High Water Pressure and Pressure Regulators
Water Damage is the #1 reason for Insurance Claims and the collateral damage it creates such as Mold, destruction of property, loss of use, etc. It is a growing trend that insurance companies are keeping track of claims on properties and property owners who file claims and this may effect one's ability to get insurance! I've also witnessed an insurance company denying a claim due to a faulty & failed regulator that caused a major loss for a building.
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What Are Pressure Regulators?
A Pressure Regulator is Cast Bronze Plumbing valve that is designed to reduce the incoming water pressure to a structure or property to a safe working pressure of 60psi. The Uniform Plumbing Code is a nationally recognized standard for most states or communities, requires a pressure regulator to be installed on a water line that enters a structure (Residential or Commercial) if the static pressure exceeds 80psi.
What Does it do?
An Inland Empire Pressure Regulator reduces the incoming water down to a pre-set limit (factory set 60psi) that is adjustable between 15-80 psi. The pressure regulator also maintains a consistent outgoing pressure of whatever the regulator is set to (normally 60 psi).
Where Does it go?
The pressure regulator is normally found on the incoming water service that enters a structure, normally above the main shut off valve and below the hose bibb and tee that enters the building. A pressure regulator can also be installed in other applications where pressure is a concern such as an irrigation system or a commercial application. Here it's more acceptable to have higher pressure than the structures plumbing system, but you do not want to blow apart sprinkler heads or control valves, so a second pressure regulator can be installed for additional system control and reduced maintenance costs.
Do I need one?
That depends on your specific situation, and each area is different and it can vary greatly from block to block. In my home my pressure is 55 psi and my neighbor homes that were recently built across the street, their pressure is over 80psi and have pressure regulators that were installed by the builder. So whenever your property was first built and it was determined that the pressure exceed 80 psi a pressure regulator was installed into the system, just like my neighbors.
BUT!!! and there is always a BUT! some neighborhoods when first built the pressure was within normal levels (below 80psi) and as the area ages or additional demand is put onto the system (more homes or businesses being built) the Water Department or Supplier has a cheating way of solving that problem. Instead of a major replacement of the water system (that would cost consumers big bucks!) what they do is install larger pumps that boost the pressure in the distribution system, this increases the amount of pressure which helps to meet the demand of the system. But by cutting corners this way, it effects the whole network, so an older neighborhood that once had normal pressure (below 80 psi) now can have excessive pressure of 80 to 160 psi. This is what happened to my parents old home in Altadena, when they first moved in the pressure was 22 psi and they complained to the Water Department. The Water Department charged them $2000.00 for a new section of water main and the pressure went to 160 psi, now that's extreme but it's not that un-common and many times the Home or Property owner is in the dark and the only way they find out is when bizarre plumbing things start happening.
Do I really need One?
Well that's the Million Dollar Question! and the Answer is.....You had better find out! it's not painful it doesn't hurt to test the pressure you can do it yourself by running down to the Home Store and picking up a Pressure Gauge and connecting it to a hose bibb and turning it on, it will cost you $10-$15 dollars and some time but its much much much cheaper than the alternative! or you can call us and we'll check it for FREE!!! If it's determined that you need a pressure regulator or need to repair or replace you existing regulator (normal regulator lifespan is 5 to 7 years) well then consider that welcome news, because you haven't found out the hard way!
If you are looking for a pressure regulator call us today at 626 791-9007 or (909)657-2345 or complete our online service request form.
Recommended Pressure Regulators and Valves
Honeywell Braukman Pressure Regulators are the only Pressure Regulators that are installed by CareOne Plumbing! We are 110% behind this Product they are Reliable & Dependable! Plus as an added value they are Repairable, so when they fail as all brands do! we pull them apart drop a cartridge in and magically the customer is back in business! That's Value!!!
