Pressure Reducing Valve Installation in Orlando & Central Florida

A pressure reducing valve (PRV) is a device installed on your main water supply line that automatically reduces high incoming water pressure to a safe, consistent level — typically between 50 and 70 PSI for residential systems. It protects every pipe, fitting, appliance, and fixture in your home from the damage caused by excess pressure, including premature wear, leaks, and water hammer. Once installed and calibrated, it operates automatically with no maintenance required between inspections.

The surest way to know is to have your water pressure measured — Lapin Services can do this during a service visit. Common signs of high pressure include unusually forceful flow from faucets and showers, banging or knocking sounds inside walls when water is shut off, frequent faucet and toilet repairs, and dripping from your water heater’s pressure relief valve. Residential water pressure above 80 PSI is considered too high and should be corrected.

For most residential installations, the process takes two to three hours. This includes measuring your incoming pressure, preparing the main line connection point, installing and securing the valve, calibrating it to the correct output pressure, and verifying pressure at multiple points throughout the home. Our technician will give you a realistic estimate when they assess your specific setup.

Most pressure reducing valves have a service life of 10 to 15 years, though this varies by manufacturer, water quality, and operating conditions. Over time, the internal spring and seat can wear, causing the valve to lose its ability to hold accurate pressure. Lapin Services recommends having your PRV inspected every few years and replaced when it begins to drift from its set point or shows signs of wear. We can check your existing valve and let you know whether it needs adjustment or replacement.

The standard recommended range for residential plumbing is 50 to 70 PSI, with 60 PSI being a common target. The right setting for your home depends on the number of stories, the location of fixtures on upper floors, and any specific appliance requirements. Lapin Services calibrates your PRV to the appropriate setting for your system and confirms that pressure is correct at both ground-floor and upper-floor fixtures before we leave.

If your current pressure is significantly above 80 PSI, you may notice a modest reduction in flow intensity after installation — but most homeowners find the regulated pressure completely comfortable and often prefer it. Water flow at 60 to 70 PSI is still strong and functional. More importantly, your fixtures and appliances will last longer, and you will avoid the damage that comes with running your system at unsafe pressure levels.

In many cases, yes. When a PRV is installed on a closed plumbing system — which is common in homes with a backflow preventer or check valve on the main supply — thermal expansion from your water heater has nowhere to go. This can cause pressure to spike inside the system even with a PRV in place. An expansion tank absorbs that thermal expansion and protects both the PRV and your water heater. Lapin Services will evaluate your system during installation and recommend an expansion tank if one is needed.

A PRV addresses one of the primary causes of water hammer by reducing the baseline supply pressure — which lowers the intensity of pressure surges when flow is abruptly stopped. In many homes, PRV installation significantly reduces or eliminates water hammer. In some cases, particularly where fast-closing solenoid valves are in use (such as washing machine inlets), a water hammer arrestor may also be needed for complete resolution. Our technician can assess your specific situation and recommend the right combination of solutions.