Do you need a water pressure valve?

 

Low water pressure is often an annoyance when you want to shower, wash the dishes or accomplish other household tasks. However, if the water pressure is too high, it can damage your plumbing fixtures. Here’s a look at how a water pressure valve can strike the perfect balance.

How it works

A water pressure valve, also referred to as a regulation valve, is designed to strengthen or reduce the water pressure in your home. This device is typically located on the main water line near where it enters the house. The valve fitting regulates the water pressure before it flows through your pipes to various fixtures and appliances.

 

Understanding water pressure

Most of the pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances in your home are designed to function optimally with water pressure that’s about 50 pounds per square inch (PSI). A higher PSI can damage your plumbing system since it’s not made to withstand that much force.

 

However, the water pressure in municipal mains is often very high, sometimes upward of 150 PSI. Furthermore, the water pressure from the city can fluctuate drastically throughout the day. This is often influenced by how many people are running water at the same time.

 

Benefits of a water pressure valve

In addition to reducing the water pressure to a level that your plumbing system can handle, a water pressure valve also maintains a consistent pressure. This helps prevent changes to the force of the water coming out of your faucets, even if the water pressure in the municipal main is fluctuating.

 

Assessing your needs

As previously mentioned, the ideal water pressure for most plumbing fixtures and appliances is about 50 PSI. If the pressure in your home is higher than 80 PSI at any point during the day, you need to install a water pressure valve to protect your plumbing.

 

The best way to determine the water pressure in your home is to use a pressure gauge. This tool can be purchased at your plumbing supply store, Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating shop on Main Street in Vancouver.

 

Consult a plumber in Vancouver

If you need to install a water pressure valve in your home, the experienced plumbers at Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating can help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for residential clients in Vancouver, New Westminster, Langley and the surrounding communities. For more information or to schedule a service call, contact us today.