Is Your Pressure Reducing Valve Leaking? Signs and Fixes in Arlington

A pressure reducing valve (PRV) lowers the city's water pressure before it enters your home. When it fails, pressure can climb well above 80 psi. Signs include a hiss or drip at the valve, banging pipes, a water heater relief valve that drips, toilets that refill by themselves, and new leaks at faucets and hoses. A $10 hose-bib gauge confirms it. If water is leaking at the valve itself, call (817) 285-5426.

High pressure is one of the most common hidden causes of pinhole and fitting leaks. If you have already had leaks, our water line leak detection in Arlington finds any pipe the pressure has already damaged.

Where is the PRV in an Arlington home?

The PRV is a bell-shaped brass valve on the main line, usually just after the main shut-off. In Arlington it is most often near the front hose bib, in a box by the foundation, or in the garage near the water heater. It has a bolt on top that sets the pressure. Some older homes have none at all.

What are the 6 signs it is failing?

How do you test water pressure?

1. Buy a pressure gauge that threads onto a hose bib. Hardware stores sell them for about $10.
2. Turn off all water in the house, including sprinklers and the ice maker.
3. Screw the gauge onto the hose bib closest to the PRV and open the bib fully.
4. Read the gauge. Most homes do best at 50 to 70 psi. Above 80 psi is too high.
5. Leave it for an hour. If the reading creeps up with no water used, the PRV is not holding.

What damage does high pressure cause?

High pressure wears every part of the plumbing faster. It loosens fittings, splits supply hoses, strains the water heater and can cause pinhole leaks in copper lines. Some of that damage is out of sight, in walls or under the slab. That is why a home that had high pressure for months is worth checking for hidden leaks after the PRV is fixed.

Copper pipes are especially at risk. Read our guide on pinhole leaks in copper pipes. If you suspect damage in the yard line before the house, see our guide to waterline leak detection arlington homes need after a pressure spike.

Is a leaking PRV an emergency?

A PRV that drips a little is not an emergency, but it should be fixed within days. A PRV that sprays, or pressure above 100 psi, needs attention now. Close the main shut-off if water is spraying. Our guide to the main water shut-off valve shows where it usually is.

Should you repair or replace the PRV?

Many PRVs can be rebuilt with a kit, but most plumbers replace valves older than about 10 to 15 years. After the new valve is set, test the pressure again. If you have had leaks, book a basic leak check. Basic leak detection runs about $150 to $400, and water line leak detection about $200 to $500.