[Christians1]

I bought a house about a year ago. The house water pressure is very poor. Its city water. In the kitchen sink I cant use the spray hose as it just drips out. But the faucet is better but still very weak.

When I turn on the water it comes out real strong/fast then in seconds reduces to the weak pressure.

At times when we turn on the water or flush the toilets we hear a whining noise.. but not all the time.

I tried messing with the pressure reducing valve and that just makes the whining noise sound a little different.. But the water pressure still stinks.

Is this a sign of a bad pressure reducing valve? Is that the place I should start(replace that first?) Or could it be an issue with water coming in from the city?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jmon]

Yes. That's my thoughts as well. Change out the pressure reducer valve or at least clean the incoming screen, probably has sediment/sand in it.

They usually have union on one or both ends very easy to swap out. Post a pic of yours. Get number off it and get same type and it's an easy swap out.

 

[Christians1]

Thank jmon.

here is a picture. its close to the wall. looks like this only has a union on one end. Do they make them with a union on both ends? Not sure how I can install this with it only on one end.

 

[jmon]

Yes they make them with either option. Once you disconnect it from the union, the other side will unscrew. Write down number get the right one and easy swap out. I've seen them right at the big box stores. Plumbing supply stores have them as well.

I don't bother rebuilding them, I just replace them. I clean out the incoming screen first. If still no good, i replace it. I don't bother trying to rebuild them pia, lots of small parts that can pop etc.

Hope you get it figured out and fixed soon christians.

 

[dj3]

I'd change the primitive main shut off valve with the green handle with a 1/4 turn ball valve, while the water is turned off at the meter.

 

[chandler48]

That handwritten note may have a little to do with the water delivery. Have you read it yet, and does it make any sense?

 

[Christians1]

the paper work says to use a red handle to shut off the main. Its about 6inches further down below the green handle.

How can I get this one off since one side does not have a union and it being so close to the wall? I guess I can take it completely apart then install one with two unions?

 

[Old Thomas]

What is the service pipe material? I have seen older houses with steel, iron, galvanized and lead pipes that were almost closed off.

 

[jmon]

How can I get this one off since one side does not have a union and it being so close to the wall? I guess I can take it completely apart then install one with two unions?

Once you decide to replace prv and you have the correct replacement prv; The union you want to unscrew is at the bottom by the green handle shut off. Disconnect there, then pipe will come apart and will have wiggle room to unscrew the other end. Do make sure you turn off the main water and relieve the pressure by opening a couple faucets before doing this.

Use 2 pipe wrenches. One to hold pipe threaded connector and one to unscrew prv with opposing force. The screw on end has white teflon tape on threads so it should unscrew relatively easy. I would still use some pb blaster or wd 40 on the threads anyway. Easy swap out. Make note of the arrow flow. Make sure arrow is pointing in right direction.

 

[TheEplumber]

Instead of replacing it, why not try to rebuild it? Start with cleaning the strainer that is located right above the union. Turn the water off, relieve the pressure and then remove the nut. You'll find a cylinder shaped screen in there. You should be able to extract it for maintenance.
If it is clean and problem persists, then consider a rebuild kit. Google will help with the shopping.....