Why a home needs one
Utilities often deliver water at a pressure higher than household plumbing is designed for, so it can reach homes on higher ground or farther down the line. Without a regulator, that pressure reaches every faucet, supply line and appliance valve.
Where to find it
Usually on the main line just after it enters the house, or near the main shutoff. It is a bell-shaped brass fitting with an adjustment screw on top.
Signs it is failing
- Pressure that rises and falls, or is suddenly very low
- Banging pipes and running toilets
- A relief valve on the water heater that drips
- Leaking faucets and appliance supply lines
Checking the pressure
An inexpensive gauge screwed onto an outdoor hose bib shows the house pressure. If it reads high or unstable, the regulator may need adjusting or replacing, which is a job for a plumber.