Regulate Water Pressure in Your Home with a Pressure Reducing Station
Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical installs pressure reducing stations for homes in WV. Have you noticed inconsistent water pressure in sinks, showers, or other plumbing appliances? This can be more than just an inconvenience to you, as too much pressure can cause problems with your plumbing system. High water pressure can cause leaks and extra wear on pipes, washing machines, showers, and other plumbing, which can cause expensive problems if not properly addressed.
Are you unsure of how to fix your water pressure issues or how to tell if the pressure is too high? Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical is here to help. Our team has experience in installing pressure reducing stations in homes across WV to help decrease water pressure. This can not only help to regulate water pressure, but will also decrease the extra wear and tear that high pressure puts on pipes and plumbing fixtures.
If you’ve never heard of a pressure reducing station or valve, or are unsure if they’re worth it, our team has some tips in helping you make the right decision.
What is a Pressure Reducing Station?
A pressure reducing station, also known as a pressure reducing valve or PRV, works to decrease the pressure of water coming into your home. It can also allow for more water to come through if the pressure is too low. The valve attaches to the main water line in order to restrict the water flow before it reaches your plumbing system. This allows the regulator to drop the pressure of the water automatically, or can help to increase water pressure if needed. Pressure reducing stations also regulate the flow of water to help decrease the overall stress on pipes throughout the day.
While it may sound like an easy fix, it’s better to trust an experienced plumber to install the valve to make sure it’s correctly placed and fitted. The team at Robinson & Son can explain how to use the valve and how to adjust it when necessary.
If you’re not sure if the water pressure in your home is high, it’s easy to test the pressure yourself before committing to a new PRV. Pick up a water pressure gauge from your local hardware store and attach it to a faucet or your water tank. This way, you can regularly check your pressure to see if it is too high, or to check on the regulator as it ages.
Signs That Your Water Pressure is too High
If your water pressure has always been high, you might not realize that it is a problem when showering or using plumbing appliances. A few tell-tale signs that your water pressure is too high include:
- Running toilets
- Banging in pipes
- Spitting or leaking faucets
- Short life of plumbing equipment – water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers
- Increase in water or utility costs
Do you have these plumbing issues in your home? It could be an indication that your water pressure is affecting your plumbing system. Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical is here to properly inspect your plumbing and decide if a pressure reducing station is necessary.
If you already have a PRV and notice that the water pressure is increasing, it may be time for a new one. Pressure reducing stations last up to 12 or so years, so anything older may need replaced.
Will My Home Benefit from a Pressure Reducing Station?
Angie’s List reminds us that water pressure should be no higher than 80 psi. If the water pressure is too high, your plumbing system will have added stress that can reduce the lifespan. While newer homes may already have a pressure reducing valve on their water line, older homes may need to have one installed or replace a current one.
You might be thinking, “how much can high water pressure really hurt my plumbing?” The answer? Severely. High pressure can cause blowouts in flex pipes or washing machines, which can ultimately flood your home. Consider the alternative cost of a regulator compared to pipe repair or new appliances, plus clean up and potential water damage.
High water pressure can also increase your water use, meaning that your water bills will increase, too. If you notice that your water bills are becoming more expensive but you’re not using more water, this could indicate that your water pressure is too high – or other potential plumbing issues. A pressure reducing system will limit the flow of the water, reducing the amount that comes through the pipes.
Keep in mind that all homes and water lines are different, and what you think is high water pressure could be something different. Trust Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical to check out your plumbing system and test the water pressure to determine where the problem is. Our team will discuss your options and explain how your home can benefit from a pressure reducing station.
Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical is Here to Help Your Plumbing
Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical in Scott Depot, WV, is here to keep your residential plumbing system functioning for as long as possible. Talk to our team to learn more about pressure reducing valves or to ask about our full line of services. We will be happy to work with you or to provide a free estimate on our plumbing services.
For more information on installing a pressure reducing station for your home, give Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical a call at (304) 757-8063. Follow us on Facebook for updates!
