💧 What’s a PRV and Why Should You Care?

(Hint: It protects your pipes—and your wallet)

If you’ve ever stepped into the shower and noticed a weak water stream—or if your kitchen faucet seems sluggish—you might be dealing with a failing pressure-educing valve, a PRV.

It’s one of the most overlooked parts of your plumbing system and one of the most critical.

🛠 What is a PRV?

A pressure-educing valve (PRV) is a mechanical valve installed on your home’s main water line, usually located in the ground near the water meter. Its job is simple but vital: it protects your pipes and appliances by regulating incoming water pressure from the city supply.

Most municipal water systems pump water at high pressure (sometimes over 100 PSI) to ensure it reaches homes across the grid. However, this pressure is too high for residential plumbing systems, typically built to handle 40–65 PSI safely.

The PRV brings that pressure down to a safe, manageable level, usually set around 65 PSI, preventing:

• Burst pipes

• Appliance wear

• Faucet and fixture leaks

• Water heater damage

• Sky-high water bills

🔗 More about safe water pressure – American Home Shield

🧯 What Happens When a PRV Fails?

Over time, PRVs wear out, especially in older homes. A failing PRV often causes low water pressure, most noticeably in tubs, showers, and kitchen sinks.

Signs of failure include:

• Lower-than-usual water flow at fixtures

• Inconsistent water pressure

• Unusual sounds in your pipes

• Weak performance from appliances

This pressure drop happens because the valve’s internal mechanisms either get clogged with sediment or lose their ability to regulate properly.

🔧 What Does a Plumber Do to Fix It?

At Flint Plumbing, we’ve fixed hundreds of PRV issues across Austin—and we’ve got the replacement process down to a science:

1. Excavation: We dig to access the buried PRV near your water meter.

2. Valve Replacement: We cut out the old unit and install a brand-new brass PRV.

3. Homeowner Shut-Off Valve: We also upgrade the main shut-off valve, so you have better control.

4. Valve Box: We add an easy-to-access valve box to simplify future maintenance.

5. Backfill: Once the new valve is in place, we carefully refill the dirt.

6. Pressure Test: We measure pressure at your hose spigot to confirm the system is properly set to 65 PSI or lower.

⚠️ Why It Matters

A broken PRV isn’t just annoying—it can cause long-term damage if left unchecked. High water pressure leads to:

• Cracked pipes

• Appliance failure

• Constant repairs

• Costly water waste

That’s why checking your pressure every few years is a good idea, especially if you’re in an older home or notice signs of failing flow.

🔗 Learn to test water pressure at home – Family Handyman

👷 Ready for a Checkup?

Flint Plumbing is a local, family-owned plumbing company serving the Austin area since 1985. If your home is struggling with inconsistent water pressure—or if you’ve never had your PRV checked—call us. We’re happy to inspect it and walk you through your options.

✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Respectful, clean service
✅ Only what you need—nothing you don’t

📞 Text/call us today or contact us online to schedule your pressure check.

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