How to adjust pressure regulator

How to adjust water pressure regulatoron a well

Rainbow Water has high pressure within water mains in certain areas due to the varying terrain of the service area. High water pressures in home plumbing systems may cause leaking water heaters, dripping faucets, dishwasher and washing machine noise and breakdown, or leaking water pipes. Water flowing ata rate more than necessary to satisfy normal fixtures or appliance demands can become damaging, wasteful, and reduce equipment life expectancy in homes. Maintaining a set pressure in the house, usually 50 pounds per square inch (psi), may ensure that home piping and appliances operate under a safe and satisfactory pressure.

In high pressure areas, Rainbow Water installs a pressure regulator on the District-owned side of the water service to protect the District’s water meter. However, given the unique properties and varying needs of each customer’s on-site water system, the customer is responsible for installing and maintaining a PRV on the customer’s side of the meter, preferably as close as possible to the downstream side of the District meter to ensure all the customer’s plumbing is protected. PRV's can be purchased at a home improvement or plumbing supply store and can be installed as a do-it-yourself project or by a qualified plumbing contractor.

Water pressure regulatoradjustment screw

A pressure regulator is a spring-loaded valve that regulates pressure on the downstream (house) side of the valve. Altering the degree of spring compression changes the downstream pressure.

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The life expectancy of a water pressure regulator is most commonly in the range of 10 to 15 years. However, you may see a regulator malfunction at three years and one still properly functioning at 20 years old if regularly maintained.

How to adjust water pressure regulatorwithout gauge

The most accurate method is to buy a pressure gauge from your local hardware store and hook it up to a hose faucet/bib. Check the pressure when all other faucets and water-using appliances are turned off to get a baseline reading. In general, you want the household plumbing to provide between 30 and 80 psi.

PRVs have been described as "life-of-mortgage" products because historically, a malfunctioning water pressure reducing valve is not replaced but cleaned or repaired via an inexpensive service kit. Design-wise, it is similar to the kitchen faucet because dirt or foreign matter on the seating area can cause problems. It is no more challenging to repair a water pressure-reducing valve than fixing the kitchen faucet.

Water pressure regulators or pressure-reducing valves (PRV) are compact valves used to reduce high incoming water pressure from the public water main to provide a lower, more consistent water pressure for distribution to your household plumbing and fixtures.

With the right tools and instructions, you can adjust the water pressure regulator by yourself instead of calling in a plumber. For more information contact a plumber or search for video tutorials on YouTube.