Maintaining a manageable level of water pressure is important in preventing damage to in-home plumbing, appliances, and fixtures. This is an especially important point in cities like Pittsburgh with a large quantity of older residential buildings with existing in-home plumbing that may not be designed to handle higher pressures. Pittsburgh Water is generally required to maintain normal operating pressures at the water main. Even so, pressure levels can fluctuate due to planned and emergency repairs and replacements of aging water infrastructure. 

Regardless of the age of your home, maintaining a manageable level of water pressure is important in preventing damage to in-home plumbing, appliances, and fixtures. This is where a water pressure regulator, or pressure reducing valve (PRV), comes into play.

A water pressure regulator is a valve that can be installed near your home’s main water shutoff to reduce the incoming water pressure before it enters your in-home plumbing. It’s a relatively simple addition to your home’s plumbing that can deliver multiple cost-saving benefits:

• Protects in-home plumbing. Water pressure straight from the main may, at times, be too high for your home’s plumbing to effectively handle, leading to strained joints, possible leaks or bursts, and premature wear.
• Extends appliance life. Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can wear out more quickly if subjected to water pressure that’s too high.
• Conserves water. Generally speaking, if your home’s water pressure is too high, it’s much easier to waste excess water without realizing it. Regulating pressure also prevents unexpected leaks, which can lead to water waste.
• Stabilizes flow. A regulator helps to prevent unpredictable variations in water pressure, providing a more even flow for shower heads, sinks, and other fixtures.

While we highly recommend the use of these devices, it’s the customer’s responsibility to install and maintain water pressure regulators at their property. Such a device must be placed on the customer’s side of the water meter, and while installation and maintenance costs tend to be relatively affordable, these costs are the customer’s responsibility. The benefits of having a pressure regulator, however, tend to greatly outweigh these initial costs! Income-qualified customers can also apply for our Line Repair and Conservation Program to potentially have a leaking or worn pressure regulator replaced, or a missing one added, as part of our low-income Customer Assistance Programs.

Visit our Rules & Regulations page to view our Water Tariff which provides specifics about pressure regulation responsibilities.