Have you ever turned on a faucet and noticed the water blasting out way too fast? Or maybe your pipes make strange banging noises? These might be signs that your home’s water pressure is too high—and that can be a big problem for your plumbing system.
At Canyon Plumbing Solutions, we want to help you protect your home. That’s why we’re talking about something important today: Pressure Reducing Valves, or PRVs. These small devices play a big role in keeping your plumbing safe and working well.
What Is a PRV?
A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is a special valve that controls how much water pressure comes into your home from the city water lines. Most cities send water at a high pressure so it can reach homes on hills or taller buildings. But that pressure is often too high for regular household plumbing.
The PRV works like a traffic cop. It slows down the water before it reaches your pipes, faucets, toilets, and appliances. This keeps your plumbing system from getting overwhelmed or damaged.
Why Is High Water Pressure a Problem?
You might think that high water pressure is a good thing—it means faster showers and strong water flow, right? But actually, too much pressure can be dangerous for your home. Here’s why:
1. It Damages Your Pipes
High pressure puts extra stress on your plumbing. Over time, this can cause pipes to wear out, crack, or even burst. A burst pipe can flood your home and lead to expensive repairs. It causes water to travel through pipes faster and cause more turbulence than usual and creating pin hole leaks.
2. It Wears Out Appliances
Appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, and even your refrigerator can all be damaged by too much water pressure. These machines are built to handle a certain range of pressure. If the pressure is too high, it can shorten their lifespan and lead to leaks or breakdowns.
3. It Wastes Water (and Money)
With high pressure, you use more water every time you turn on a faucet or shower. That means higher water bills and more water wasted. A PRV helps control that, which is good for your wallet—and the planet.
4. It Can Be Loud
Ever heard a loud banging or hammering sound when the water turns on or off? That noise is called water hammer, and it’s often caused by high pressure. A PRV can help reduce or stop these sounds by calming the flow of water.
How Do I Know If I Have High Water Pressure?
Most homes should have water pressure between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Anything over 80 PSI is considered too high.
You might have high pressure if you notice:
- Water shoots out too fast
- Faucets drip even when turned off
- Pipes make loud noises
- Appliances break or leak often
- Your water bill is higher than usual
If you’re not sure, a plumber from Canyon Plumbing Solutions can test your water pressure and let you know if you need a PRV.
What If I Dont Have a PRV?
If your home doesn’t already have a PRV, we highly recommend installing one. In fact, many newer homes already have one, especially in areas known for high water pressure. Installing a PRV can:
- Protect your plumbing system
- Extend the life of your appliances
- Reduce water waste
- Save you money in the long run
Let Canyon Plumbing Solutions Help
At Canyon Plumbing Solutions, we care about helping homeowners like you keep their plumbing systems safe and running smoothly. If you think your water pressure might be too high, or you just want to be sure, give us a call. We can check your pressure, install a PRV if needed, and answer any questions you have.
Don’t wait until a burst pipe or broken water heater ruins your day. Let us help you keep the pressure under control!
Need help with your water pressure? Contact Canyon Plumbing Solutions today!