Water pressure can easily damage your plumbing fixtures if the flow of water is not under your control. The solution to prevent this is using an adjustable water pressure regulator. Today we are here with the most detailed explanation of it. So, you can learn and protect your property efficiently. Let’s get started.

What Is Water Pressure Regulator?

The adjustable water pressure regulator is a plumbing valve, also known as a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). It is designed to reduce or regulate the water pressure coming from the mainline. However, the ultimate purpose is to protect the plumbing property from excessive water pressure… and get a decent water supply rate. It is primarily suitable for the RVs and the home water supply line.

Importance Of Water Pressure Regulators

The municipal water line pumps the water to the homes at a high rate of maybe 130psi. This big pressure rate can easily damage the home plumbing or cause problems… such as leaks, pipe bursts, water hammers, and more. Also, the faucets, dishwashers, showerheads, and other home appliances… need to maintain their standard pressure level to avoid damage. 

An adjustable water pressure regulator will allow you to reduce and maintain a standard rate between 50-80psi. Thus, all your plumbing and RV will remain safe from those problems. Also, you will save a good amount from the utility bills. So, having an adjustable water pressure regulator is mandatory.

Parts Of Adjustable PRVs

The adjustable water pressure regulator consists of two main sections: the Cartridge ａnd the flow meter or gauge. You’ll see something like two horns on the valve body, one is the gauge, and the other is the cartridge section.

At the top of the cartridge section, there’s a screw head that allows setting up the pressure rate. This screw has a connection with the adjusting mechanism ａnd the spring inside the valve. Further, all of these are covered with a cap ａnd attached to the valve body. Right underneath the spring (inside the valve), there’s the Cartridge followed by a diaphragm. In addition, you’ll see a stainless steel strainer screen with a cartridge that filters the water for you. However, some PRVs also have a dual-layer screen at the inlet.

Above all, right after the cartridge part, a water pressure gauge is available there. It gives the perfect pressure level readings. Lastly, there are two ports open to let the water in and out. Remember that the cartridge-sided port is the inlet port, and the opposite one is the outlet.

How An Adjustable PRV Works

The goal of an adjustable water pressure regulator is to prevent high-pressure water from entering your home or RV plumbing. It receives incoming water of high pressure and reduces the pressure when the water passes through it. Here’s how:

Let’s assume you’ve set the pressure at 60psi in the valve, and the incoming water has a pressure of 80psi. So, when the 80psi water enters the valve, the spring will force back and reduce the pressure to 60psi. Therefore, the water will flow out from the outlet at a pressure rate of 60psi. Meanwhile, the strainer screen will filter the water and prevents dirt particles from proceeding.

How To Adjust Or Set The Pressure Level

Setting up or adjusting the pressure level in a PRV is very simple. You’ll need a flathead screwdriver to do that. 

Take a look at the top of the cartridge part of the valve. Yes, as we’ve told before, there is a metal screw head ａnd a partially rounded arrow sign with a (+) and a (-) mark. Rotating the screw clockwise to the (+) mark will increase the pressure level. And rotating it counterclockwise to the (-) impact will do the reverse. Also, while rotating the screw, the needle of the gauge will give a perfect reading. 

This is how you can easily adjust or set the pressure rate in an adjustable PRV. But don’t forget to measure the pressure from faucets ａnd verify with the gauge. 

[Important Note: Most RV plumbing is normally rated at 100-125psi. But there’s no need for that much so that you can set it at 60-70psi. Similarly, 45-60psi is a good enough pressure for faucets, showerheads, and other appliances in your home.]

How To Clean A PRV

After a certain time, the strainer screen becomes jammed with dirt which needs to be cleaned. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Shut off the mainline of the water supply ａnd leave the faucets open for some time to release the pressure.

2. You’ll see a hexagonal nut shape at the cartridge cap. Use an adjustable plier or spanner to remove the cap by rotating it counterclockwise.

3. Now, pull off the Cartridge from inside the valve body and take off the strainer screen from the Cartridge. 

4. Clean the Cartridge along with the screen properly. Moreover, if you notice anything wrong with the strainer or Cartridge, replacing that would be the wiser choice.

5. After that, reattach the screen to the Cartridge and place everything as before.

6. Finally, set your desired pressure, open the water supply, and verify the pressure with the faucets.

Must DOs For Adjustable Pressure Regulator 

To use an adjustable water pressure regulator efficiently, you’ll need to keep in mind these things:

· Make sure to install the valve right after your main water line shut-off.

· If you see any fluctuations in the water pressure, then it needs a cleanout. However, cleaning the strainer screen at least once a month is a good practice.

· For the leaking problem needs a repair. But if you notice signs like water hammer, hammering noise in the pipes, and banging. Then you’ll have to proceed with the replacement.

Buying Guide

There are many different specifications available for adjustable water pressure regulators. Such as:

ü For the valve body, various brass (CW617N, H58-3, Lead-free) and stainless steel are used. However, if you’re thinking of using the PRV for a potable water line, then Lead-free brass is strongly recommended. And for the screen and the gauge, stainless steel is the best material.

ü Finishes available in sandblasted, nickel-plated, chrome-plated, gold-plated, raw finish, and more.

ü Available sizes range from ¾” to 2″.

ü Most of them have female threads with BSP and NPT connection types.

ü Pressure endurance up to 160psi.

You can customize any of these specifications according to your requirements to get a best-fit PRV for your application. Moreover, have a look at our ready water pressure regulators. We, Plumberstar, can serve you both ready-made ones and your customized ones. But to get them, get in touch with us asap. We are waiting for your response.