Home Improvement Skills & Specialties Plumbing Plumbing Problems & Repairs

How to Fix Super-High Water Pressure

Erika Harper

Updated on 04/22/22

Reviewed by

Richard Epstein

Water pressure gauge attached to faucet to test water pressure — The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview

Working Time: 1 - 2 hrs
Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs

Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $50

High water pressure: It feels great in the shower, but it may be costing more than you think. High-pressure water can cause serious problems, like pinhole leaks, in your plumbing, and it can severely shorten the life of your water heater, dishwasher, boiler system, and washing machine. Plus, it can increase your water bills.

Is My Water Pressure Too High?

The signs are well known: Banging pipes, running toilets, dripping faucets, and running out of hot water very quickly all indicate that the pressure is too high in your system. Test your system with a water pressure gauge, available at any home store for around $10. Simply attach the gauge to any male threaded faucet such as your laundry tub, hose bib, or water heater drain connection and turn on the water. The ideal pressure for the health of your plumbing system and appliances is between 40 and 60 PSI, and building codes in most areas specify that water pressure be under 80. If yours measures over 80 PSI on the gauge, it is definitely time to lower the pressure.

Water Pressure Regulators

To get your pressure to the recommended levels, you will need a water pressure regulator. This is a common plumbing valve installed right after the pipe from the water meter enters the house. If you already have one installed and you still have high pressure, chances are it needs to be adjusted (see below), repaired or replaced. If you do not already have one installed, it may be time to call the pros. It is an inexpensive and easy job for a trained plumber but may require adjusting the height of the water main and other advanced tasks.

In most cases, if a water pressure regulator is required, the town or local municipality is responsible so check with them first. Although a general description for replacing and adjusting the water pressure for a PRV is noted below, this should likely be done by a trained professional.

There are other variables that need to be considered when it comes to working with a water pressure regulator, including ascertaining whether or not the main water valve holds, and examining the condition of the incoming water-service support for the water distribution piping in the location where you plan to work.

If you're replacing a water pressure regulator, the old one and new one are often not an exact match. Soldering or brazing may be required when connecting dissimilar materials. Take this possibility into consideration when deciding if you want to call a professional.

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Watch Now: How to Test Your Home's Water Pressure

Equipment / Tools

Safety goggles
Bucket
2 Wrenches
Screwdriver
Water pressure gauge

Materials

Plastic sheeting
New water pressure regulator valve

How to Adjust Your Water Pressure Regulator

Turn off the Water

Locate the water main and slowly turn the valve to the off position.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Adjust the Pressure

The regulator will have a screw or bolt and a locking nut system. Loosen the locking nut with a wrench and using quarter-turn increments, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise (to the left) to decrease water pressure, and clockwise (to the right) to increase water pressure.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Re-test the System

Go back to the water pressure gauge and re-test the system (remember: keep pressure between 40 and 60 PSI).

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Secure the Lock Nut

Once the pressure is where you want it, secure the lock nut on the regulator using a wrench to ensure the adjustment screw does not move.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Turn the Water Back On

Go to the water main and slowly turn the main water valve back on. You may want to run a faucet for a few seconds to clear any air out of the system.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Replace a Water Pressure Regulator

Locate Your Water Pressure Regulator

The regulator is typically installed right after the water enters the home, near the water main. Once you locate it, write down the specifications. Purchase your new one with as close to the same specifications so you can use the connections that are already in place.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Turn off the Water at the Main

Locate the water main and slowly turn the shut-off valve to the off position.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Drain the Water From the Plumbing System

Drain the water from the system by opening the highest and lowest faucets in the house. Doing both will eliminate a vacuum and ensure as much of the water drains out as possible.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Set up Your Plastic Sheeting and Bucket

Even though you have drained the water, some water will be trapped inside the old valve. Set up plastic sheeting underneath and behind your work area. Alternatively (or in addition) place a bucket beneath the old valve on the ground.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Prep the New Valve

Since you are using the existing connections, you need to remove the nuts on either side of the new valve, as you will not be using them. Pay attention and save the O-rings that come with the new valve—you will need these, so take care not to lose them.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove the Old Regulator

Loosen the nuts on each side of the old regulator with a wrench. Hold the regulator in place with another wrench while you finish unscrewing the nuts by hand, ensuring it doesn't twist and bend the plumbing or compromise the threads. Remove the old regulator carefully—this is the step where the water will come out, and you'll be glad you set up that bucket.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Install the New Regulator

Seat the O-rings and install the new regulator. The valve is directional and must be installed right side up. This means the water should flow in through one side and out of the other. There will be an arrow on the side of the valve indicating the proper direction. Hand tighten each union, taking time to make sure the O-rings are in the proper position.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Finish Tightening the Nuts

Use a wrench to finish tightening the nuts. Do not over-tighten, but make sure they are snug.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Test for Leaks

Dry off the pipes and the new regulator. Slowly open the main water line, and allow the faucets to run until all of the air is bled from the lines. Turn the faucets off after they have stopped sputtering. Return to the work area and inspect for leaks. Some leaks can be slow, so take your time and be thorough in this process. If you see a slow leak, try reseating the O-rings.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Adjust to Desired Pressure

Using the steps detailed above, adjust your new regulator to the desired water pressure. Your plumbing system is now ready to use.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris