Leaks and pipes
Water pressure and pressure regulators
Most plumbing codes call for a pressure regulator once incoming pressure goes above 80 psi, because everything downstream, from valves and connectors to the water heater and the supply lines, wears out early on high pressure. A gauge on an outside hose bib tells you where you stand in about a minute.
Signs the pressure is wrong
- Banging pipes when a faucet or the washer shuts off
- Faucets that spit, or toilets that keep refilling
- Supply lines and connectors that keep failing
- Pressure that drops off when two things run at once
- A regulator that's simply old, because they don't last forever
What we do
- 01
Read the static pressure at the house with a gauge
- 02
Check the existing regulator, if there is one, and how it's set
- 03
Repair or replace it and set it to a sensible pressure for the house
- 04
Check the fixtures and the heater for damage the high pressure has already done
What decides the price
A pressure check is quick. Replacing a regulator depends on where it sits and how the main is plumbed: some are easy to reach, some are not. We give the estimate in person, once we’ve seen the job.
Water pressure and regulators · from the job log
Work we’ve done
“Gave great detailed explanation for the work required and a few options to choose what was best for us.”
Answers
Water pressure and regulators: questions and answers
What should my water pressure be?
Most plumbing codes call for a regulator above 80 psi, and a comfortable house usually sits somewhere between 50 and 70. You can check it yourself with a gauge screwed onto an outdoor hose bib.
Why do my pipes bang when a faucet shuts off?
That's water hammer: moving water stopping suddenly. It strains joints and valves over time, and it's usually fixed with arrestors or by bringing the pressure down.
How long does a pressure regulator last?
They wear out. If yours is original to an older house and the pressure reads high or swings, it's usually the regulator rather than the city supply.
Also in leaks and pipes
- Pipe and leak repairDamaged, corroded or leaking pipe repaired or replaced, including hidden leaks behind walls, with as little disruption as possible.
- Valves, hose bibs and water hammerShutoffs that won't turn, washer valves, outdoor hose bibs, and arrestors for pipes that bang when a valve closes.
- All leaks and pipesLeaks, pipe repair, water pressure
In-home estimate
Need water pressure and regulators? Tell us what's going on
We come out, look at the problem and explain what it needs before any work starts. For something urgent, calling is fastest.
Rather talk? Call or text (602) 833-4133.