Household Water Pressure Problems

Sometimes water pressure in a home begins to lessen or it may increase. If water flows properly from some taps, but not others, check the aerators ( screens ) on the affected taps. Aerators may be plugged with debris.* Similarly, the screens on laundry or dishwashers may be blocked.(* Also see our Hot Water Heater Dip Tube page)If water pressure is low all the time, on all taps, likely the Pressure Reducing Valve [PRV] needs adjusting. The PRV is typically a fist-sized, bell shaped valve with a bolt sticking out of the bell end. It’s typically near the household shut-off valve and water meter, and is part of the household plumbing, and is not owned by Howard County. The building code requires PRV’s on homes to protect household plumbing from high pressures that may occur in the municipal system.Alternatively, if water seems to "spurt" on all taps, the PRV's screen may need to be cleaned. Spurting is when there is good pressure for a few seconds, and then the pressure lowers and flow slows down. The screen protects the PRV and household plumbing from debris. Sometimes you'll have to clean the screen, and adjust the PRV.Here are some instructions on cleaning and adjusting your PRV. If you do not feel confident in doing this work, we recommend you contact a local plumber for assistance.

( Not all brands contain a cleanable straining device )

Adjusting the Pressure Reducing Valve ( PRV )

Details of How the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Works:

If you are interested in how PRV's work, here are more details, assuming the system starts with high pressure downstream in the home: