What is a pressure reducing valve?

A pressure reducing valve sits on your main water supply line and drops excessive incoming pressure from the municipal system down to a level your home's pipes and fixtures can handle safely. Most residential plumbing is designed to operate between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (PSI), but municipal water can arrive at pressures well above 100 PSI, especially in areas served by elevated storage tanks or high-pressure zones.

Without a PRV, high pressure damages fixtures faster, stresses pipe joints, and can cause leaks, water hammer noise, or early failure of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. The valve uses an internal spring-loaded diaphragm that responds automatically to pressure changes, maintaining consistent outlet pressure regardless of fluctuations in the supply line.

Most Ontario homes need a PRV when municipal pressure consistently exceeds 80 PSI, which is common in many neighborhoods. The device requires periodic maintenance, since sediment can affect the diaphragm over time. Homeowners should check their water pressure with a simple gauge (available at hardware stores) to determine if one is needed. A qualified plumber can diagnose high-pressure conditions, install a properly sized PRV, and set it to the correct pressure for your specific system. If you suspect pressure problems affecting your plumbing, leak detection and repair specialists can help identify related damage.