Your pressure reducing valve regulates the water pressure throughout your home. High water pressure can damage pipes and appliances, leading to costly repairs and water damage.
Signs of a failing PRV include fluctuating pressure, high water bills, noisy pipes and leaks. Problems with leaky faucets, running toilets and appliances also may indicate a problem.
Quick Takeaways
- The purpose of a pressure reducing valve is to control the pressure of water as it enters your home.
- Inconsistent water pressure is a common sign that your PRV is failing.
- Water pressure that’s too high can damage your appliances, your water heater and your pipes.
- The usual lifespan for a PRV is between 10-15 years.
- Scheduling prompt repair for a faulty PRV can prevent expensive damage to your plumbing system and property.
What Is a Pressure Reducing Valve?
A PRV is a device that is attached to your home’s main water supply line. You need a PRV because the pressure coming from your water supply is typically very high. A PRV substantially reduces that pressure.
7 Signs Your Pressure Reducing Valve Is Failing
1. Sudden Spikes in Water Pressure
If the water coming from faucets and showerheads in your home is suddenly much much more forceful, this could be a PRV problem.
2. Water Pressure That Changes Throughout the Day
If the increase in water pressure in your home is not steady but seems to fluctuate between too high and not high enough, your PRV may be wearing out.
3. Banging or Knocking Pipes
“Water hammer” is the term for that banging sound you hear in your pipes, especially when you turn off a faucet or when valves close elsewhere in your plumbing system. It happens when water at a high pressure is stopped abruptly, and it can point to a PRV malfunction.
4. Frequent Plumbing Leaks
High water pressure puts stress on pipes and fittings, and this may cause leaks.
5. Dripping Faucets and Running Toilets
High pressure strains fixtures. This leads to them wearing out more quickly and malfunctioning.
6. Appliance Problems
There is also strain on your dishwasher, water heater and washing machine when water pressure is too high.
7. Unusually High Water Bills
Hidden leaks can lead to water waste, and this can drive up your water bill when you don’t appear to be using any extra water.
What Happens If You Ignore a Bad Pressure Reducing Valve?
Ignoring a problem with your pressure reducing valve can lead to more significant issues than just the annoyance of water pressure that is fluctuating or too high.
A faulty pressure reducing valve can damage your pipes and fixtures and put additional stress on your water heater. This will drive your plumber repair costs higher than having the PRV fixed in the first place.
How Plumbers Test a Pressure Reducing Valve
Plumbers can test your water pressure by using a water pressure gauge on an exterior faucet. There are also water pressure monitoring devices that can be permanently attached to your supply line to provide real time data.
Should You Repair or Replace a Pressure Reducing Valve?
You can test the valve to make sure that it responds to an adjustment in pressure. If your water pressure is a little lower or higher than it should be, it might be possible to simply make an adjustment.
After about 10 years, it’s usually better to replace a PRV instead of trying to repair it. However, a PRV may fail after just five or six years.
Corrosion, leaks or a PRV that doesn’t respond to adjustments mean a replacement is necessary.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with water leaks, pressure fluctuations or water hammer, you should reach out to a plumber. You should also contact a professional if your gauge shows readings above 80 PSI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pressure reducing valve last?
A pressure reducing valve usually lasts for around 10 to 15 years. However, it’s still within the normal range for a PRV to fail after just five or six years.
Can a bad pressure reducing valve cause low water pressure?
Yes, you may experience unusually low or high water pressure if your valve malfunctions.
What water pressure is too high for a house?
A normal range is 40 to 80 PSI, with anything above 80 too high.
Can I replace a pressure reducing valve myself?
It is best to hire a licensed plumber to ensure that the job is done safely and accurately. In addition, work on the main water line may require a permit, and a professional can ensure that all codes and regulations are observed.
How much damage can high water pressure cause?
High water pressure can lead to leaky faucets and damaged appliances. Because it can also cause breaks in pipes, there may be additional water damage to your property as well.
Schedule Pressure Reducing Valve Repair in Gainesville, FL
A faulty pressure reducing valve can cause expensive problems in your Gainesville-area home, including pipe leaks and appliance damage.
If you notice water hammer, inconsistent water pressure or frequent leaks, reach out to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We’ll determine whether the problem is with your pressure reducing valve or another part of your plumbing system and get things working properly again.
Our punctual plumbers will protect your system and your home from damage. Contact Benjamin Franklin plumbing today for all your plumbing needs throughout the Gainesville area.