Home Water Pressure Guide

Most homeowners don’t think much about water pressure—until something goes wrong. Maybe a faucet starts leaking, a toilet won’t stop running, or an appliance fails earlier than expected. What many people don’t realize is that high water pressure is often the hidden culprit.

Let’s break down what water pressure does in your home, why it matters, and how one small valve plays a big role in protecting your plumbing.

What Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Do?

When water comes into your home from the municipality, it’s usually under much higher pressure than your plumbing system can safely handle. That’s where the pressure reducing valve (PRV) comes in.

The PRV is installed on your main water line and does exactly what its name suggests, it reduces incoming water pressure to a safe, steady level before it reaches your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Most homes are happiest at around 50–60 psi.

How Long Does a PRV Last?

Pressure reducing valves aren’t meant to last forever. On average, a PRV has a workable lifespan of about 5–7 years. Over time, internal components wear out and mineral buildup can affect how well it regulates pressure. Once a PRV starts to fail, it can no longer keep pressure in check..

Can a Failing PRV Be Fixed?

This is one of the most common questions we hear—and the answer is simple: no. The only solution for a failing PRV is to replace it. Adjusting it won’t fix worn internal parts and ignoring it can allow high pressure to slowly damage your plumbing system.

Why High Water Pressure Is a Big Deal

High water pressure might feel great in the shower, but behind the walls it’s a different story. Too much pressure puts constant strain on your pipes, and everything connected to them.

Over time, that stress can lead to:

• Leaking faucets and valves

• Running toilets

• Shortened lifespan of water heaters and appliances

• Cracked or burst pipes

• Higher water bills due to wasted water

In many cases, homeowners don’t realize there’s a pressure issue until a major leak or failure happens.

Signs Your Water Pressure May Be Too High

Not sure if your home has a pressure problem? Some common warning signs include:

• Loud banging or knocking noises when water turns on or off

• Faucets or showerheads that spray aggressively

• Frequent plumbing leaks or repairs

• Appliances that fail earlier than expected

• Toilets that fill very forcefully or run often

• Water pressure that seems inconsistent throughout the house

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having your water pressure checked.

A Simple Step That Can Prevent Big Problems

Keeping your water pressure at a safe level is one of the easiest ways to protect your home’s plumbing. If your PRV is more than 5–7 years old, or if you’re noticing signs of high pressure, having it tested and replaced when needed can help you avoid costly repairs and water damage.

A quick pressure check by a professional can tell you a lot about the health of your plumbing system—and give you peace of mind knowing everything is flowing the way it should.

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