| |
PHOTO REGION - Replace with photo .
Residential, single family homes have plumbed water systems that are kept at an average of 55-75 psi. Pressure out at the street, however, ranges from 130-180 psi. The waterline that feeds your home comes directly from the city or county mains at the street, and this ultra-high pressure would destroy your home's fixtures. So what accounts for the almost 100 psi difference?
PRV's, or pressure-regulating valves, or sometimes, pressure-reducing valves, govern the pressure of your entire home's water system. The valve is cone-shaped, about 5 inches tall, and is located on your incoming waterline where it enters the home. It is made of brass, and houses several small parts, including a pressure spring and a diaphragm. These internal parts work together to reduce pressure from street levels to safer, lower levels, and allow your home's faucets and other fixtures to operate properly. Without such a valve, faucets would leak excessively, toilets would run constantly, and leaks would surface everywhere. This is not to say that EVERY home has a PRV, however.
Older homes with galvanized steel waterlines often have no pressure regulating device whatsoever, and as such are subject to all sorts of problems. Given, most homes with such piping are located in older parts of town, and the city's pressure is not as high as neighboring, larger areas. Such homes often in need of re-piping, another service we offer. During a complete house re-pipe, all the home's waterlines are replaced and a new PRV is installed.
PRV's, like any other plumbing part, do not last forever. average lifespan is around 10-12 years, depending on usage. Replacement is necessary, and we carry a ready stock of high-quality PRVs to accommodate any home.
|
|
