AFM Plummers.com can check your water pressure and see if you need a new water pressure regulator valve.

All the water lines and water appliances within your home are designed to withstand up to 80 pounds per square inch of water pressure. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) calls for water to be delivered to homes for domestic use at between 35 and 80 psi. Problems occur when the pressure in the lines exceeds thresholds. This is often due to massive spikes in pressure from the water supplier or a failure of the Pressure Regulator valve.

  Unchecked, excessive water pressure may cause a rupture in the supply lines or valves. Water pressure regulators take the water as the water district delivers it, and regulate it to between 50 and 70 psi. The pieces in the water pressure regulator that reduce the water pressure are made of rubber and metal. Over a period of time, they fail. When the water pressure regulator fails, water pressure to the home is allowed to increase. This puts a strain on the valves, hoses and appliances they were never designed to withstand. Flooding occurs and insurance claims are made.

  A working water pressure regulator reduces the strain on plumbing fixtures and increases their service life.

A water pressure test gauge can inform the homeowner if water pressure is excessive. Simply connect the gauge to an outdoor faucet, and turn on the water to determine the water pressure. Make sure the faucet used is “regulated”. Some outdoor faucets are unregulated. If the pipe connected to the faucet comes out of the wall, there is a pretty good chance that faucet is regulated. If the pressure exceeds 80psi, then there is either a failed pressure-reducing vale on the system or no device at all. In either case, AFMPlumber.com is there to remedy this situation. Excessive pressure besides being a code violation, will damage supply lines, hoses and faucets. Generally speaking, replacing the water pressure regulator, including parts and labor, should cost less than a homeowner’s standard insurance deductible.