Water Pressure Regulators & Thermal Expansion Tanks

Residential and commercial appliances (such as faucets, toilets, dishwashers, and water heaters) all require adequate water pressure to function properly. If the water pressure is too high, then it can cause leaks and breaks in your plumbing system, not to mention the damage that one of these leaks or breaks can leave behind.

If the water pressure is too low, then your showers, dishwashers, and other fixtures may not perform properly. Water pressure regulators are mechanical devices typically installed on the cold water main line supply to the structure. These devices are typically adjustable to suit the needs of a certain demand but are usually installed to reduce high water pressures delivered to homes and buildings by your local water municipality. The California code states that any water supply pressure delivered to residential or commercial dwellings exceeding 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) will require a water pressure-reducing device (water pressure regulator). These devices are typically preset by the manufacturer anywhere from 50 PSI to 55 PSI which is the optimal operating pressure for typical plumbing fixtures. Most plumbing fixtures and appliances are made to operate under 80 PSI. If your water pressure is in excess of 80 PSI, there is a chance the pressure will void the warranties of your fixtures and appliances.

CONTROL YOUR WATER PRESSURE

Simply put, water pressure regulators (also known as water pressure reducing valves and thermal expansion tanks) are the devices that control the water pressure in a pressurized plumbing system containing water. There are several locations in the San Fernando Valley that have excessively high water pressure delivered to homes and businesses (Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Tarzana, San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys to name a few). The days of just having a water pressure regulator take care of the problem at hand are long gone. Now a thermal expansion tank is typically needed to handle the extreme pressure build-up that a water heater creates during its heating cycles. It’s becoming very common to have both a water pressure regulator and a thermal expansion tank working in combination to control water pressures within the pressurized plumbing system. Keeping a close tab on your pressurized plumbing system is the safest way to ward off plumbing issues due to pipes bursting. Checking the water pressure on a system should be done frequently by either a plumber or the owner of the system.

LET US CONDUCT AN IN-DEPTH CHECK

If a pipe happened to break and your insurance company sent a plumber to check for damages and causes, then discovered that excessive water pressure was to blame, your claim could be denied. Water pressure should be checked at least once a year. Typical warranties from manufacturers are 1 YEAR, although if your water supply system is properly maintained then it is possible to get multiple years of use out of your water pressure regulator.

WATER PRESSURE FAQS