California is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts on record. At the beginning of this year, Governer Brown declared a state of emergency and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for water shortages. Our water supply is one the most critical issues the state of California is currently facing. If we cannot increase our supply, then we must take action to reduce our consumption. When it comes to plumbing systems, the installation and proper operation of a water pressure reducing valve is a fantastic way to help reduce water consumption. Not only will you be using less water every month, but controlling your water pressure can also help your plumbing system last longer, and reduce the potential for a bad leak.
A water pressure reducing valve (or more commonly called a regulator) is a device that automatically regulates incoming city water pressure. Water supplied by the city you live in can vary based on where your property is located. Most plumbing codes state that water pressure must be supplied to a property at 80psi or less. However, because the pressure at which a city supplies water varies, having a water pressure reducing valve will maintain a set pressure, and the lower the pressure, the more water saved.
In a plumbing system, high water pressure can be damaging due to the force put on that system created by high pressures. Excessive pressure can erode or wear away many materials and cause water heaters to leak, banging water pipes, dripping faucets, and leaking water pipes. This is why water should only be flowing at a rate necessary to satisfy normal fixture or appliance demands. When water flows through a plumbing system with excess pressure it is extremely wasteful and reduces the life expectancy of the equipment in the system. However, what many property owners consider to be most important is that high water pressure can add to the cost of water, energy and waster water bills. Having a water pressure reducing valve will lower your water bills.
Please contact us if you would like more information on how to reduce your waste water and lower your monthly bills! 323-254-4303
- Bateman Water Heating Engineering, Inc.