The charm of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods, from the historic homes in Washington Park to the mid-century builds in the surrounding suburbs, comes with a unique set of homeownership challenges. One of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of your home’s health is its plumbing system, specifically the water pressure. Modern municipal water systems deliver water at high pressures, and if your home was built before the early 2000s, it might be missing a small but vital device: a Pressure Reducing Valve, or PRV.
High water pressure may not sound like a problem—who doesn’t love a strong shower? But uncontrolled pressure puts constant strain on your entire plumbing system. It’s a silent threat that can lead to unexpected leaks, premature appliance failure, and costly water damage. This article will explore the signs that your home needs a PRV and why it’s a crucial upgrade for any Denver homeowner.
What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?
A Pressure Reducing Valve is a bell-shaped valve typically installed on the main water line shortly after the meter. Its job is simple but essential: to help reduce the high-pressure water coming from the city’s main down to a safe, manageable level for your home’s internal plumbing. Think of it as a gatekeeper, ensuring the pressure within your pipes and appliances stays within a safe and consistent range, usually between 40 and 60 PSI. Without one, your pipes, fixtures, and appliances are subjected to the full force of the municipal supply, which can sometimes exceed 100 PSI or more.
Three Telltale Signs Your Denver Home Needs a PRV
If your home is more than a few years old, it’s wise to investigate your water pressure. The video script highlights three common warning signs that your pressure might be dangerously high.
1. High or Unpredictably Fluctuating Water Pressure
This is the most direct symptom. You might notice that water blasts out of your faucets with excessive force, causing splashing in the sink every time you turn it on. Another key indicator is a noticeable change in pressure when multiple fixtures are in use. For example, does your shower suddenly lose pressure when someone flushes a toilet or starts the washing machine? This fluctuation can indicate that your system is struggling to manage unstable high pressure.
2. Noisy Pipes, Also Known as “Water Hammer”
Do you hear a loud banging, clanging, or thumping sound from within your walls moments after you turn off a faucet, shower, or an appliance? This startling noise is called water hammer. It’s a hydraulic shockwave that occurs when the flow of high-pressure water is suddenly shut off. The water’s momentum slams against the closed valve, sending vibrations throughout the pipe system. While it’s certainly an annoyance, water hammer is also a serious red flag. Those repeated shockwaves place immense stress on pipe joints and fittings, significantly increasing the risk of a leak or a full-blown pipe burst over time.
3. Frequent Leaks or Premature Appliance Damage
This is where the hidden costs of high water pressure truly reveal themselves. If you find yourself constantly dealing with dripping faucets or discovering small leaks around pipe joints, high pressure is a likely culprit. It forces water past seals and weakens connections.
Another drawback to unsafe water pressure is that your major appliances are at risk. High pressure can cause significant long-term damage to expensive equipment like:
- Water Heaters: The internal components of your water heater are designed for a specific pressure range. Excess force can lead to tank failure and major flooding.
- Dishwashers & Washing Machines: The inlet valves on these appliances can wear out quickly and fail, causing leaks or malfunctions.
- Toilets: Constantly running toilets or frequently breaking fill valves are classic signs that high pressure is overwhelming the components.
The cost of replacing even one of these appliances far exceeds the cost of installing a PRV to protect all of them.
The Long-Term Benefits of a PRV Installation
Installing a PRV is a proactive investment in your home’s longevity and your financial peace of mind.
- Protect Your Plumbing System: By maintaining a stable pressure, a PRV prevents the daily strain that leads to weakened joints and pinhole leaks, which can eventually become floods.
- Extend the Lifespan of Your Appliances: Your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and even your refrigerator’s ice maker will last longer when operating at the pressure level they were designed for.
- Conserve Water and Save Money: High pressure leads to higher water consumption. By reducing the flow to a normal level, a PRV can lower your monthly water bills.
- Enjoy Peace of Mind: Knowing your plumbing system is protected from the silent threat of high pressure removes the worry of coming home to a catastrophic leak.
Don’t Wait for a Flood—Get Your Pressure Tested
If your home is over 20 years old and you’ve noticed any of the signs above, the next step is a professional pressure test. It’s a quick and simple diagnostic process. A licensed plumber can attach a pressure gauge to an exterior hose bibb to get an accurate reading of your home’s static water pressure.
Here in the Denver metro area, from Arvada to Aurora, our homes face unique challenges. Don’t let high water pressure be one you ignore. Protecting your plumbing is protecting your entire home.
If you suspect your water pressure is too high, call Flow-Rite Plumbing today! Our team of certified technicians can test your system, determine if a PRV is needed, and help you stop a pinhole leak from turning into a devastating flood. Schedule your service call now!
