjust the Valve: Turn the valve slowly to reduce the flow of water into your home. Turning it clockwise typically decreases the flow and pressure. Check Pressure: After making adjustments, check the water pressure using a pressure gauge.
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.
Pinching your nose and blowing gently can create pressure in your head, allowing equalized pressure air to enter your sinus cavities and eustachian tubes. This should alleviate the pain you're experiencing.
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.
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.
Turn on your main water valve and listen for the sound of air escaping from the open faucets. Let water run for about 10–15 minutes or until the flow becomes steady without sputtering. Once the flow has stabilized, turn off your faucets. Check that your toilets have refilled properly and flush them again if necessary.
The pressure regulator is responsible for ensuring the 100 PSI water coming from the city is controlled to somewhere between 50-80 PSI before it enters your home. This device saves potential damage to pipes and fixtures, but too low of PSI can cause water pressure below your standards.
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).
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.
The required type of PRVs can cost anywhere from $90-$200 and can be purchased at a big box store. A plumber will charge anywhere from $200-$800 for materials and labor but a homeowner with a moderate level of maintenance knowledge might be able to switch out their PRV. Don't water utilities like WCID No.
Water Valves
Two main shut-off valves control the water flow in your home — one on or in your home and one at the meter. If one of these valves is partially or fully turned off for some reason, it can cause your water pressure to decrease considerably.
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.
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.
Homeowners should work with a plumber to discover the source of the leak and to see if this fixes their water pressure. Sometimes, homeowners can tell where the leak might be located by noting which fixtures have low water pressure.
Locate the PRV, usually near the main water shut-off valve. Look for an adjustment screw on top of the valve. To increase pressure, turn the screw clockwise. Make small adjustments and retest the pressure after each turn.
Hot weather and changes in water volume from your water heater can also cause higher-than-normal water pressure. The best way to reduce a home's water pressure is to use a pressure regulating valve, or PRV.
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.