A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a device installed in the plumbing of homes and commercial buildings to regulate water pressure. Its purpose is to reduce the incoming water pressure from the public water system to a level that is safe for your building’s plumbing and appliances.

Homes located in low-lying areas or near water pumping stations may experience higher-than-normal water pressure. Water pressure that consistently exceeds 80 pounds per square inch (psi) can damage pipes, fixtures, and household appliances. Installing a PRV can help prevent this type of damage by maintaining a safe and steady pressure.

Most homes built in North Carolina prior to 2007 do not have a PRV. Before that year, the North Carolina Plumbing Code did not require PRVs in buildings where water pressure exceeded 80 psi. If you are unsure whether your home has a PRV, it is typically located on the main water line just inside the home, after the water shutoff valve.

If your home does not have a PRV, we recommend that you consider hiring a licensed plumber to install one. A properly installed PRV helps protect your plumbing system and allows your appliances to operate at a safe, moderate and reliable pressure.

If your home already has a PRV, standard plumbing practice recommends having it inspected annually by a licensed plumber. PRVs generally need to be replaced every three to five years, as internal components can wear out over time. 

Download a flyer of frequently asked questions about PRVs.