Quck answer
To adjust a home water pressure regulator, follow these steps:
1. Locate the water pressure regulator. It is usually found near the main water line where it enters your home.
2. Turn off the main water supply. This will ensure your safety while adjusting the regulator.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the lock nut on the regulator. This will allow you to adjust the pressure.
4. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it. Make small adjustments and test the water pressure after each one.
5. Once you have achieved the desired pressure, tighten the lock nut to secure the adjustment.
6. Turn on the main water supply and check if the water pressure is at the desired level.
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details on adjusting your particular water pressure regulator.
A water pressure regulator is utilized to decrease the high-pressure water entering your home to a level that is more appropriate for household use. The pressure originating from your water supply company can sometimes surpass 100 psi. These pressures are excessive for the plumbing infrastructure of the home, and most local code requirements specify that the pressure should not exceed 80 psi. However, you can make a few simple modifications to find a balance between comfortable water pressure and safety for household use.
Pressure From the Street
As a community expands, the same old piping is frequently used to supply the growing area, and water companies may increase the water pressure to keep up with demand in the serviced area. The higher pressure may help meet the increased water demand, but not increasing the volume of water needed for a growing area can lead to inconsistencies. This is where the water pressure regulator comes in handy.
Locate Your Water Pressure Regulator
Knowing where the water enters your home is important as a homeowner. In the event of water leaks, it’s a good idea to know the location of the water main shutoff valve. If you’re unsure, trace the water piping back to an outside wall, usually in a basement, crawl space, or garage. Once you have identified this, you are not far from the water pressure regulator. It is typically a few inches long and shaped like a bell with a stem protruding from the top, usually in close proximity to the water main shutoff.
Check the Pressure First
Determining the pressure you have is the initial step in adjusting water pressure. Using a pressure gauge with a hose connection is the easiest way to determine this. Ensure that no water is running in the home, then attach the gauge to an outside faucet that is downstream of your water pressure regulator (sometimes one or more hose faucets may be located before the pressure regulator). Open the faucet fully and take the pressure reading. You want the pressure to be somewhere between 40 psi and 80 psi depending on your local code. Remember that the lower the pressure, the safer it is for your home’s plumbing system.
Make the Adjustment
Whether you wish to increase or decrease the pressure, the adjustment is made using the adjusting screw on the pressure regulator. This screw has a locking nut that must be loosened in order to make the adjustment. After loosening the lock nut with an adjustable wrench, turn the adjustment screw with either a flat-head screwdriver or an adjustable wrench, depending on the type of adjustment screw used by the manufacturer. Make small adjustments, turning the screw clockwise to raise the pressure or counterclockwise to lower the pressure.
Check Your Work
After making the desired adjustments, check your work. Run some water somewhere in the house, then turn off the water and allow the system to settle. After a few minutes of settling, check the pressure on the outside faucet again using a pressure gauge. Remember, you are aiming for around 40 psi to 80 psi, and keeping the pressure as low as comfortable is beneficial for your plumbing and helps reduce your water bill.
After you have set the water pressure regulator to your preferred level, secure the lock nut on the adjustment screw. If you were not able to make the necessary changes or if the adjustment screw is stuck, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a professional.
