So many issues arise from high water pressure. Having the right amount of water pressure is key to avoiding leaks on every fixture in the home including the toilet. It is up to the homeowner to regulate his or her water pressure; it is not the water company's responsibility.
A pressure regulator (sometimes called pressure reducing valve) is used to regulate the incoming water pressure to the home. Water pressure is measured by PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch). Typical pressure regulators will provide a normal operating pressure with a range between 45-80 PSI.
Manufacturers design and warranty faucets and valves at normal operating pressures. When water pressure is below or higher than normal operating pressure, it puts stress on the fixture and valves.
Buy a water pressure gauge at your local hardware store. The gauge can be screwed on the hose bibb at the front or back of the house to check the water pressure to your home. Check both front and back to make sure you get the same reading. If one is reading higher than the other, consider the lower water pressure reading. The higher reading would indicate that it is before the pressure regulator.
Often times when a plumber installs a pressure regulator, he will install it in front of, or downstream, of the front hose bibb. He does this, in thought, to give the homeowner higher water pressure for watering the lawn or washing the car.
If both front and back reads higher than 80 PSI, install a pressure regulator.
The pressure regulator is installed in the crawlspace where the main water line comes into the home. It can, also, be installed in the ground before it goes into the home or by the water meter. Plumbing code requires it to be accessible. So, if it is in the ground a valve box would have been installed.
Some homes do not have a crawlspace. In that case, look for it in the garage by the main water cut off or some other place in the home; probably, near the water heater.
You may already have a pressure regulator installed. It is a good idea to check your water pressure often, especially, when you notice fluctuations, water hammer or strange noises from your water lines or fixtures. Keeping a good eye on your water pressure will be good preventative maintenance for your home.
If you have a pressure regulator installed and the water pressure is under 45 PSI or over 80 PSI, than the regulator is bad and needs to be replaced.
Water pressure regulators do fail from time to time. Average life of a pressure regulator is 5-7 years. Of course, it depends how high the incoming water pressure is. The pressure regulator is a mechanical valve and contains springs and rubber parts. The springs wear against the pressure. The rubber parts will break down. Eventually, the regulator will fail.
Many times when a plumber (a thoughtful one) will install a pressure regulator with a union provided by the manufacturer. If a union is installed, try to find the name brand and type of regulator you have before you get a replacement to ensure the valve will fit and accept the right threads to the union.
If you are able to get the same brand, but not the same type or model, odds are the threads will match perfectly. Hopefully, you will have enough play in the pipe to fit any other model. Otherwise, you may need to cut the pipe for the installation.
When installing the valve use Teflon tape to seal the threads. The Teflon will ensure that you do not have any leaks.
After installing the valve check the water pressure again. The manufacturer will preset the valve a 45 PSI. You can adjust the water pressure higher if you'd like. However, keep in mind the higher the pressure, the more strain you put on your plumbing.
To adjust the water pressure, turn the screw on top of the pressure regulator to the right to adjust the pressure up and turn left to adjust the pressure down.
No comments:
Post a Comment