How-to: Adjust A Water Pressure Regulator

[theplantedtank]

This is a water pressure regulator

Plumbing code calls for a pressure regulator to be installed in new homes if the pressure is 80 PSI or higher. The location is determined by the installer, but usually is either right behind the water meter in ground or where the water line enters the house.

Pressure Regulator in a Basement

Pressure Regulator installed in a Meter Access Box



Pressure regulators meant for Residential use are usually set at 60 PSI, but often lose calibration fast, especially if mounted vertically. They vary from 25 PSI when the bolt is all the way out, to 75 PSI when in all the way. It is NOT Recommended to run it in all the way immediately, just turn it in a few turns at a time and watch the amount you produce, or if you are lucky enough to have a pressure meter, watch the needle as you adjust the regulator.

Simple Diagram of a Pressure Regulator



A word of advice, do not exceed about 100 PSI if possible, it may damage rubber hoses and sensitive appliances, like washing machines, Automatic Ice Makers, Etc.

 

[k.o.d]

Alternatively, you could save yourself flooding the house by purchasing a ready made RO pump that feeds only the RO unit, with JG fittings aleady supplied and ready to go.

If the RO pump goes wrong it only affects the RO unit, if you overpressure your pipes you have a hefty insurance bill.

I am really sorry as it is a great idea, but from a potential safety point of view, you are altering the set point of something that is regulated, if the insurance company find that out, your insurance is invalidated.

Steve

 

[theplantedtank]

The risk depends on what the plumbing is made of in the house. Copper, Iron, and Steel pipes are rated well in excess of 200 PSI, while PVC, Polybutylene and PVA is rated lower. Know your house before toying with it. Plus if you are only adjusting it up to 65 PSI or so, that is well within the normal range for a household.

EDIT: Sidenote: If you are worried about overpressurizing the house, tap into the water supply before the regulator. That way the R/O unit gets all the pressure it can use, while still protecting the rest of the house.

 

[SkiFletch]

Thanks for the tip, all our high-pressure lines are copper or braided stainless, so I'm gonna have a look see for that regulator tommorry