High Mains Pressure in Brighton — Why a PRV Matters
Brighton properties often receive mains water pressure well above the 500 kPa limit required under Australian plumbing standards. On its own, high pressure feels fine — showers may even seem more powerful — but the hidden damage adds up fast. Dishwasher solenoids, washing machine hoses, tap washers, and hot water unit PRVs all wear out faster under sustained high pressure. In older Brighton homes with original copper pipework, it can also contribute to pinhole leaks over time.
This job involved fitting a brass pressure reducing valve (PRV) to the copper supply line at the point of entry. The PRV was set to 350 kPa — well within the recommended 300–500 kPa operating window — protecting everything downstream.
What Was Done
The PRV was installed on the copper supply line at the property entry point, positioned in the garden bed adjacent to the meter. This is the correct location — fitting it as early in the supply as possible ensures the entire home's plumbing runs at a reduced, consistent pressure.
- Incoming pressure measured and confirmed above 500 kPa
- Supply isolated at the street meter
- Brass PRV fitted to copper supply line at property entry
- Pressure set to 350 kPa and verified with gauge
- Supply restored and downstream pressure confirmed at set point
A PRV should be installed as close to the water meter as possible — ideally at the point where the supply enters the property. This ensures all downstream pipework, hot water systems, taps, and appliances benefit from the reduced pressure. Installing it further downstream means a portion of your internal plumbing is still running at high pressure.
PRV Installations Across Brighton and Bayside Melbourne
We install pressure reducing valves across Brighton, Brighton East, Sandringham, Hampton, Moorabbin, and Melbourne's wider bayside area. Most PRV installations are completed in under two hours — the supply is off for only the time it takes to cut in the fitting and set the pressure. We also include a pressure test before and after, so you have a verified record of what your system is running at.
If your home is more than a few years old and you've never had the incoming pressure checked, it's worth a quick test. A gauge can be attached to any outdoor tap in a matter of seconds — we can do this at the start of any service call.
High Water Pressure in Brighton?
We supply and install PRVs across Brighton and Melbourne's bayside suburbs. Same-day bookings available — fixed price, upfront quotes.