A pressure regulator, also known as a pressure reducing valve, is a control valve that reduces the input pressure of a fluid or gas to a desired value at its output. In the context of a home’s plumbing system, it is designed to control and reduce the pressure of the water entering your home from the municipal supply.

The municipal water supply often has a pressure higher than what’s considered safe for residential plumbing systems. High water pressure can potentially damage a home’s plumbing fixtures and pipes, leading to leaks or even bursts. A water pressure regulator helps avoid such issues by maintaining the water pressure within a safe range, typically between 40-70 pounds per square inch (psi).

The regulator itself is usually a bell-shaped device that’s typically installed where the main water line enters the home. It operates without any manual intervention. When the water pressure from the municipal supply is too high, the regulator reduces the pressure by closing off the flow of water from the supply until the pressure within the home’s plumbing system has decreased to the desired level.

Like any other component of a home’s plumbing system, a pressure regulator requires periodic maintenance and may need to be replaced after years of use. If you’re experiencing issues like low water pressure, very high water pressure, or inconsistent water pressure, it could be an indication of a problem with your pressure regulator.

At Water Heater Doctor, our experienced team can assess your water pressure issues and provide professional repair or replacement services as needed to ensure your home’s plumbing system operates efficiently and safely.