What device is required if the water pressure exceeds 80 PSI?

When water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, a pressure reducer is necessary to maintain safe and functional water pressure within residential plumbing systems. The primary purpose of a pressure reducer is to lower excessive water pressure to a manageable level, helping to prevent damage to plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes.

Excessively high water pressure can lead to several issues, such as leaks, pipe bursts, and premature wear on fixtures. By installing a pressure reducer, homeowners can ensure that the water pressure stays within an optimal range, usually between 40 to 60 PSI for residential applications.

While a pressure gauge is useful for measuring the current water pressure, it does not reduce it. A pressure regulator is similar but often refers to devices used in a broader context, such as in gas systems. A pressure monitor, although helpful, merely tracks pressure levels rather than managing or reducing them. Thus, the requirement for a device that actively reduces high pressure points to the importance of the pressure reducer in ensuring system integrity and performance.