Swapped that out, problem solved.
Yeah, good call on the pressure regulator. I've seen toilets go through seals like candy because of high pressure. Definitely worth checking before you end up replacing half the plumbing aisle...again.
Yeah, the pressure regulator is definitely a smart move. Had a similar issue myself a year or two back—went through three flush valves in six months before I realized my water pressure was way above the recommended range. Most plumbing fixtures are rated for around 50-60 psi, but mine was hitting close to 90 psi at peak times. Didn't even realize it until I borrowed a gauge from a neighbor and tested it out.
Installing a pressure reducing valve (PRV) made a huge difference. Not only did it stop the constant seal replacements, but it also noticeably reduced water hammer issues throughout the house. One thing I'd recommend, though, is checking the expansion tank on your water heater after adjusting the pressure. Sometimes, when you lower the incoming pressure, the expansion tank might need recalibrating or even replacing if it's older. Learned that the hard way when mine started dripping after the PRV install.
Also, don't overlook the fill valve inside the toilet tank itself. Even with proper pressure, some cheaper fill valves just aren't built to last. Upgrading to a more robust model—like one with brass fittings or reinforced seals—can save you headaches down the line. I swapped mine out for a higher-quality model and haven't had issues since.
Lastly, keep an eye on your water bill. High pressure doesn't just damage fixtures—it can also waste a surprising amount of water. After fixing my pressure issue, I noticed a decent drop in monthly water usage, which was a nice bonus given how tight my budget usually is.
Anyway, glad you got it sorted without having to redo half your plumbing setup again... been there, done that, and my wallet still hasn't forgiven me.
Good call on the fill valve upgrade—I had a similar experience. Thought I'd solved everything after installing a PRV, but nope... still had random leaks and running water issues. Turns out the cheap plastic fill valve was the culprit all along. Switched to one with brass fittings, and it's been smooth sailing since.
One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone noticed if lowering water pressure affects shower performance much? I get that high pressure wastes water and damages fixtures, but I gotta admit, I love a strong shower. When I dialed mine back to around 55 psi, it felt noticeably weaker at first. Got used to it eventually, but still miss that extra kick sometimes. Wondering if there's a sweet spot between saving water and keeping decent shower pressure...
I've been messing around with water pressure settings for a while now, and honestly, I think 55 psi is about as low as I'd comfortably go. Dropped mine down to around 50 once, and showers felt like standing under a sad drizzle... not exactly refreshing. 😂 Ended up nudging it back to around 60 psi—still saves water compared to the crazy-high pressure I had before, but doesn't feel like I'm sacrificing too much. Guess it's all about finding that balance between eco-friendly and actually enjoyable showers.
55 psi isn't too bad, but honestly, I've seen plenty of homes running comfortably around 45-50 psi without complaints. If your shower feels weak at lower pressures, it might be more about your showerhead than the pressure itself. Some showerheads are specifically designed for lower pressure systems and can still give you a decent rinse. Might be worth swapping yours out before settling on higher psi...could save you water and still keep showers enjoyable.
