The House Water Pressure Is Creeping Up

About the Pressure Regulator

• The water pressure regulator is a brass valve that sits on the main water line near where it enters the home from the street. Pressure regulators contain a slotted opening that allows only specific amounts of pressure to enter the home's plumbing system. These valves are adjusted using a screw on top of the valve. The screw contains a needle that tracks along a printed gauge on the top of the valve. The gauge helps determine the desired pressure settings for the valve.

About Water Pressure

• Water pressure is measured in psi bars, or pounds per square inch. In most homes, the water pressure is set to about 60 psi. This is a normal amount for operating fixtures inside your home, such as faucets, shower heads and irrigation systems. Any less pressure, and these devices may not operate properly. The general safety limit on water pressure is about 100 psi. This is the point in which most plumbing pipes and fittings are limited to. Pressure in excess of 100 psi can lead to broken pipes or fittings.

Fixing the Pressure Regulator

• If the water pressure begins to creep up, you will begin to notice increased spraying in the shower and fast-running water in faucets. The likely reason this is happening is because the retaining nut on the pressure regulator is loose. The retaining nut prevents the adjustment screw on top of the valve from moving. When adjusting the screw, the nut must be loosened using a wrench. Check the valve to make sure the nut is tight. If it is not, use a wrench to turn the nut clockwise until tight. This will lock the valve in place and prevent creeping pressure levels.

Adjusting Water Pressure

• Your home's water pressure regulator is likely set at about 60 psi. This level can be increased or decreased depending on your preferences. To adjust the water pressure inside your home, loosen the retaining nut on top of the pressure regulator and use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment knob. Clockwise motion will decrease pressure while counterclockwise motion will increase it. As a general rule, do not turn the screw beyond the 100 psi mark. The optimum range of pressure in most cases is between 60 psi and 80 psi.