• Posted by: On The Spot
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A pressure reducing valve Is used to protect your home from water pressure that is higher than what your plumbing can handle. Typically water pressure inside your home should be 40-80 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your water pressure delivered to your home is higher than that, it can cause damage to your in-door plumbing and appliances. Placing a pressure reducing valve on the main water line serving the home, will help maintain an appropriate level pressure

Unfortunately pressure reducing valves don’t last forever. Most are made up of parts that include rubber and springs that eventually wear out overtime. Typically problems caused by a failing pressure reducing valve affect the entire home all at the same time and not just a single faucet.

Here are some additional tips to recognize a failing pressure reducing valve.

• Keep an eye out for low or fluctuating water pressure. If you don’t usually use tubs and showers at the same time noticing it here maybe your first indication that your valve may be failing
• If your water pressure fails all at the same time check to make sure both hot and cold water both have an issue and that it is not the water heater or the fixture itself
• If you hear hammering or vibrating noises go to the location where your valve is installed if you hear noise coming from it it may have failed
• If you suddenly have higher water pressure than normal it may be because your valve has failed. You should replace the valve before it does any damage to your appliances.