An Overview of Water Pressure Regulator
What is a Water
Pressure Regulator?
Water pressure regulators (sometimes called pressure reducing
valves or PRV) is a specialized plumbing valves that reduce water pressure from
the main water line into your home’s line.
The water
pressure regulator is designed as a valve that reduces the
pressure of water to a level safe for plumbing fixtures in a home. As, the name
suggest this valve slow down the pressure to a minimum level before the water
reaches any plumbing fixtures inside the home. Excess pressure may cause major
problems to most household plumbing fixtures which can eventually cost money. A
regulator lets you control the water pressure entering your home via an adjustable
spring-loaded
diaphragm.
PRV’s is not necessary to be installed for every plumbing
fixtures. This Valves can be installed in situations where water pressure is
irregular or where the water supply coming through the main line at home is at
a very high pressure.
Where is the water
pressure regulator located?
The pressure regulator is
generally located at a point where the local water line connects to your home,
just after your home’s main shutoff point.
Benefits of Using a
Water Pressure Regulator
Having
a water pressure regulator is essential to maximize the efficiency of your
plumbing system which saves you money in preserving a valuable resource.
1.
Saves Water
As
the flow coming from the main water to your house can be at very high pressure,
which can somehow lead to leaks, bursts or even cracks to the pipes. With the
use of a water pressure regulator or PRV’s, you can save water in your home
without changing any habits. If the water pressure level coming into your home
from the city exceeds 80 psi, you need a water
pressure regulator. Reducing the system pressure can save thousands of
gallons of water a year at your home.
2.
Saves Money
By
investing in a water pressure regulator, you will save your precious time as
well as money. Of course, the installation of this valve might seem to you like
an expense, but it’s will quickly pay off. Your water bill will
significantly reduce and you can even see a decrease in
your energy usage, with fewer repairs on your appliances, too.
3.
Better for Fixtures and Appliances
If water is rushing through pipes and to your fixtures with
too much pressure, you'll likely notice cracks which can further leads to leakages
or bursts which can lead to extra expense for you. High water pressure puts a
damage on every part of the appliance that delivers water, for e.g. Washing
Machines, water heater are not minor investments but when water rushes through
them at very high pressure there are chances where this appliance may cause stress
which can lead to damage to the appliances. Water Pressure Regulator helps
protect those appliances which extends their lifespan. The steady, regulated
stream of water, will prolong the life of
your appliances and allow them to work at their best.
4.
Reduces Risk of Leaks
Unnecessary
high pressure is not suitable for your pipes; the heavy flow can cause hairline
cracks and leaks, eventually leading to a big pipe blow out.
Water leaks will do extreme damage to your home, often requiring major
construction restoration to damaged floors, cabinets, drywall, and surrounding
areas - not to mention mold. To reduce your chance of having a major plumbing
disaster you’ll want to get your water pressure regulated fast.
How a Water Pressure
Regulator Works
A water pressure regulator is a valve fitting
that is generally found near the main shutoff valve, where the main water line
enters the house. WPR has an adjustment cock on top which is used for shut on-shutoff.
A water pressure regulator has an adjustable spring-loaded diaphragm that
automatically widens and narrows depending on the amount of water pressure
entering the valve.
When the water enters the regulator at high
pressure, the inner mechanism constricts the diaphragm to narrow the flow of
water. This reduces the pressure which restricts the stress on pipes and
fixtures installed past the valve. Conversely, when the incoming water pressure
drops, the diagram opens wider to allow more water to flow through the valve.
An adjustment screw (cock) on the top of the regulator can be tightened to
increase the tension on the inner spring or loosened to allow water to flow
more freely through the valve. When the system is protected by a water pressure
regulator, there is less stress on the inner valves of appliances, faucets and
shutoff valves will be less likely to leak, and fluctuations in water pressure
are evened out.
Installation of a Water Pressure
Regulator
Water pressure regulator needs to be
installed immediately when you experience a high pressure of water flow, as
this valve can help you to protect all pipes that is in your house.
Instead of using an existing water pressure
regulator, it is easy to replace it with the same brand or model when there is
a problem of leakages or damages. A new water pressure regulator from the same
brand or model should fit exactly as the old one did. Replacing existing valves
with new one is necessary for future purposes.
After installation, test the water pressure,
and adjust the regulator, if necessary. To adjust, loosen the locknut on the
adjustment screw, then turn the screw up or down until the water pressure is at
the desired level, as measured by a pressure gauge attached to a threaded hose
bib somewhere in the home.
Applications of a Water Pressure Regulator
·
Swimming Pools, Sports grounds, Hospitals etc.
·
Aircraft and aerospace
·
Mining Industries
·
Homes and Buildings
·
Air Compressor
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