If your shower pressure feels too strong, your taps bang when you turn them off, or you’ve had a surprising number of leaks, your home might be dealing with high water pressure.
In many Victorian homes, pressure can climb higher than it should – and over time that extra force can quietly damage pipes, tapware, toilets, and appliances.
At Roscos Plumbing and Gas, we regularly help homeowners and landlords in Sunbury, Gisborne, Diggers Rest, Taylors Lakes, Keilor East, Hillside, Caroline Springs and surrounding suburbs solve high pressure issues by installing a 500 kPa pressure limiting valve (also called a pressure limiting valve or PLV).
It’s a simple device, but it can make a big difference to the safety and longevity of your plumbing system.
What are the Victorian water pressure limits?
In Victoria, domestic plumbing systems are designed to operate safely within set pressure requirements. When water pressure is too high, it increases stress across your entire plumbing network – from the pipes in your walls to the flexible hoses under your sinks.
Even if your home seems fine today, pressure that regularly exceeds recommended limits can accelerate wear and tear. That can lead to:
- Burst pipes or sudden water leaks
- Dripping taps and failing mixers
- Running toilets and worn inlet valves
- Premature hot water system issues
- Appliance damage (dishwashers, washing machines, fridges with water lines)
High pressure problems are particularly common when local supply conditions fluctuate – such as during peak demand times, infrastructure changes, or if your property sits in an area with naturally higher mains pressure.
The common signs your home water pressure is too high
Not sure if you’ve got excessive water pressure? Here are some red flags we see often in homes around Sunbury and nearby suburbs:
1) Water hammer (banging pipes)
If you hear a loud bang when you turn taps off or when a washing machine stops filling, that’s often a sign of pressure surges.
2) Frequent leaks or burst flexible hoses
High pressure puts extra strain on flexible connectors and seals. A small weakness can become a sudden failure.
3) Dripping taps and failing tapware
Tap washers, ceramic cartridges, and mixers can wear faster under excessive pressure – even if the tapware is good quality.
4) Hot water system relief valve dripping
A TPR valve (temperature pressure relief valve) can discharge water more often when pressure is consistently high.
5) Harsh, “blasting” tap pressure
If your taps feel like they’re on full force even when barely opened, your pressure may be above what your plumbing fixtures are designed to handle.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting your pressure tested properly.
What is a 500 kPa pressure limiting valve (PLV)?
A 500 kPa pressure limiting valve is a device installed on the cold water supply line to reduce incoming water pressure to a safer level. The “500 kPa” refers to the maximum outlet pressure it’s set to deliver.
In plain terms: it stops mains pressure spikes from pushing too much force through your home’s plumbing system.
Where does a pressure limiting valve go?
For most residential installations, a pressure limiting valve is fitted between the water meter and the house. This placement is important because it means the valve protects everything downstream – all internal pipework, fixtures, and connected appliances.
Installing the valve in the right location also helps achieve more consistent water pressure throughout the property, rather than only protecting one section of the plumbing.
Why installing a PLV matters – even if nothing is “broken” yet
Many people only think about water pressure after a burst pipe, a flooded laundry, or an unexpected hot water system failure.
But a pressure limiting valve is a preventative plumbing upgrade that can reduce the likelihood of costly problems.
Here’s why it matters:
Protects your pipework
Higher pressure increases the likelihood of leaks at joins, fittings, and older pipe sections.
Extends the life of fixtures and tapware
Toilet valves, mixer cartridges, and shower components all last longer when they’re not under constant pressure stress.
Helps prevent appliance failures
Appliances that use water supply lines and solenoids are vulnerable to pressure spikes that can damage your appliances – which can lead to expensive appliance replacement. A PLV reduces that risk.
Reduces water wastage
Excessive pressure can increase flow rates and contribute to higher water use – especially with leaks you might not notice right away.
Supports compliance and good plumbing practice
A correctly installed, correctly set pressure limiting valve helps keep your home’s plumbing operating within safe, expected limits
How Roscos Plumbing and Gas checks and fixes high water pressure
When you call Roscos Plumbing and Gas, we take a practical, thorough approach:
- Pressure testing – We check your incoming pressure at the meter and assess how it behaves during typical usage.
- System assessment – We look for signs of pressure damage (leaks, water hammer, failing valves).
- Correct PLV selection – We use a quality valve suitable for your property and water supply conditions.
- Professional installation – Installed between the water meter and the house, with correct fittings and accessibility.
- Verification – We confirm the outlet pressure is regulated properly and that your system is operating smoothly.
Need a pressure limiting valve installed in Sunbury or surrounding suburbs?
If you suspect your water pressure is above Victorian limits – or you want to prevent leaks, protect your hot water system and appliances, and extend the life of your fixtures – a 500 kPa pressure limiting valve installation is often one of the smartest plumbing upgrades you can make.
Roscos Plumbing and Gas provides both general plumbing and emergency plumbing across Sunbury, Gisborne, Diggers Rest, Taylors Lakes, Keilor East, Hillside, Caroline Springs and surrounding areas.
Reach out today to book a water pressure test and get expert advice on the right fix for your home!
