Adjusting A Water Pressure Regulator in 4 Easy Steps
Did you know that your home has a water pressure regulator which enable to make your own water pressure regulator adjustment? This bell-shaped device manages the amount of water pressure entering your home from the city’s main water line.
These water pressure regulator’s have a purpose, to help reduce the pressure of the water flowing into your home so that damage and leaks do not occur and destroy your property. The amount of pressure can vary depending on how far away you are from the municipal water supply, although it typically ranges from 80 pounds per square inch to 150 pounds per square inch.
Sometimes, you need to reduce or maybe even increase water pressure (just a bit). Thankfully, water pressure regulator adjustment often can be made with the turn of a screw.
Try This First If Your Water Pressure Is Too Low
If you find that you’re experiencing water pressure that’s too low, check first with your neighbors. The municipal water source in your town may be experiencing (temporarily) low pressure on the system. Knowing this will save you from making an adjustment that isn’t necessary.
Steps for Adjusting a Water Pressure Regulator
However, that may not always be the case and your home may be the only one experiencing low water pressure. If that’s the case, here are the step-by-step instructions you need to for adjusting a water pressure regulator.
- Locate the water pressure regulator on the incoming main water line. This bell-shaped device (usually made of brass) is positioned near the water meter. Note the long screw going through the top center of the bell. Next to the brass housing is a lock nut securing the adjustment screw in place.
- Fit the jaws of the crescent wrench over the lock nut. Turn the wench in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the nut. Do not turn the nut too far; it only needs to be loosened.
- Position the jaws of the wrench over the top nut of the adjustment screw. Turn the screw in a clockwise (to the right) direction to increase your water pressure and a counter-clockwise (to the left) direction to decrease your water pressure.
- Make the adjustment one or two full revolutions at a time. Open a water faucet to test the pressure. Allow the water to run for a minute. Readjust the regulator as needed. Tighten the lock nut back into position when the adjustment is complete.
How Do I Install A Water Pressure Regulator?
Replacing an existing pressure regulator (not every home has one) can be relatively easy. We recommend you replace the old regulator with the same make and model to keep installation problems to a minimum. Just shut off all of your water to the home, unscrew and remove the old valve, and install the new one. Then turn your water on. Make adjustments as noted above when establishing your desired water pressure.
However, a brand new installation is trickier and requires plumbing knowledge and experience with how to make adjustments to the main water line. In effect, you might find yourself needing to rework and lower the main water shut-off valve (to allow room for the water pressure regulator). In this case, call your local plumber and get an estimate in advance before any work is done.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
If you prefer, our professional plumbers can make the water pressure regulator adjustment for you. We can also install a water pressure regulator if you don’t have one.
Don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning and drain clearing, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.
