Pressure Reducing Valve

duffers · 12-26-2007, 08:07 AM

Has anyone had any experience with putting in a pressure reducing valve? My water pressure in my home is 105 psi. From what i understand 30-40 is about normal? does it need to be on a horizontal pipe or can i put it on a vertical? How long do they last? What happens when they break? do they leak or does it just increase the pressure back to 105?

scorrpio · 12-26-2007, 02:55 PM

30-40 is about minimal. 70-90 is considered nominal. 120+ is high, and most fixtures - as well as your heater PRV - are rated at 150. If you have an expansion tank on hot water system, even 120psi is more or less ok though not desired. You 105 is totally fine.

I would put in a pressure gauge with a lazy arm, leave it there wor a couple weeks, and see what was highest pressure recorded. If 105 is tops, don't bother. If it goes over 110, you might want to install the reducer.

The proper installation should be described in the reducer valve dicumentation. I.E. Installation sheets for Honeywell valves specify horizontal installation only.

Far as how long - these things tend to last awhile, especially high quality ones. Though water chem, input pressure, etc affect longevity. And breakage can be varied - it could simply lose effectiveness and stop reducing pressure (happened to a friend of mine), or it could start leaking - just like about any other valve.

bigMikeB · 12-26-2007, 04:24 PM

scorrpio where are you located? I have never seen Honeywell PRVs in the US.

Marlin · 12-26-2007, 04:56 PM

105 is high, 60 or 70 is ideal. A PRV is usually installed horizontally but you could probably do it vertically, just read the directions.

ranman469 · 12-26-2007, 05:08 PM

105 is to much. anything above 80psi needs to be regulated according codes. most can be installed vert or horz.
they come set to 50psi. i will adjust them to 65-70. all is good there

when they break? the worst that happens is low pressure. it would need to be adjusted or cleaned. depending on water conditions

bigMikeB · 12-26-2007, 05:19 PM

Don't forget to add an expansion tank to your water heater. I agree with running @ 60 psi, anything higher than 80 is crazy.