• Is water pressure regulator bad?

    Sep.30.2010

    If the water pressure leaving the pressure regulator is within spec, are there other signs that the pressure regulator is bad and should be replaced?

    britainny, san diego, CA

    Although the original question is a little vague, making it difficult to give a detailed answer, the following are some things you should consider.  First, to define a pressure regulator.  This is a cast bronze plumbing valve that is designed to reduce the incoming water pressure to a structure to a safe working pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (psi).  (1) A leaky pressure regulator is an obvious sign of problems and most likely replacing it is the only solution. (2) If the customer is reading the pressure gauge on the pressure regulator, it is possible the gauge itself is bad thus giving a faulty reading. (3) I would suggest buying a water pressure gauge (available at most home improvement centers for $8 to $10). (4) Screw the gauge onto an outside hose connection and record the pressure at two different times of the day; once in mid afternoon and then again in the evening. The pressure with which water is supplied to your home will vary throughout the day. There is greater demand for water during the day than there is at night. When the demand is high, the available pressure will be less. The average of the two readings will give you an average pressure. (5) Repeat this process inside your home (usually at the washing machine). Turn off the cold water valve to the washing machine and disconnect the hose leading to the washer, connect the pressure gauge to the washing machine hose and turn the cold water valve back on and record the pressure. (6) If the average pressure reading varies more than 3 to 5 pounds per square inch (psi) from the gauge on the pressure reducing valve, contact a professional plumbing contractor, such as the ARS/Rescue Rooter branch in San Diego, CA at (800) 424-3416, to further check out your water pressure regulator. 

Comments

POST A COMMENT