Most people want as much water pressure as they can get from their faucets and showerhead. But your water pressure is controlled for your protection and the protection of your plumbing system. To control the water pressure, there is a pressure relief valve installed. Now, you might be thinking, why do I need it if I want more pressure? It’s an important part of your plumbing system and here are some reasons why.
4 Reasons Why You Need a Pressure Relief Valve
Your plumbing system is designed to handle a certain pressure.
The pressure relief valve for your plumbing system helps to control or limit the water pressure. Your system has design limits for how much water pressure it can handle. When there is too much pressure, the pipes will start to crack and break. Therefore, the valve protects the plumbing in your home from leaks and damage. It is especially important if you live in a high-water pressure zone, such as at the end of a cul-de-sac or dead-end street.
It protects your appliances and fixture from breaking.
Besides the problems of water pressure in your pipes, the high pressure puts added stress on your appliances and fixtures. The life of these appliances and fixtures will diminish exponentially, depending on how high the pressure is. Since they are not cheap to replace, you will want to protect them.
It can help to save water.
Lower pressure means less water coming out of fixtures; but, if you have continuous high pressure building up in a line or at a fixture, this can cause wasteful leaks. And research shows that more water at a higher pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you use it. It’s more waste. The trick is finding the right balance of pressure and what you need.
It’s a safety feature.
The primary purpose of installing a pressure relief valve is to protect life, property, and the environment. It’s a safety feature that stops too much pressure from rupturing your plumbing and causing injury. And one of the most dangerous situations is when there is too much water pressure in your water heater. This can cause the risk of an explosion that the valve can prevent.
The pressure relief valve is usually located along your line just after the line comes into your home and after the water shut-off valve. With time, it will need to be replaced because the rubber parts will deteriorate. If you have a problem with the water pressure in your home, you might want to consider replacing your pressure relief valve.
High Priority Plumbing can inspect your plumbing system and determine if your water pressure is appropriate for your system and for your safety. We can replace the pressure relief valve, if needed, and make any other suggestions. Give us a call to schedule an inspection at 770.860.8110 in Atlanta.