Water Pressure Regulators

Pressure regulators allow you to reduce the pressure to your desired level or what is appropriate for your private plumbing. An adjustable spring-loaded diaphragm within the regulator reduces the pressure to a set level before the water reaches any plumbing fixtures inside the home. Water pressure regulators are an important part of your home plumbing system and are required per California Plumbing Code.

Your pressure regulator is likely located near where your service line from the water meter goes into the house, and after the main shut off valve. This is because if you need to work on or replace the water pressure regulator, you will be able to simply shut off the main water supply to the property to do so.

You are responsible for your home’s plumbing system, including installing and maintaining your pressure regulator (or hiring someone to do it for you).

You can buy a pressure gauge from a local hardware or home improvement store. Screw the pressure gauge onto a hose bib located after the pressure regulator, or a washing machine bib and turn the hose bib on to the maximum extent to measure the water pressure. You can also consult a plumber to check it for you.

If you are interested in the water pressure in the City water system, call our Water Dispatch line at (805) 564-5413, and we will provide you with the pressure readings at the nearest fire hydrant to your property. 

It is plumbing industry standard that water pressure levels be maintained between 45-65 PSI. 

It is good practice to test the water pressure on your property at least once a year. When testing the water pressure make sure water isn’t being used anywhere inside or outside the property. 

The life expectancy of a water pressure regulator is advertised as between 10 and 15 years. However, most manufacturers and plumbing professionals recommend replacing the valve every 5 years.

Like all plumbing fixtures and valves, water pressure regulators can clog and will fail at some point. If you notice water hammering of any type, more water pressure, less water pressure, or other inconsistencies in the water pressure, have your water pressure regulator checked by contacting a qualified plumber. You can also the check pressure regulator yourself using the steps outlined below. 

If there is consistently low water pressure, you may want to consider installing a pressure booster pump. Pressure regulators only reduce pressure to a set value - they do not increase pressure.

With the right tools, you can adjust your pressure regulator in a few steps. You will need a wrench or screwdriver and pliers to adjust the pressure valve. It is not necessary to turn off the water supply to adjust a pressure regulator. 

• Step 1: Attach Water Pressure Gauge - Screw the pressure gauge onto a hose bib located after the pressure regulator, or a washing machine bib and turn the hose bib on to the maximum extent to measure the water pressure. Make sure no other water is being used on the property. Note the pressure reading and leave the water turned on. 
• Step 2: Adjust the Screw - Loosen the locknut all the way out with the wrench or pliers. The screw is your adjuster, and it can only be maneuvered by loosening the locknut. The screw acts as a water pressure regulator. Tightening the screw (clockwise) will increase the water pressure and loosening the screw (counterclockwise) will decrease the water pressure. Tighten or loosen the screw in slow, small increments. Check the results on your gauge each time you tighten or loosen it. If the water pressure is too high, it could result in leaks and constant running toilets. 
• Step 3: Check the Pressure - Once you have adjusted the screw to the range you would like to see in the gauge (recommended range is between 45 and 65 PSI) check your faucets, showerheads, etc. to see if there is a change in the pressure compared to before. Check for any dripping fixtures or running toilets. If you find that after adjusting the regulator there is no change in the gauge reading, your pressure regulator may need to be replaced. Contact a licensed plumber for assistance.  

Too much pressure can make sprinklers work inefficiently and cause misting, reduced water coverage, dry spots in your landscape, and lead to early failure of irrigation valves. Learn more about pressure regulation in irrigation systems.