If you were to ask homeowners what they thought about high water pressure, they would say it’s a luxury. Who doesn’t like water gushing through a hot shower? We all do! The problems that arise from high water pressure are detrimental to your plumbing system. Your water pressure regulator has a life expectancy of 8-15 years. It should get replaced every ten years for maintenance. During regular maintenance, replacing any old angle stop valves in your bathroom or kitchen is also be a good idea.
Protect Your Plumbing System
A water pressure regulator is a device installed in a plumbing system to regulate the water pressure flowing through the pipes. Their purpose is to maintain a consistent, safe level of water pressure to protect both the plumbing system and the appliances and fixtures.
It’s Not The Law, But It Is A Plumbing Code To Have A Regulator If It Exceeds 80 PSI
It is not a law in California to have a water pressure regulator installed on your home’s water supply line. Still, it is generally a good idea to have one to protect your plumbing and appliances from the damage caused by high water pressure. Depending on the location and demand, water pressure varies around San Diego and Riverside County. If the pressure in your region exceeds 80 pounds per square inch, you must install a water pressure regulator on your property, according to the California Plumbing Code (psi). The property owner is responsible for having the regulator installed.
Your Water Pressure Regulator Connects To Your Main Water Supply Line
California’s recommended range for water pressure is between 45 and 65 pounds per square inch (psi). If the water pressure in your home exceeds this range, it can cause problems such as leaks, ruptured pipes, and damage to appliances. A water pressure regulator is a device installed on your home’s main water supply line. It is designed to reduce the water pressure to a safe level.
Call Your City’s Public Utilities To Test Your Pressure
By contacting your local municipal water district, you can ask that the water pressure in your region get tested if you’re having issues with it. A City public utilities worker will check the water pressure at the fire hydrant closest to your house. They will let you know the results. Normal variations in water pressure are +/- 10 psi. If the water pressure in your neighborhood is determined to be normal, the plumbing system in your home is likely to blame for the low or high pressure.
Hence, while it is not legally required to have a water pressure regulator in California, it is a good idea to consider installing one if you are experiencing problems with high water pressure or are concerned about protecting your plumbing and appliances.
Benefits of Having a Water Pressure Regulator Installed in Your Home or Business
Protection of plumbing system: High water pressure can cause a variety of issues in a plumbing system, including pipe bursts, leaks, and the separation of fittings. These problems can be costly to repair and can also lead to water damage. A water pressure regulator helps to prevent these issues by maintaining a consistent, safe level of pressure within the pipes.
Increased appliance lifespan: Appliances that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and hot water heaters, are designed to operate within a specific water pressure range. If the pressure is too high, it can cause these appliances to wear out faster. It may even lead to premature failure. A water pressure regulator helps extend these appliances’ lifespan by keeping the pressure at the correct level.
High Water Pressure Can Cause Damage to Appliances in a Number of Ways
- High water pressure can cause leaks in appliances that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. These leaks can lead to water damage. It may even cause appliances to malfunction.
- The water pressure can put excessive strain on appliances, causing them to wear out more quickly and potentially leading to premature failure.
- It can also cause problems with appliances that rely on water flow to function properly, such as coffee makers and ice makers. These appliances may not function as intended if the water pressure is too high.
- Finally, high water pressure can make it more difficult for appliances to fill or drain, leading to problems with their performance.
Overall, make sure that the water pressure in your home is within a safe range to help protect your appliances and prevent damage.
Improved water flow: Water pressure that is too high or too low can result in poor water flow from faucets and showers. A pressure regulator helps to maintain a consistent flow of water, ensuring that faucets and showers function properly. This is particularly important in areas with fluctuating water pressure.
Energy savings: Appliances that operate at the correct water pressure are more efficient and use less energy. For example, a hot water heater operating at the correct pressure will heat water more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills. In addition, appliances protected from the damaging effects of high water pressure are likely to last longer, further reducing the need for replacements and energy consumption.
Every Homeowner Should Check Their Water Pressure
In summary, a water pressure regulator is a useful device. It helps to protect the plumbing system, extend the lifespan of appliances, improve water flow, and save energy. In addition, while small and out of sight, the device can save your plumbing system from disaster. Finally, every homeowner should purchase a water pressure gauge to check their pressure at least once every 30-60 days. The gauge costs less than ten dollars and takes a couple of minutes to implement.
When you need advice, help, and direction from a plumbing professional, call for the experts at Big B’s Plumbing.