Pressure Reducing Valve: Bad?

JohnnyO

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• Apr 7, 2013

• #1

Reading up on household water pressure, it seems the 90-95 showing on my PRV is too high.

I'm assuming the pressure shown as actually post-reduction, and not the street pressure, but I can't find any reference to this Wilkins Model 70 value that also shows the attached gauge, so I'm not positive.

This was new about 5-8 years ago.

Does this value need to be replaced, or should I try adjusting the valve via the screw, or is the pressure displayed actually the pressure BEFORE reduction?

Thanks,

John

 

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Terry

The Plumbing Wizard

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• Apr 7, 2013

• #2

[video=youtube;KOpORLuw8eA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOpORLuw8eA[/video]

 

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JohnnyO

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• Apr 7, 2013

• #3

Thanks for the link, Terry. That repair process looks very straightforward.

John

 

Terry

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• Apr 7, 2013

• #4

I would try adjusting it first. You can also pick up a gauge at a hardware store that works with your outside hosebib to check pressure too.

 

Fixitright

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• Apr 8, 2013

• #5

What a nice tutorial.

Wouldn't it be nice if more companies did this with their products?

 

Valveman

Cary Austin

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• Apr 8, 2013

• #6

Yeah that gauge should be reading donwstream or house pressure. Looks like the bolt is tightened down a bunch. Try loosening off on the adjustment bolt.

 

JohnnyO

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• Apr 8, 2013

• #7

I will try backing off on the bolt to see if it brings the pressure down.

Thanks.

 

JohnnyO

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• Apr 10, 2013

• #8

I ordered and received the repair kit. With that in hand, I did get a second gauge and connected it to an outside hose bib to double check the pressure. They matched (within 3-4 PSI). I adjusted the knob out about 1/2 inch, ran some water, turned off the water, and noted no change in pressure.

Next step - do the repair kit. I think I'll wait to tomorrow for that.

I appreciate the advice!


John

 

JohnnyO

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• Apr 12, 2013

• #9

PRV repair completed! [It took one borrowed big wrench for the bell housing and one purchased 1 1/8" socket for the cartridge removal, but other than that, it went smoothly.] Thanks for the guidance!

Best of all - 6 hours after the repair, and no leaks!

John

 

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