A pressure regulator doesn't just have a fixed setting. Rather, the screw on the top of the valve allows you to manually adjust the water pressure in your home. When first installed, most pressure regulators have a setting of 50 psi. If this setting doesn't meet your water pressure needs, you can adjust the regulator to allow a greater amount of pressure.

If you suspect that your pressure regulator has reached the end of its lifespan, you must have a professional inspect it as soon as possible. Failing to do so may lead to serious problems for your system. Resist the temptation to install a new regulator yourself. Only a professional can ensure that the replacement part meets the exact specifications of the original.

Pressureregulator

For more information about installing or replacing a water pressure regulator in your home, please contact Complete Plumbing.

If your Backflow Test Kits requires calibration or servicing, give Calibration Management Services a call on 08 8381 1322 or via the web at www.calibrationmanagement.com.au

PRV valve

With relatively few moving parts, pressure regulators tend to enjoy reasonably long lifespans. Yet eventually a regulator will experience enough internal stress that it begins to break down. A failing pressure regulator will lead to an abrupt change in your whole home's water system. You may notice that your pressure suddenly drops — or that it suddenly grows much stronger.

A water pressure regulator ensures that, no matter what kind of fluctuations your local water system experiences, your home remains safe from excessive pressure.

To ensure that pressure remains below this threshold, many plumbing systems contain a component known either as the pressure regulator, or the pressure reducing valve. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to appreciate the important role played by this valve. This article takes a closer look at four key things to know about your pressure regulator.

Many such factors have nothing to do with your in-home water use. Instead, water pressure may fluctuate as the result of changes in your municipal system. Although you may never be aware of it, pressure can rise into dangerous levels as the result of things like overall community water use and municipal system repairs.

Plumbers almost always install the shut off valve first. That way, should your regulator need work, the plumber can shut off the water supply in order to make the necessary repair. The regulator screws directly onto the main water line. You can identify the regulator by its conical shape and by the screw located on its top face.

If your home doesn't already contain a pressure regulator, you should strongly consider having one installed. Even if a pressure gauge shows that your current water pressure remains within a safe level, things may change with time. Home water pressure varies depending on a surprising number of factors.

If you are a plumber you will be familiar with the vital role played by backflow prevention devices in protecting water supplies from contamination or pollution. Authorities in most States of Australia require that Backflow Test Kits be calibrated at least once per year. This is necessary because these testers are sensitive instruments and frequently become inaccurate if not treated carefully. Refer Australian Standard AS 3500.

PressureReducing Valve

As far as most homeowners are concerned, more water pressure is almost always a good thing. Yet while excess water pressure may make your morning shower more enjoyable, it can also cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Many experts recommend that home water pressure never exceed 80 psi .

In order to provide safe pressure for your entire home, the pressure regulator must lie on your main water line. Try looking where your main water line enters your home. The first attachment should be the main shut off valve, and the next should be the regulator.

The Backflow Tester has three hoses: the red high pressure hose, the blue low pressure hose and the yellow vent hose. The heart of the tester is the piston and cylinder which responds to the water pressure by means of a magnetic coupling that activates the indicator gauge. If mineral deposits build up on the walls of the cylinder of the tester, this will severely affect the instruments accuracy.

Water pressure

The most important thing to remember is to drain all water from your tester after you have used it. Water supplies in some States of Australia contain high percentages of dissolved minerals. If you do not drain your tester after use these minerals form deposits on moving parts which can eventually lead to the complete failure of your tester.

Of course, you don't want to start adjusting the pressure regulator randomly. Many regulators don't indicate their pressure setting. Instead, you need to attach a pressure gauge to one of your water supply lines. This gauge provides accurate information about the exact pressure setting, ensuring that you don't overshoot the mark and damage your plumbing.