How Much Does a Water Pressure Regulator Replacement Cost?

Estimating the Costs of Replacing a Water Pressure Regulator

Water pressure regulator replacement costs range from $50 to $450, or more if you need it done fast (such as to combat an emergency plumbing leak or water damage). Labor makes up much of the price estimate, making this a rewarding—and cost-effective—DIY project if you have the experience and tools to do it. But you’ll need to understand low water pressure, both why it happens and how to fix it, or risk harming your plumbing.

Material

Most water regulator valves cost $25 to $75. However, larger models with backflow valves and multiple outlets range up to $1,600. Commercial sizes for multi-unit homes can run over $3,000. 

Labor Costs

Labor runs from $200 to $350, depending on your area and how hard it is to access. Most plumbers charge an hourly rate of $45 to $200 and allot about three hours for completing the project.

Additional or Unexpected Costs

You’ll spend $100 to $300 extra if you need plumbing replaced after hours, such as on evenings, holidays, or weekends. You can avoid these fees by having your water pressure regulator valve checked during your annual inspection. 

Cost to Replace Water Pressure Regulators per Unit

Water pressure regulators change based on the type of building you’re in. Keep in mind that these prices reflect the size and difficulty of the installation. Multi-unit buildings, like apartments or condos, may have multiple valves placed in parallel or in sequence. Unless you own the apartment building you live in, you’ll likely never be responsible for the fees associated with a commercial install. 

• Single-family home: $250–$450

• Multi-unit home (such as an apartment building): $1,000–$10,000+

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Pressure Regulator Yourself?

You’ll save $150 to $300 on labor doing this project yourself, but you’ll need some basic tools, such as pipe wrenches, a soldering kit, and a torch. We don’t recommend DIY attempts unless you have basic plumbing experience, as improper installation can lead to thousands of dollars of damage. 

For example, water main replacement costs fall on you in a DIY situation if you hurt the pipe entering your home. Hiring a pro means their insurance usually covers any accidental damage. In some places, you’ll need to check with the city before installing a pressure-reducing valve outside your home. 

• Solder kit: $10–$50

• Torch: $10–$25

• Pipe cutter and fitting tools: $15–$50

Replacing an existing valve makes for a good DIY project with a straightforward process. You’ll undo the fittings, then replace your unit with the same brand and model—or one of identical size. 

That said, it's a good idea to leave any new installs to the pros. This requires cutting into an existing line, soldering in fittings, and installing the pressure-reducing valve.

Cost to Install it Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor

It’ll cost $50 to $125 on average to install this yourself. Water pressure regulators run $25 to $75, plus another $25 to $50 in solder and tools. A contractor will complete the same job for $350 on average, which covers labor, gas, and overhead expenses. You may be able to get this price wrapped into other project fees, like water main repair costs.

"Many PRVs have union connections which do not require special tools to assemble/take apart,” says Jeff Botelho, plumber at Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, Inc. “However, union connections are sometimes only on one side of the PRV, with a threaded or soldered connection at the opposite end. Threaded connections are simple enough for most DIYers to handle. Just make sure to use the appropriate thread sealing tape and/or compound to seal the threads."

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Pressure Regulator by Type?

Water pressure reduction valves, also called water pressure regulators, come in three distinct types, costing from $20 to $3,000, not including labor.

In most cases, “water pressure regulators” and “water pressure reducing valves” are used interchangeably. A regulator helps to regulate the pressure throughout a home or building, while a reducer simply reduces the incoming pressure below 80 PSI.

Direct Acting Valve

You’ll pay $20 to $150 for a direct-acting water pressure reducing valve. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, they’re found in most homes. These bell-shaped valves sometimes have a pressure gauge already attached.

Pilot-Operated Valve

Pilot-operated water regulating valves cost $500 to $3,000. These are the better choice for high-volume flows, typically found in commercial and high-rise installations.

Reduction Valve With Backflow Preventer

Combined water-reducing valves with backflow preventers cost $150 to $3,000 or more. Required to protect drinking water from contamination. Common uses include irrigation, fire suppression systems, and large boiler systems.

What Factors Influence the Price of Water Pressure Regulator Replacement?

Although the average price for a water pressure-reducing valve costs $350, your fees vary slightly depending on how far your plumber must travel. Most have a standard radius of service, often 10 to 20 miles. You won’t pay anything extra if you live within that range. 

In more rural areas where your pro needs to travel further, you’ll pay additional travel fees depending on how they charge. 

• Flat rates of $50–$300

• Per mile rates of $1–$2

• Flat plus per-mile rate of $50–$150 plus mileage of $0.50–$2

In addition to your location, other water pressure regulator replacement cost factors include:

• Type of regulator needed: Some homes may need a backflow preventer.

• Volume of water needed: For very high flows, you’ll likely pay more.

• Accessibility: You’ll pay less if accessing your pressure regulator valve is easy. 

• Standard or emergency situation: You’ll incur added fees for after-hours and weekend calls.

FAQs About Water Pressure Regulators

Does a water pressure reduction valve save money?

Yes, a water pressure regulator saves you between $50 and $450 per year since you’ll use approximately ⅓ less water. You’ll save on both water usage and heating water. 

What are the symptoms of a bad water pressure regulator?

A bad or malfunctioning water pressure reduction valve may cause any of the following symptoms:

• High or low pressure or flow

• Banging or vibrating pipes

• Leaking toilet valves

• Leaking water heater relief valves

• Leaking faucets

• Malfunctioning or leaking appliances such as the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine

How long should a home water pressure regulator last?

You can expect your valve to last 10 to 12 years on average, but some contractors recommend swapping it out as often as every five years. Schedule a water flow inspection and maintenance every one to three years and your valve may last 20 years or more. 

Do I need a water pressure regulator?

If you hear a hard bang when shutting off your water, you likely need one installed or the one you have serviced. Building code requires a valve installed in areas with pressure over 80 PSI. Most homes already have them. However, with new construction and changing water demands in your area, pressures may fluctuate, and you’ll need to install one later. You’ll find it near where the water enters your home.

The best way to know is to hire a local plumber to test your pressure, inspect your plumbing, and do any needed maintenance. You can also buy a simple water pressure tester at the local home improvement store. If you have city water, you’ll need to test multiple times for the most accurate reading, as city water pressure can fluctuate as the load goes up or down.

Most hardware and home improvement stores sell pressure gauges with hose-thread connections. You can use these to check pressure at hose bibs, washing machine connections, and water heater drains.

What is the normal water pressure for a house?

Normal home water pressure is 55 to 60 PSI. Some water heater manufacturers void their warranty if the pressure exceeds 80 PSI. Anything below 40 PSI is considered too low, although it likely won’t cause damage.

How long does it take to install a water pressure regulator?

A licensed plumber can install it in one to three hours. A DIY installation can take anywhere from two to six hours.