Ydhtbiotsao
New Member
After I installed a new water heater in our basement, I inserted two pressure gauges on both sides of the water pressure valve. The first gauge (herein referred to as gauge1) remained pretty constant showing 80 psi coming in from the city. The second gauge (herein referred to as gauge2) would vary from about 45 on up to 80. Most of the time it was 45 when I checked it. That lasted about 7 months. Then came some weird noises - like cats or maybe parrots imitating cats, but short of what I'd call water hammer, or maybe parrots imitating water hammer. We do not have any cats or parrots. I went to check the gauges. Both were up to 80. I adjusted the valve counterclockwise several turns and watched the gauges. Neither went down until my wife turned on the water upstairs. Then gauge1 stayed at 80 and gauge2 went to ZERO. My wife said the water started coming out fast and then slowed to a trickle. While the faucet was still open, I turned the valve clockwise. As I turned the valve clockwise, water started running again and gauge2 went up to 30 while gauge1 stayed at 80. Next she turned the faucet off and gauge2 increased to 50.
I think I said all this right. But, BUT, if I wait a long time, for some reason gauge2 is up to 80!
Q: Would that 80 after a long time indicate a slow leak in the valve? Wouldn't 80 be too much pressure on the water heater?
Otherwise, does all this sound right? Is this how it's supposed to work? Seems to make sense, but not sure.
I think I said all this right. But, BUT, if I wait a long time, for some reason gauge2 is up to 80!
Q: Would that 80 after a long time indicate a slow leak in the valve? Wouldn't 80 be too much pressure on the water heater?
Otherwise, does all this sound right? Is this how it's supposed to work? Seems to make sense, but not sure.