Excessive
water pressure — anything above 80 psi — can cause serious
problems for a residential plumbing system. Ultimately, such pressure
can damage water-using appliances and may even lead to leaks and the
problem known as water hammer. Fortunately, you can keep your water
pressure within a safe range by installing a pressure regulator valve
on your main water line.
As
its name implies, a pressure regulator valve caps water pressure at a
safe limit set by your plumber. While effective, this plumbing
component may develop problems as time goes on. If your home contains
a regulator valve, keep reading. This article takes a closer look at
three common problems faced by water pressure regulator valves.
1.
Blockages
A
water pressure regulator valve works in much the same way as an
outdoor hose faucet. A screw at the top allows you to increase or
decrease the flow of water through the valve. Tightening the screw
restricts water flow and hence places a tighter limit on the maximum
water pressure.
Unfortunately,
over time, a regulator valve may develop blockages that restrict flow
beyond the intended amount. Such blockages often stem from high
mineral content in your municipal water supply. These mineral
deposits accumulate inside of the valve body, leading to
lower-than-intended home water pressure.
In
most cases, a plumber can resolve this issue by disassembling and
cleaning out your regulator valve. Soaking the valve in a calcium and
lime remover loosens up and dissolves unwanted mineral deposits.
After rinsing the components clean, the plumber reassembles the
valve, which should now function without undue restrictions.
2.
Damaged Internal Components
Pressure
regulator valves come in two main styles: direct acting and pilot
operated. The majority of residential water systems use direct-acting
valves. These valves contain a heat-resistant diaphragm attached to a
spring. When water pushes on the diaphragm with enough force, the
pressure causes the valve to close more tightly.
Alternately,
low water pressure causes the diaphragm to remain relaxed, thus
keeping the valve open more widely. Over time, the moving parts of
this mechanism experience a significant amount of force. Eventually
those components may succumb to degradation, making them less
responsive than they should be.
In
other words, the older a pressure regulator valve gets, the more
prone it becomes to failure. Generally speaking, most regulator
valves have a life span of between 7 and 12 years. If you have
recently noticed any abrupt changes in the water pressure in your
home, an internal component in your pressure regulator may have
failed.
Theoretically,
a plumber can dismantle a regulator valve and replace any defective
components. Yet this strategy often ends up taking longer — and
costing more — than simply replacing the valve entirely. Replacing
your valve also ensures that problems stay at bay for as long as
possible.
3.
Incorrect Pressure Setting
At
the top of a water regulator valve sits an exposed screw. This screw
allows a plumber to alter the tension exerted on the spring inside of
the valve body. Tightening the screw makes it more difficult for
water pressure to move the diaphragm, thus raising the maximum
pressure. Loosening the screw has the opposite effect.
When
faced with insufficient pressure, don't immediately jump to the
conclusion that your regulator valve has failed. You may simply need
to have your valve adjusted. Virtually all pressure regulator valves
have a pre-set pressure limit of 50 psi. Most homeowners consider
this too little pressure.
Fortunately,
a professional plumber can measure your exact pressure setting and
make adjustments to the regulator valve to optimize pressure. For
more information about how to get the best results from your pressure
regulator valve, please contact
Seattle's plumbing pros
at
Aurora Plumbing.
