A water pressure regulator (sometimes called a pressure-reducing valve, or PRV) is a specialized plumbing valve that reduces the water pressure coming into the home through the main water line.  This valve brings down the pressure to a safe level before the water reaches any plumbing fixtures inside the home.  Too much water pressure can cause many plumbing problems, so it is very important to keep the water pressure under control.  Although it is not necessary for every plumbing installation, a water pressure regulator can be essential in situations where the municipal water supply enters the home at a very high pressure, or where water pressure is irregular.

Most plumbing fixtures are designed to work best at a pressure of about 50 psi (pounds per square inch), but it is not uncommon for municipal water supplies to enter the home with pressure as high as 150 or 200 psi.  If such high pressures are present on a regular basis, the strain can eventually cause joints to fail, faucets and other fixtures to leak, and appliances to break down.  Clothes washers, dishwashers, and some other household appliances have built-in pressure regulators, but a whole house water pressure regulator still offers protection to those appliances, and it also serves to protect all the pipes and fixtures throughout the house.

Remember that too much water pressure will put extra strain on the home’s plumbing systems and can cause toilets to run, faucets to drip, water hammer to occur in the walls, and it can even cause burst pipes that can flood your house.

A massive stream of water might seem like a great thing in your home – but not only is that high-pressure wasteful, it could be costing you money, too.  Think about water pressure in your home the same way you think about your blood pressure.  The higher the pressure, the higher the chances of problems down the line.