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Read MoreWhen water enters your home at high pressure, it can stress your pipes and fixtures. After enduring high pressures for a long time, your pipes can give in and burst!
Knowing what a water pressure regulator is, and where to find it, can save you the worry of damaged plumbing.
Your water pressure regulator is usually located right after the main shut-off valve for your water supply. This is typically found outside the house. Once you know where the shut-off valve is, you’ll find the water pressure regulator.
There’s a lot more you can learn about water pressure regulators. Ready? Then let’s dive in!
The water pressure regulator is a part of the plumbing that adjusts the water pressure in a home. It is also known as a pressure-reducing valve. This is a bell-shaped device attached to the pipe.
A regulator is needed for places where the city’s water supply enters the house at high pressure. You can actually adjust the pressure yourself if you have found it to be too high. This is a simple step that will increase the longevity of your pipes.
But first, let’s find it.
If you have no idea where your water pressure regulator is, then there are a few things you can keep in mind. These will help you locate it. Just note that it can be a game of hide and seek!
If you still can’t find it after trying all this, it might be time to call a plumber!
There is a lot that a homeowner can prevent a lot by making sure they have a regulator working for them.
No, not all homes have a water pressure regulator.
Whether you need a regulator depends on the water pressure from the municipal supply. If the city’s water lines run at pressures above 80psi, then you’ll need one to protect your pipes.
In some cases, the water supply may be variable depending on the time of the day. A water pressure regulator is key to converting this into a steady and reliable pressure for your home.
With a quality water pressure regulator, you should expect it to last anywhere between 10 to 15 years. There’s not much active maintenance that can go into one of these, so it is difficult to extend its lifespan.
Fortunately, this isn’t as complicated a step as finding your regulator. Checking your home’s water pressure is a straightforward procedure. All you need is a water pressure gauge.
In some homes, they may build this into the plumbing somewhere. Otherwise, you can buy a gauge for cheap and do it yourself:
If you have a water pressure over 60psi, it is likely that there is an issue with your water pressure regulator. It may need an adjustment. If that doesn’t help, then you may need to replace it.
A water pressure regulator can help save your plumbing. Consistently high water pressures can cause damage.
Finding this regulator can be tough. Look for a bell-shaped device on your pipes in front of your house, near your water meter or shut-off valve, or in your basement or garage. If your municipal water pressure is not high, you may not even have one.
Hopefully this guide has given you a few clues to hunt down your water pressure regulator.
Thank you for reading through this article to the end.
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