Pressure Regulator
When a Pressure Regulator Is Required
If you’re on city water in Charlottesville or the surrounding areas, you probably already have a pressure regulator on your plumbing system. It’s required when the water pressure coming into your home is too high. Anything over 80 PSI is too much, and some homes in this area see pressure well above that. Without a regulator, that pressure puts constant strain on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
When your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine is constantly exposed to high pressure, it shortens the lifespan of those systems and increases the chances of leaks or failures. That’s why local plumbing codes require a pressure reducing valve—also known as a PRV – on homes connected to high-pressure city systems. If you’re building, renovating, or noticing pressure spikes, it’s important to make sure your system includes a properly working pressure regulator.
Why Pressure Regulators Fail Over Time
Like any mechanical part, a pressure regulator wears out with age. Inside the valve is a spring-loaded diaphragm that flexes constantly as it manages pressure. Over the years, that spring can lose its tension or the internal parts can clog with sediment or mineral buildup. Water quality plays a role here too. If you’ve got a lot of grit or scale in your system, that will wear out the valve faster.
We also see failures when the pressure is set too high or if the valve was undersized for the home. In those cases, it’s just working harder than it should and burns out sooner. That’s why we always make sure you’ve got the right size and settings for your specific system.
Signs Your Pressure Regulator May Be Failing
There are a few red flags that might mean your pressure regulator is on its way out. If you’re hearing loud banging or knocking in your pipes, especially when you shut off a faucet, that could be water hammer caused by pressure spikes. If your toilets or appliances are acting up, or you’ve got fixtures that suddenly spray harder than usual, those are other signs.
You might also notice leaks popping up more frequently around fittings or shut-off valves. That extra pressure finds the weak spots and forces water out where it shouldn’t be. If your regulator isn’t doing its job, the symptoms usually show up across your entire plumbing system, not just in one place.
Keeping Your Pressure Regulator Working Properly
There isn’t much in the way of hands-on maintenance for a pressure regulator, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. We recommend checking your water pressure once or twice a year, especially if you’ve had issues in the past. If it starts to creep up over 80 PSI, it’s time for us to take a look.
We can also inspect the valve itself during a service visit and make sure everything is working the way it should. In some cases, a simple adjustment is all it takes. In others, replacement is the best option. We usually replace the thermal expansion tank at the same time, since those two components go hand in hand. If one is failing, the other often isn’t far behind.
If you’re seeing signs of pressure issues or you just want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Getting your system balanced can prevent costly damage and extend the life of everything connected to your plumbing.
Contact
- 1167 Redfields Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903
- goSunwavePlumbing@gmail.com
- (434) 218-3072
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Hours : Monday – Friday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
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