Pressure Limiting Valve Install | Melbourne

Rocked up to a job today and checked the mains pressure — sitting at 700 kPa. That’s way too high. Australian standards recommend keeping household water pressure at 500 kPa or below for a reason.

High pressure like that quietly destroys your plumbing from the inside.

What High Water Pressure Does to Your Home

Most people don’t even know their pressure is too high until something starts failing.

Running at 700 kPa will wear out:

• Tap washers and cartridges — they blow out much faster than normal
• Washing machines and dishwashers — the solenoid valves cop a beating
• Hot water systems — excess pressure puts strain on the relief valve and tank
• Pipe joints and fittings — constant hammering eventually causes leaks

You might also notice your taps are annoyingly forceful, or hear a banging noise in the pipes when you turn the water off. That’s called water hammer — and high pressure makes it worse.

The Fix: Pressure Limiting Valve

A PLV (Pressure Limiting Valve) is fitted at the mains where water enters the property. It brings the pressure down to a safe level for the whole house — pipes, fixtures, and appliances all benefit.

Simple install. Makes a big difference.

On this job we:

• Tested incoming mains pressure — 700 kPa (too high)
• Installed a PLV to bring it down to a safe operating range
• Tested after install to confirm pressure was sitting right

Does Your Home Have a PLV?

A lot of older Melbourne homes don’t have one — or have one that’s worn out and no longer doing its job properly.

Worth getting checked if you’re noticing:

• Taps that feel overly forceful
• Washers blowing out regularly
• Banging or knocking in the pipes
• Appliances failing sooner than expected

It’s a cheap fix compared to replacing a hot water system or burst pipe down the track.

Get Your Pressure Checked

We test water pressure on the spot. If it’s too high, we’ll sort it out the same day.

Housecare Plumbing Services Pty Ltd
Fully Licensed & Insured

Melbourne-wide service
Phone: 0466 820 789
Website: housecareplumbing.com.au
Facebook: Housecare Plumbing

Phone: 0466 820 789
Website: housecareplumbing.com.au
Facebook: Housecare Plumbing