What You Need to Know About Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs)
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, water pressure plays a bigger role than most homeowners in Greater Phoenix realize. If your water pressure is too low, you’ll be dealing with slow faucets and underperforming appliances. But if your pressure is too high, the consequences can be much worse and could even void warranties on your major appliances (bet you didn’t know that). That’s where a Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) comes in. At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, part of our standard diagnosis process includes checking every home’s water pressure. This can not only help our technicians diagnose issues quicker but also gives us the opportunity to educate our customers on what their current water pressure is set to and if adjustments need to be made.
What Is a Pressure Regulating Valve?
A Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV), also used interchangeably with the term Pressure Reducing Valve, is a small but critical device installed where your main water line enters your home. Its job is simple: control and stabilize the pressure of the water entering your home, usually keeping it between 60-65 PSI.
Without a PRV, water from the city supply, which can arrive at pressures of 100+ PSI can blast through your pipes, damaging fixtures, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.
When Is a PRV Required?
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), a PRV must be installed if the incoming water pressure exceeds 80 psi (pounds per square inch). This threshold is widely adopted in plumbing codes across the U.S., including here in Arizona. In the Greater Phoenix area, high municipal water pressure is common, especially in neighborhoods at lower elevations or newer developments where water delivery systems are built for future capacity. Therefore, if your home’s water pressure is above 80 psi, a PRV is typically required.
Local cities such as Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Phoenix often follow the IRC standards and may enforce PRV installation when pressure tests exceed 80 psi. At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, our licensed technicians routinely test pressure levels during plumbing service calls and recommend PRV installation where needed to protect your home.
Are PRVs Standard in New Homes?
In the Greater Phoenix area, many new construction homes come with PRVs already installed due to the high water pressure typical in the Valley. However, older homes or homes in developing areas might not have one installed unless required by inspection or added as an upgrade.
Why High Water Pressure Is a Problem
While it might sound like “strong” water pressure is a good thing, anything over 80 PSI is considered dangerously high and it can lead to:
- Burst pipes
- Leaking faucets and valves
- Shortened lifespan of water heaters and appliances
- Wasted water and higher utility bills
- Voided manufacturer warranties on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
Most manufacturers require pressure under 80 PSI to keep warranties valid. If your pressure is too high and your PRV fails or is missing altogether, you could be footing the bill for preventable repairs.
The Risks of Low Water Pressure
On the flip side, pressure that’s too low (below 40 PSI) can cause:
- Weak showerheads or faucets
- Poor irrigation or sprinkler performance
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Slow-filling toilets and appliances
If you’re dealing with poor performance, a faulty PRV could be the culprit not your fixtures.
How Often Do PRVs Need to Be Replaced?
Most Pressure Regulating Valves last 7–12 years, depending on water quality and usage. But over time, they can wear out or get clogged with sediment, leading to inaccurate regulation. If your water pressure hasn’t been tested in the last few years or you’ve never had a PRV installed, it’s time to schedule an inspection.
How to Know If Your Water Pressure Is Too High
The easiest way to find out is to attach a water pressure gauge to an outdoor hose bib and see if the reading is above 80 PSI, call a licensed plumber right away to avoid long-term damage.
Why Our Plumbers Check Your PRV on Every Job
At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we don’t just fix what’s broken, we look out for the long-term health of your entire plumbing system. That’s why our technicians are trained to check your home’s water pressure and inspect the PRV on every service call—no matter how big or small the job is.
Here’s why we make it a standard practice:
- High water pressure is often a hidden issue that homeowners don’t notice until it’s too late.
- A failed or aging PRV can go undetected, leading to appliance damage, wasted water, and unexpected breakdowns.
- Regular pressure checks prevent major repairs and give our customers peace of mind.
We believe that part of treating every home like it’s our own means doing more than what’s required—and that starts with catching small problems before they become big ones.
Protect Your Plumbing and Your Warranty
At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we offer pressure testing and PRV inspections to make sure your home is operating safely and efficiently. If your valve is outdated or failing, we’ll replace it with a modern, code-compliant PRV designed to protect your pipes and appliances for years to come.
Call Hansen Family Plumbing & Air or book online to schedule your water pressure evaluation today.
