Water Pressure Regulator

Why do I need a Water Pressure Regulator?

When Do I Need a Water Pressure Regulator?

Let's start with the first question, why do I need a water pressure regulator? To understand that, you first have to understand what its primary job is.

For this discussion, we will be considering the water flow coming into your house from a source, i.e., the municipal supply.

The pressure regulator is designed to control or regulate the psi, or push, of the water coming into your house through the pipes. Pressure can be set between 40 and 80 psi. Often it is set between 45 and 60 psi. Pressure should not exceed 80 psi, or damage can occur to fixtures.

Water pressure from the source can exceed the maximum pressure. Installing the regulator before the meter is the best practice. However, some municipalities will not allow this, so some install it in the house after the main shut-off valve. It should be installed before any distribution through the house begins. Now that you know why you need one: to keep the pressure at a steady rate and not exceed the amount safe for your fixtures, the next question is, when do I need one? Best practice is to install a pressure regulator when connected to a public water supply. Do you need one if you are on a private well, such as a deep well? No, these systems have a pressure switch and gauge system that keeps the water pressure within a set limit using a different method.

This, along with other units in the plumbing line, helps to keep your system running safely and efficiently. For more information contact Play It Safe Inspections LLC or ask your InterNACHI Certified Home Inspector near you.

Illustration courtesy of InterNACHI