The water pressure in your home needs to be at the right pressure. Pressure that's too weak is frustrating when you need a strong stream of water for showering or washing dishes. Pressure that's too strong can damage your pipes. Pressure is controlled by a pressure regulator that's usually located on your main water line so it can control all the water pressure in your home. Here are some signs the valve is faulty and what a plumber might do about the problem.

Signs The Pressure Regulator Valve Is Bad

If the water pressure in your home is too high or too low, the problem might be the regulator valve as long as both the hot and cold water are affected. The valve controls all the faucets in your home, so if only one faucet or only the hot water is affected, then you may have a different problem.

Sometimes, the pressure can get so low that you barely have any water at all. Once you've verified with the water department that they don't have an issue and that they haven't turned off your water, you may want to call a plumber to check the valve and to make sure you don't have a leak.

Another problem you might experience from a bad valve is when it starts leaking due to worn parts. If the valve is outside, you might notice the grass is greener above the area where water is leaking. If the valve is indoors, you might have a hidden water leak behind a wall or under the floor from the faulty valve.

Solutions For A Faulty Regulator Valve

Your plumber can check the water pressure with a gauge to tell if it is out of range. If it's low or high, it's time to look for the pressure regulator. The valve might be buried under the ground on a water main, or it might be easy to access. Older plumbing might not even have a valve.

If your plumbing doesn't have a valve, the plumber may suggest installing one so the water pressure can be controlled in your home. If you have a valve and the pressure is out of range, the plumber might be able to adjust the settings and solve the problem.

However, a regulator valve often goes bad because the rubber parts wear down or a spring gives out. In that case, replacing the valve is usually the best option, and your plumber might recommend installing the valve in a location that is easy to access. Once the valve is replaced, the pressure is set for the desirable range, and your problems with excess pressure or low pressure should be solved.

For more information, contact a plumber today.

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