Households sometimes hesitate when considering the responsible purchase of a water pressure regulator. Most people, given the choice, prefer high water pressure for their household. They feel it gives them sufficient power to bathe, clean, water plants, and more.
Full water pressure can come at a cost, however. It may drive up water bills. At the same time, it will also drain fresh water from already strained public systems and depleted aquifers. Consistent high water pressure also can cause issues within the home system.
In many cases, a water pressure regulator can substantially reduce pressure coming into the house, causing little or no difference in the pressure coming from faucets or nozzles. This lightens the burden on your bills, your system, and also the environment.
Today’s water pressure regulators help you conserve water effectively. Engineers have also taken care to ensure that the decrease in pressure does not create a corresponding decrease in convenience.
What Is a Water Pressure Regulator?
Also sometimes called a pressure-reducing valve, the water pressure regulator gets placed at the water’s main site. There it reduces the level of pressure coming from the outside water system into the house.
Some homes have more of a problem with consistent water pressure than perpetual high pressure. In these cases, a water pressure regulator can help to produce a reliable flow for the home.
Most of the time, it’s the homeowner who installs the water pressure regulator. It is almost never the property or responsibility of the municipal authority or water company.
How Does It Work?
Located just past the shutoff valve, most water pressure regulators are dome-shaped, brass devices. They have a regulating screw at the top that operates a spring-loaded valve and diaphragm inside the pipe. The screw widens or narrows the aperture through which water flows into the home.
Homeowners can easily operate the regulator by closely following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Do I Know It Works Properly?
Usually, homeowners use a pressure gauge to regularly check the performance of their regulator. You can purchase this in most home improvement or hardware stores.
In some areas, the water company or municipal service will conduct free pressure checks on request. It is also in their interest to encourage less strain on their systems through voluntary conservation.
A household may also notice symptoms of a water pressure regulator requiring repair. Individuals may experience bursts of water while showering or washing dishes. These minor inconveniences can signal the approach of major problems. Pipes may also make loud and sometimes sustained “moan” type noises that indicate irregular and potentially damaging pressure issues.
Many times, however, a faulty regulator can function without any symptoms for years.
How Long Do Water Pressure Regulators Last?
Regulator problems often stem from clogs in the valve that gradually build up over time. Experts suggest regular checks to prevent the accumulation of clog-building substances and debris for both functional and health reasons. While some discount products last only a few years, quality regulators installed by San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining can last for decades with proper care and service.
If you suspect problems with your water pressure regulator, call the experienced team at San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining. Sometimes a simple adjustment can restore function. In other cases, the device may require replacement. Either way, proper pressure preserves your plumbing longer. Making sure the regulator runs right will help prevent frequent repairs to your water system.
Remember, regular maintenance comes at a far lower cost than a full replacement. In some cases, regulator replacement will require permits and other forms of local government oversight.
Will It Save Money?
Lowering your water pressure can also help bring down costly water bills. Reducing the pounds per square inch means less water use overall. In some cases, this could bring down costs by hundreds of dollars per year.
A water pressure regulator also can save significant money on plumbing repairs. Some municipal water systems can deliver water to homes at 150 or even 200 psi. Home plumbing systems, however, usually are designed to operate optimally at a much lower level of 50 psi. Most who own regulators choose to set their pressure at that mark.
Full pressure can damage and break down key parts of your plumbing, requiring more frequent repairs.
Does It Help to Conserve Water?
Lower water pressure means lower levels of consumption, which often results in a reduced bill. You have the option to set the regulator at the desired pressure for home needs and conservation purposes.
Just after installation, homeowners should work with their regulators to determine the lowest possible pressure setting that still provides adequate water for typical home use. Experts suggest setting it at the lowest pressure to maximize savings and to reduce as much as possible wear and tear on expensive plumbing equipment.
Why Work with San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining?
We only work with technicians that are fully trained, licensed, and, when necessary, certified. San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining’s employees abide by our 10-point plan, guidelines which ensure that every job meets the highest standards of efficiency, workmanship, customer service, and, above all, safety.
Our commitment to excellence includes spending more on larger trucks to service each job. Using larger vehicles ensures that we carry almost twice as many parts and equipment to each job site. No more frustrating delays in progress due to having to send a worker back to the shop for a vital part.
Reach Out Today
Water pressure regulators can offer your home a range of benefits that can save you money and reduce the strain on overburdened systems. San Diego Plumbing and Pipelining features the most reliable and professional service on regulators and other equipment in the area.
If you need a water pressure regulator or are experiencing any plumbing, water, or sewer line issues, get in touch with us. Our crew will quickly gather information, diagnose the issue, and repair it as quickly as possible. We even perform 24/7 emergency service with live assistance anytime.
Check out our full range of services today.