Understanding Your Home’s Water Pressure Regulator (PRV)

Reading Time: 5 minutes

When water enters your home, it comes in through the main water line from the street—often at very high pressure. That strong pressure helps it travel through neighborhood lines and reach every home, but inside your house, it can be too much for your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. To protect your plumbing, the pressure needs to be reduced before the water moves through the rest of your system. In most homes, you’ll find an important device called a water pressure regulator close to where the water enters the home. This pressure regulator keeps the flow of your water at a safe, steady level.

What is a water pressure regulator (PRV)?

A water pressure regulator—often called a PRV or pressure-reducing valve—is a small but important part of your home’s plumbing system. Its job is to take the high-pressure water coming in from the city supply and bring it down to a safer, steadier level for your home. Without it, that extra pressure could put unnecessary strain on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances, leading to leaks or even major damage.

A PRV doesn’t just protect your plumbing—it also helps your home run more efficiently. By keeping the pressure consistent, it reduces wasted water and energy, all while making sure you get an even, reliable flow everywhere you need it.

How does a water pressure regulator work?

A water pressure regulator works with a straightforward but reliable design that uses a spring-loaded diaphragm. When high-pressure water enters your home from the street, it pushes against the diaphragm. If the pressure is too high, the diaphragm compresses the spring, narrowing the valve opening and reducing the water’s pressure before it moves through your plumbing.

When the pressure is within a safe range, the diaphragm eases up, allowing water to flow freely at a steady rate. This automatic adjustment keeps your home’s water pressure consistent, even when the municipal supply fluctuates—so you don’t have to make constant manual changes yourself.

In fact, if you find that your water pressure is fluctuating, it’s probably a sign that your PRV may not be functioning well. The water pressure of your home is generally a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. If you feel that your pressure is too high or too low, it probably won’t be fixed by changing the settings of your pressure regulator. Instead, it’s probably time to call a plumber to determine the source of the problem.

What does a water pressure regulator look like?

A typical water pressure regulator has a sturdy, bell-shaped design and is usually made of brass. Inside that housing is a spring and diaphragm that control the water flow. On top, you’ll notice a small screw or bolt—this lets you adjust the water pressure by turning it up or down when needed. We don’t recommend frequently adjusting this bolt if you’re noticing pressure fluctuations. Instead, pressure fluctuations may be a sign your PRV is not working.

Some water pressure regulators come equipped with a built-in gauge, which visually indicates the water pressure level. These gauges help homeowners quickly monitor their water pressure without the need for additional equipment.

Normally, though, you’ll need to check your pressure at a hose bib (often called an outside faucet, where you connect a hose outside the home) or at the water heater. Be careful when you do this, especially when checking the pressure at the water heater. Also remember that if your water pressure regulator isn’t properly regulating pressure, the pressure may vary at different times of the day. You may need to do a 24 hour water pressure test to diagnose a pressure issue.

Where can you usually find your PRV?

In many homes, you’ll find the water pressure regulator close to the main shut-off valve. It’s often installed in basements, garages, crawl spaces, or utility rooms. If your house doesn’t have one of those areas, the regulator may be outside, right where the main water line comes into the home.

Knowing where your pressure regulator is located can save valuable time if you ever need to turn off the water in an emergency. You’ll also need to be able to turn it off for most plumbing repairs. Not sure where to look? Have a plumber take a quick look during an inspection so you’ll know exactly where it is when you need it. While they’re pointing it out, ask them whether you have an old style gate valve or the new ball valve shut off valve. If you have a gate valve, you may want to consider a replacement.

How long does a water pressure regulator typically last?

The typical lifespan of a water pressure regulator is around 10–15 years. Several factors influence the longevity of your PRV, including water quality, usage levels, the quality of the initial installation, and regular maintenance practices.

Regular maintenance checks, such as monitoring for leaks, corrosion, or inconsistencies in water pressure, can extend your regulator’s lifespan. Replacing a PRV before it fails completely is generally advisable, as proactive replacement helps avoid costly plumbing issues or damage.

What is the normal water pressure (psi) for a home?

Residential water pressure typically ranges between 60–70 psi (pounds per square inch), and should not be higher than 80 psi according to the International Plumbing Code. Maintaining pressure within this range ensures optimal functionality for plumbing fixtures and household appliances. Pressure levels above 75 psi can put undue strain on pipes, fittings, and appliances, while levels below 60 psi might lead to poor water flow, insufficient showers, or inefficient appliance performance.

If you’re uncertain about your home’s water pressure level, you can purchase an inexpensive water pressure gauge from most home improvement stores, which easily attaches to outdoor hose bibs or interior faucets.

How to adjust your water pressure regulator (simple steps)

Occasionally, you may find it necessary to adjust your home’s water pressure. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide to adjusting your PRV:

• Locate your water pressure regulator and identify the adjustment screw on top.
• Turn the screw clockwise to increase the water pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it.
• Make adjustments gradually and carefully, periodically checking the pressure gauge to monitor the changes.
• Once you’ve achieved the desired pressure, test several fixtures throughout your home to confirm the adjustment is suitable for daily use.
• Be cautious—excessive adjustments can inadvertently damage plumbing components or fixtures.

Signs it’s time to call a plumber for your water pressure regulator

While homeowners can handle minor adjustments, certain issues require professional attention. Here are clear signs that you should call a plumber for your PRV:

• Persistent pressure problems despite your adjustments, indicating a deeper issue.
• Multiple running toilets, or toilets that continue to run after a repair
• Noticeable leaks, dripping water, corrosion, or visible rust around your PRV.
• Plumbing noises such as banging, clanging, or humming, which suggest unstable water pressure.
• Sudden changes in water pressure, fluctuating between extremely high and low pressures.
• A regulator nearing or exceeding its expected lifespan of 10–15 years.

Additional Benefits of a Properly Functioning PRV

Beyond protecting your plumbing system, a properly functioning water pressure regulator offers several practical benefits:

• Reduced Water Waste: Stable pressure helps minimize leaks, drips, and excessive water flow.
• Extended Appliance Life: Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters function more efficiently and reliably under proper pressure conditions.
• Improved Comfort: Consistent water pressure ensures comfort when showering, washing dishes, or running appliances simultaneously.

Routine Maintenance Tips for Your PRV

While there isn’t too much to do with your water pressure regulator, keeping an eye on it, and the pressure of your home at different times of the day, can help you stay ahead of plumbing problems. A few easy maintenance tips:

• Regularly inspect your regulator for visible signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks.
• Check your water pressure monthly using a simple gauge.
• Schedule a professional plumbing inspection every year.

Taking a little time to understand how your water pressure regulator works—and staying on top of a few simple maintenance steps—can go a long way toward keeping your plumbing system in good shape. It’s also the best way to avoid unexpected problems that could turn into emergencies. And if you run into pressure issues, or need help with any other plumbing service needs, our friendly, experienced team is always ready to step in. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and get the problem fixed quickly so you can get back to normal.