The Correct Place To Install The Water Pressure Regulator In The Apartment

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• What is the device
• Principle of operation
• Gearbox installation
• Gearbox malfunctions

Many owners of new buildings are wondering whether they need a water pressure regulator in an apartment. Here the answer is obvious: yes. The fact is that such a device allows you to protect plumbing fixtures from pressure surges and hydraulic shocks. To achieve the maximum effect, it is necessary to choose the correct installation location for the water pressure reducer. But, first of all, it is worth getting acquainted with the device and the features of its installation.

What is the device

A water pressure reducer is a device that regulates the speed of water passage. In other words, using a reducer, you can raise or lower the pressure of the liquid in the water supply. The device has high functionality, which explains its popularity.

At the heart of the regulator is a mechanical pressure sensor, with the help of which the mechanism that limits the water supply is controlled. For apartments and country houses, piston and valve gearboxes are used. With regard to bandwidth, here the devices are divided into the following products:

• household;
• commercial;
• industrial.

In addition, water pressure regulators are classified according to other parameters, such as:

• Body material. For the manufacture of the device use brass, nickel-plated or chrome-plated steel.
• Working temperature. So, models that operate up to 40 degrees are installed on a cold water supply system. For hot water, reducers with an operating temperature of 65 to 90 degrees are used. It is forbidden to use "cold" regulators on hot water pipes, as this will lead to their rapid wear.
• Mounting method. The pressure reducing valves can be mounted by means of a threaded connection or by means of fittings.
• Diameter and thread.

All these features must be taken into account when choosing a water pressure reducer in a water supply system. This will allow you to purchase a suitable option for a particular circuit.

Principle of operation

During operation, it presses on the spring-loaded diaphragm, which is located in the pressure sensor. This takes into account the sensor settings. So, water can overcome the resistance of the spring or not. In case of insufficient pressure, the diaphragm remains in its original position and the reducer does not affect the fluid flow rate. But, if the water pressure significantly exceeds the spring resistance, then the membrane begins to move. As a result, a piston or valve comes into operation.

During a water hammer, the water pressure increases significantly and can reach several tens of atmospheres. Such a momentary surge can destroy the system or damage the plumbing fixtures. Therefore, experts recommend installing the gearbox even in those systems where the risk of water hammer is low.

The piston and the pressure sensor form a closed system that is set in motion at the slightest change in the water pressure. The sensor, in turn, is located after the valve or piston. This allows you to control and regulate the water pressure until the water hammer stops completely.

Important: Unfortunately, the water in the pipelines may contain small particles of foreign material. When dirt gets between the body and the valve or piston, the wear of the structural elements of the device increases. As a result, its service life is significantly reduced. Therefore, experts recommend installing fine and coarse filters in the system. This will not only protect the gearbox from contamination, but will also increase its service life and efficiency. There are models of water reducers with a built-in coarse filter, although their cost immediately increases. In any case, it is necessary to install a filter in front of the gearbox and water meter.

To protect against water hammer, we recommend that you additionally use a water hammer damper.

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Gearbox installation

According to the rules for water supply and sewerage, the installation of the water pressure reducer must be carried out immediately after the shut-off valves. The devices are installed before the metering devices, which will protect them from water hammer, and also ensure the accuracy of the readings. Therefore, such an installation location is considered the most suitable and reasonable. But, sometimes there are situations when it is not possible to carry out installation on this particular section of the pipeline.

The installation of a water pressure regulator is carried out in accordance with some rules. Before the metering device there should be no possibility of water intake. This means that the plugs used to flush the filter will be sealed. This will eliminate the possibility of servicing the gearbox. There are several ways to solve the problem.

The first method involves the installation of additional pressure gauges, which will make it possible to carry out a more accurate adjustment of the device. In the second case, the pressure reducer is installed directly in front of the manifold. This option is most often used by experienced plumbers.

Sometimes it is not possible to install a regulator at the system input. As a result, some components remain unprotected against water hammer and pressure drop in the pipeline. To solve the problem, primitive models of reducers are used. They are not adjustable, but they will do well to protect system components from water hammer.

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Gearbox malfunctions

Unfortunately, gearboxes may fail sooner or later. A defective device leaks water and is not able to regulate its pressure. To solve the problem, you must first flush the built-in filter and the mechanism itself. If flushing does not give the desired result, then the reason lies in a mechanical failure of the device. This may be the result of a factory defect, improper or prolonged operation of the gearbox. A possible solution to the problem is to adjust the water pressure reducer.

Also, gearbox malfunctions can be caused by a broken spring, as well as wear of the diaphragm or piston. Some parts are commercially available to allow for partial repair of the regulator. In other cases, the only option is to completely replace the gearbox. Further operation of a faulty device will lead to its complete failure. As a result, it will cease to perform its functions.