FAQs

What is a Pressure Regulator?
Also called water pressure reducing valves, they are compact, inexpensive regulators that perform two functions:
  • they automatically reduce the high incoming water pressure from the mains to provide a lower, more functional pressure for distribution in the home;
  • they “regulate” by maintaining a set pressure in the home usually 50 lbs. –thereby insuring that the home piping and appliances operate under a safe, more moderate, but satisfactory pressure.
What is Water Pressure?
When a fixture in a home is opened and water flows from it, it is because the water is “pushed.” This “push” is pressure. The speed at which water flows from the opened outlet depends on the amount of “push” or pressure, which exists at that time in the system. In short, the higher the pressure, the stronger the “push” behind the water.

How do I know if I have high water pressure?
A rule of thumb is: If you hear banging pipes in your home or observe water splashing in your sink, you probably have excessive pressure. However, for a precise reading, your local plumbing contractor can test your pressure with a gauge.

Does high water pressure cause "water hammer"?
Yes, and water hammer is very simply the noise generated by the shocks of high-speed water flowing in a pipe when a fixture is suddenly closed. The sudden stoppage causes a "bounce-back" of the water and is called water hammer, causing banging pipes, noise systems and damage to appliances. It might be compared to driving your car at slow speed into a wall where the effect is negligible. However, if you drove the car at a much higher speed, the impact would be greater and, consequently, so would the bounce-back or shock. This principle is based on the fact that moving objects, and this includes water, tend to move in a straight line. They resist changes in direction. Therefore, in a home where the piping has many changes in direction, water hammer shock can be limited by reducing the water pressure.

How can I get a Water Pressure Regulator installed?
The easiest way would be to call your local qualified plumbing contractor who can provide you with an estimate and also advice of the various type regulators available and the one best suited for your home. Although regulators are fairly simple to install and could be a do-it-yourself project, there are some laws which provide that only a licensed plumbing contractor be permitted to work on the home potable drinking water system for health and safety purposes. A Water Regulator is a Primary Conservation Control:
Most people have considered regulators as pressure controls because they are used to protect appliances and piping from the effects of high water pressure. However, because of water and energy shortage and cost problems, regulators have become increasingly more important because they automatically provide the advantage of conserving water and energy. The water pressure regulator is the nub of a conservation program; but you should also consider flow control devices, low-flush toilets, improved water heating equipment and better disciplined habits by the user. However, if none of these devices were installed, the water pressure regulator would still serve to contribute important and significant savings in energy and water.
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