Most homes are equipped with a pressure regulator and it is recommended to have at least one installed on your water lines. Typically they are installed at the time the water meter is installed or when the home is built. They help to prevent surges in pressure of the water being delivered to the property that come off the main water lines. Unlike the water meter, maintenance of the pressure regulator is the responsibility of the home owner.

The pressure regulator is designed to regulate pressure.  This does not always mean it can increase pressure.  The regulator can only increase pressure if additional pressure is available. If you notice a problem with the water pressure in your home, it could mean that you might have to make a few adjustments to the water pressure regulator. If the water pressure regulator is not adjusted properly, you could have either too much, or too little pressure in your faucet or shower. With the right tools, you will be able to adjust the water pressure regulator by yourself instead of calling in the plumber. Here’s how you go about the job.

What You Will Need

• Screwdriver 
• Wrench 
• Pliers 
• Pressure Gauge (optional)

The first step is to locate the water supply line that supplies water to your house. Once you have located the line you will be able to find the water meter.

Step 2 – Find the Valve
Once you have found the water meter, locate the valve. The valve is made of brass and has a bell shaped mid section with a medium sized screw at the tip of the bell. Make sure that your supply line has sufficient pressure before adjusting the pressure valve.

Step 3 – Adjusting the Screw
Now that you have located the valve and the screw, you need to loosen the locknut all the way. The screw is your adjuster and it can be maneuvered only by loosening the locknut. The screw acts as a water pressure regulator. If you tighten the screw the water pressure will be more and if you loosen the screw the water pressure will be less. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it and increase the pressure, or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.

Step 4 – Tighten the Screw Slowly
Do not be too hasty. You need to tighten the screw little by little, in slow increments. Check the result each time you tighten the screw. If the water pressure is too high, it could result in leaks and the toilets to run all the time.

Step 5 – Check the Pressure
Once you have adjusted the screw the water pressure should be regulated. Check the faucets in the house to see if there is a change in the pressure compared to before. If you find that after adjusting the pressure valve there is no significant improvement, your valve might be faulty and will need to be replaced. Changing a valve could be a bit challenging and it is usually best to seek help from an experienced, professional plumber.

Step 6 – Finishing the Job
Once you have successfully adjusted the pressure valve or replaced the valve make sure there is no leakage.

If the steps above do not resolve an issue with low or high pressure, then the regulator may have failed and needs to be repaired or replaced. On average, pressure regulators last about 10-15 years.  Like any other piece of equipment, the lifespan can vary. Indications that a pressure regulator is or has failed include sudden increase or decrease of pressure or fluctuating pressure.  These regulators may be purchased wherever plumbing supplies are sold. If you are unsure whether the regulator needs to be replaced, or how to properly repair or replace one, you may need to consult a professional or a plumber. When you are ready to repair or replace your pressure regulator please contact EID so that your water may be shut off before the water meter at the curb stop. There is no cost to have EID come out and shut the water off. The curb stop should only be operated by EID staff.

Do It Yourself Website: How to Adjust a Water Pressure Regulator