Water Pressure Regulator

Last Updated on Saturday, 08 May 2010 08:11 Friday, 07 May 2010 17:00

Articles - Water Supply Lines

Water Pressure Regulator Function

The pressure regulator reduces the pressure to one that is compatible with household plumbing and fixtures. High water pressure can result in dripping faucets and water pipes; it can damage appliances, and in some cases of poor plumbing, burst a pipe.

The pressure regulator is usually installed downstream (house side) of the water meter. Older installations may have it installed on the street side of the water meter. A licensed plumber can help with determining the proper location of new regulators. Multi-family homes or apartments with individual water meters may have the regulator installed on the street side of the water meter.

The pressure regulator has a spring-loaded valve that regulates pressure on the outgoing (house) side of the valve. Turning the spring compression changes the outgoing pressure. On most models, turning the adjustment screw clockwise increases water pressure and turning the screw counter-clockwise reduces pressure.

 

Setting the Water Pressure

The water pressure setting of your home is really a matter of your preference. Most homes are set between 50 pounds per square inch (psi) and 70 psi. Typically water pressure is set to about 40 to 45 psi. Normally, it should not exceed 60 psi. Either you or a plumber can make the adjustment; however you should use a pressure gauge to measure the house side water pressure.

The adjustment is made usually from a screw on top of the regulator. A lower pressure setting helps conserve water and prolongs the life of your appliances and fixtures. However you will need a flow regulator to regulate how much water passes through the pipes.

Troubleshooting the Water Pressure Regulator

The best way to verify if your water pressure regulator is working is to install a pressure gage on both sides of the regulator. If the street side of the gage reads a higher pressure than the downstream gage, then it’s more than likely working. If no gages are installed, you might notice unusually high pressure at the faucets and showerheads. Also, check the relief valve on your water heater for signs of water being discharge. Repair kits are usually available from the manufacturer, but it is best to hire a licensed plumber for these types of repairs or replacements.

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