The screw acts as a water pressure regulator. If you tighten the screw the water pressure will be more and if you loosen the screw the water pressure will be less. Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it and increase the pressure, or turn it counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.
Adjust the Pressure-Reducing Valve
Protruding from the top of the valve is a threaded bolt. To raise pressure, loosen the bolt's locking nut, then turn the bolt clockwise. Use the pressure gauge to determine when you reach a water pressure around 50 PSI. Then, tighten the locknut to secure the valve.
Water Pressure Readings
Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI. Once you measure the water pressure in your house, you can adjust it to a setting that is ideal for all family members and household uses.
Some of the first signs of a failing pressure regulator are a leaking water heater or commode. The water coming from a faucet may also exit with such force that splashing or water “hammering” may occur.
High water pressure puts excess strain on your plumbing system, including your pipes, seals and appliances that use water. As high volumes of water are forced through, the parts that make up your plumbing system are stressed by the pressure which can lead to a variety of problems.
Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi. While you don't want the psi to be too low, it violates code to be above 80. Instead, you should aim for a psi that's between 60 and 70.
Low-pressure regulators usually have a maximum inlet pressure between 150 and 300 psi. The obvious reason to understand this is for safety and performance issues. If the inlet pressure rises above the maximum pressure, the internal components will fail first.
If the municipal water or well-water flow is the problem, hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install a water-pressure booster pump. These powerful, electric pumps target incoming pressure and raise it to the proper level.
A water pressure regulator is a dome-shaped brass fitting that is generally found just past the main shutoff valve, where the main water line enters the house. It usually has an adjustment screw on top.
The regulator works by an internal diaphragm and spring and an external adjustable screw. As high water pressure enters, the spring and diaphragm make it more difficult for water to pass. Conversely, as lower water pressure enters the valve, water easily passes since the diaphragm and spring are under less pressure.
How long will a Water Pressure Reducing Valve last? 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.
Find the spigot closest to your source of water. Make sure all the taps and other water uses are turned off in your house. Now turn on the spigot and see how long it takes to fill the bucket. Dividing the number 60 by the time to fill the bucket will give you the gallons per minute number.
Residential water pressure tends to range between 45 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything below 40 psi is considered low and anything below 30 psi is considered too low; the minimum pressure required by most codes is 20 psi. Pressures above 80 psi are too high.
In general, the minimum flow through a water pressure reducing valve should be 10% to 15% of the maximum flow rate desired in the system. Also, water pressure reducing valves should be selected based on the flow and pressure ranges listed in the lit- erature, not the size of the pipe to which they will be attached.
The easiest way to determine if your Pressure Reducing Valve was installed correctly would be to locate the arrow on the valve. This arrow indicates the direction of the water flow.
Pressures above 80 psi are too high.
Debris and sediment buildup could lead to the loss of your pump, leaving your pipes vulnerable to the increased water pressure. There's also the chance that your home may not have a regulator installed, so it's important to check. Has there been recent maintenance work to the pipes near your home?
Many toilets really do leak only at night; that's because people use much less water during these hours and in many municipal water systems, the water pressure rises considerably during this time.
Water pressure regulators need replacement about once every 4 to 12 years. While some PRVs may last longer than others, manufacturers recommend swapping out your regulator at least once every 5 years to prevent damage. Your home will show signs when your regulator may be failing.
What Happens When a PRV Fails? If a PRV fails and the water pressure in your home gets too high, it can cause a range of problems. These problems can include: Leaking appliances: High water pressure can cause appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to leak or fail prematurely.