What Is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) – and Does Your Home Need One?
You probably think about having enough water pressure in your home—but did you know that having too much water pressure can also cause plumbing problems?
That’s where a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) comes in.
What Is a PRV?
A Pressure Reducing Valve is installed on the main water line entering your home. Its job is simple: reduce high incoming water pressure to a safer, more consistent pressure for your home’s plumbing system.
Think of it like a traffic controller for your water supply. The city may deliver water at a higher pressure than your home’s plumbing fixtures and appliances need. The PRV helps regulate that pressure before the water travels throughout your house.
Why Does High Water Pressure Matter?
High water pressure may feel great in the shower, but over time it can put unnecessary stress on your plumbing system.
Excessive pressure can contribute to:
- Dripping faucets and running toilets
- Premature failure of supply lines and fixtures
- Water heater and appliance problems
- Banging or noisy pipes
- Increased water consumption
- Leaks and potentially expensive water damage
According to the plumbing code commonly used across the U.S., when static water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, an approved pressure-reducing valve is generally required to reduce the pressure supplied to the building.
How Do I Know if My Home Has a PRV?
A PRV is typically located near the main water shutoff where the water service enters the house. It usually has a bell-shaped body with an adjustment screw or bolt on top.
But having one doesn’t necessarily mean it’s still doing its job.
PRVs are mechanical devices, and they can wear out over time. If the pressure in your house has changed noticeably—or the valve has been in place for many years—it’s worth having the pressure checked.
Signs Your Water Pressure May Be Too High
Watch for unusually strong water flow, banging pipes, frequent faucet or toilet repairs, leaking supply lines, appliances that seem to develop plumbing-related problems prematurely, or a noticeable change in your home’s water pressure.
The easiest way to know is to test the water pressure.
Does Every Home Need a PRV?
No. If the incoming water pressure is already within an appropriate range, installing a PRV may not be necessary.
That’s why we recommend testing first rather than guessing.
A professional plumbing inspection can determine your home’s incoming water pressure, whether a PRV is already installed, whether it’s functioning correctly, and whether other components—such as the thermal expansion system—should also be evaluated.
Protect Your Plumbing Before There’s a Problem
Plumbing has changed a lot since 1985, but our commitment to taking care of our customers hasn’t.
Kevin Ginnings Plumbing Service, Inc. can check your home’s plumbing and water pressure and help identify potential concerns before they become expensive repairs.
Call Today for a FREE Plumbing Inspection & Water Test
Kevin Ginnings Plumbing Service, Inc.
816-380-6316
Family Owned & Operated Since 1985
Licensed & Insured | Honest Service | Quality Work
Serving Harrisonville, Cass County & the Kansas City Metro Area