How to Get Started on Pressure Reducing Valve Replacement in Austin, Texas

For Austin, Texas, residents, it's important to consider the optimum functionality of one's plumbing system. One particular component of your plumbing system that deserves particular attention is a pressure reducing valve. It's important to know the basics about these valves, how to diagnose potential issues, and how to get started on pressure reducing valve replacement.

A pressure reducing valve (PRV, for short) helps maintain a steady pressure within your plumbing system that's suitable for your home needs and appliances. The valve works by automatically adjusting in order to maintain a consistent pressure setting during normal use, withstanding the force of water supply, and preventing water hammers (pressure surges) that can occur when hot and cold water lines are mixed.

Pressure reducing valve failure can lead to a failure in a number of plumbing systems. You can recognize signs of a failing pressure reducing valve by looking out for high water pressure in your plumbing system, leaking water, or dripping sounds coming from your pressure regulator. Therefore, it's important to determine why the pressure reducing valve has failed and replace the valve if necessary.

Steps to Replace a Pressure Reducing Valve

Replacing a PRV requires some prior knowledge, special tools, and safety precautions for your own protection. If you're not comfortable with carrying out the process yourself, it's best to call a residential and commercial plumber in Austin such as Abacus Plumbing. Abacus plumbers are insured, licensed, and committed to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction.

If you do decide to take on the replacement process yourself, your local home improvement store should have the necessary tools for the job. The job of replacing a pressure regulating valve requires the following steps:

Turn off the water main – turn off the water main that feeds the pressure reducing valve.

Drain the water lines – attach a garden hose to the water line drain fitting on the pressure reducing valve and connect the other end to an appropriate drainage location.

Disconnect and remove the existing valve – use the appropriate sized plumbing wrenches to turn the union nuts counter-clockwise to loosen the unions. Use one wrench to steady the valve while the other is used to unscrew the nuts.

Install the new pressure reducing valve – use pipe thread sealant on the male union threads before connecting. Re-attach from the bottom up. Ensure to stop when the union nuts are lightly hand-tightened.

Repair and open the water main supply – slowly turn the water main valve clockwise and check if the valve holds pressure. If the valve does not hold, tighten the union nuts more.

These steps constitute the basics of how to replace a pressure reducing valve. It's important to ensure you perform the process safely and correctly in order to avoid additional damage and injury. It is also best practice to have your replaced PRV inspected for proper installation.

Concluding perspectives

As part of regular home maintenance and plumbing system safety, it's important to be aware of how pressure reducing valves function and when it's time to replace them. While it's best to get a professional plumber to handle the task, you can replace your pressure reducing valve in the above-mentioned steps if you know the basics. Make sure to use the right tools and take safety precautions when performing the job.

Pressure Reducing Valve

PRV

Plumbing Systems