Most London Ontario homeowners never think about their water pressure. Nobody calls to complain that their shower is too strong. But high water pressure is a silent problem — and in some London neighbourhoods it is actively damaging your plumbing right now.
I am Aron Oretan — a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter with 26 years in the trade and founder of Triton Home Service. Here is what you need to know about pressure reducing valves in London Ontario.
What Is High Water Pressure and Why Does It Matter
In Ontario, residential water supply pipes are tested to 100 PSI during inspection. That is the pressure they are certified to handle. Running your home’s plumbing at or above 100 PSI permanently puts your pipes under continuous stress they were not designed to sustain long term.
High water pressure makes existing plumbing problems worse. Water hammer — the banging sound you hear when a tap is shut off quickly — becomes more severe and more damaging at higher pressures. Pipe fittings, valve seats, and fixture internals all wear faster under sustained high pressure. Long term, unregulated high pressure increases the likelihood of pipe failure.
Most homeowners never know they have a problem until something fails.
Where High Water Pressure Happens in London Ontario
We test water pressure when homeowners complain of low water pressure and during backflow testing. That is when we see what the municipal supply is actually delivering to a home.
There are specific areas in London Ontario where we consistently see water pressure at or above 100 PSI. The Riverside area — particularly between Thames Valley Golf Club and Wonderland Road — is one neighbourhood where we have measured unusually high municipal pressure and installed pressure reducing stations for concerned homeowners.
If you live in a low-lying area or a neighbourhood close to a water tower or pumping station, your pressure may be higher than you realize.
What a Pressure Reducing Valve Does
A pressure reducing valve — also called a PRV — works by restricting the flow of water through a partially obstructed valve. It forces the water supply to open the valve against resistance, which removes PSI from the line before it enters your home’s plumbing.
A properly installed pressure reducing station is not just a single valve. It includes shut-off valves on either side of the PRV, a pressure gauge so you can see exactly what pressure is entering your home, and ideally a bypass in the event the PRV malfunctions and needs to be serviced without shutting off water to the entire house.
The station is installed on your main water supply line — typically in the basement near where the water enters the home.
What a PRV Installation Costs in London Ontario
A pressure reducing valve station installation costs between $300 and $700 in London Ontario depending on the complexity of the installation and the accessibility of your main water line.
That is a modest investment to protect every fixture, valve, and pipe in your home from the long term effects of sustained high pressure.
If you are not sure whether your pressure is a problem, you have two options. You can purchase a pressure gauge with a hose connection at Home Depot and test it yourself at an outdoor hose bib. Or you can call 226-270-5177 and we will come and test your water pressure for you.
Book a pressure test or PRV installation in London Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pressure Reducing Valve London Ontario
How do I know if my water pressure is too high?
Most homeowners do not know until something fails. Signs include water hammer — banging pipes when taps are shut off — unusually forceful flow at fixtures, and premature failure of washers and valve seats. The only way to know for certain is to test it with a pressure gauge.
What is the maximum safe water pressure for a London Ontario home?
Ontario water supply pipes are tested to 100 PSI during inspection. We are concerned when we see pressure at or above that level in a home. Ideal residential water pressure is typically between 45 and 80 PSI.
Can I test my own water pressure?
Yes. A pressure gauge with a hose thread connection is available at Home Depot for under $20. Attach it to an outdoor hose bib, turn the water on fully, and read the gauge. If you see 100 PSI or above, call us.
What neighbourhoods in London Ontario have high water pressure?
We have measured unusually high water pressure in the Riverside area between Thames Valley Golf Club and Wonderland Road. Low-lying areas and neighbourhoods close to pumping stations are more likely to have elevated pressure.
Does a PRV require maintenance?
Yes. A PRV should be inspected periodically to ensure it is operating correctly and holding the set pressure. A failed PRV can allow full municipal pressure into your home’s plumbing. We check PRV stations during service calls when we are on site.
Will a PRV affect my water flow?
A properly sized and set PRV will not noticeably affect your water flow at normal usage. It reduces pressure — not volume. You will not notice a difference in your shower or taps.
How long does a PRV installation take?
Most PRV station installations take two to three hours depending on access to the main water line. The water is shut off briefly during installation and restored when complete.
Does Triton Home Service install pressure reducing valves in London Ontario?
Yes. Call 226-270-5177 or book online. We test your pressure, advise you on whether a PRV is needed, and install a complete station if required.
Concerned about your water pressure? Call 226-270-5177 or book online now.
Aron Oretan is a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter, UA Certified Instructor, and founder of Triton Home Service. With 26 years in the trade, licences in plumbing, steamfitting, and gas fitting, and five years teaching at Fanshawe College, he brings classroom expertise and field experience to every job in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and Southwestern Ontario. Phone: 226-270-5177 | tritonservice.ca
