Pressure regulators really do make a difference, but I get what you mean about the hassle. I used to think it was just a “quirk” of older houses, too, until I realized how much water (and energy) was getting wasted every time the temp spiked and I had to crank the cold tap. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly angle, stabilizing your pressure can actually help cut down on both water and energy use—less fiddling with the taps, less wasted hot water.
If anyone’s considering it, here’s what worked for me: check your main line pressure first (hardware stores have cheap gauges), then install a regulator if you’re running high. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of those fixes that pays off over time. And yeah, fewer “surprise” showers is always a win.
I totally get what you mean about the “quirks” of older houses—ours is the same way. I checked our pressure with one of those cheap gauges and was surprised how high it was. Installing a regulator made a noticeable difference, but I’ve wondered if a booster pump would be overkill in my case. Did you notice any issues with pressure drops after installing the regulator, or did it balance out pretty well? I’m always a little nervous about messing with the main line, but your experience makes it sound doable.