Skip to main content
Stesso
Project

Adjust the Pressure Reducing Valve — Adjust or Replace the Pressure Regulator

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Boost Home Water Pressure: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improved Water Flow · Step 2 of 2

Helpful?

In this video

To adjust the pressure, first use an adjustable wrench to loosen the lock nut that secures the adjustment screw on top of the PRV. Once the nut is loose, use a flathead screwdriver to turn the threaded adjustment screw. Turning the screw clockwise will tighten an internal spring and increase the water pressure. Turning it counter-clockwise will loosen the spring and decrease the pressure. Make adjustments in small increments, such as one or two full turns at a time.

Goal: Change the water pressure setting

  • Turning the adjustment screw clockwise increases pressure, while turning it counter-clockwise decreases pressure.
  • Count the number of turns you make so you have a reference point if you need to revert the changes.

Used in this video

  • Adjustable Wrench (brand: Fuller, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Material: Metal, Purpose: Fastening) — Loosening and tightening the lock nut on the PRV adjustment screw.
  • Flathead Screwdriver (brand: N/A, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual, Screwdriver Type: Flathead) — Turning the adjustment screw on the PRV.
2.1M views14.3K5 minutes
Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education

672K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

What specific tools are essential for accurately checking my home's water pressure?

You'll primarily need a water pressure gauge, such as the Water Source Water Test Pressure Gauge WSPGH100, which easily attaches to an outdoor hose bibb. For adjusting or replacing a pressure regulator, an adjustable wrench and a pipe wrench (e.g., Crescent 12 in. Self-Adjusting Straight Pipe Wrench) are also necessary.

What is the most critical safety step I must take before attempting to adjust or replace my pressure regulator?

Always, without exception, shut off your home's main water supply before making any adjustments or replacements to the pressure regulator. This prevents water leaks, potential flooding, and allows for safe work on your plumbing system. Locate your main shut-off valve, typically near your water meter or where the main line enters your house.

How do I know if my low water pressure issue is definitely due to the pressure regulator and not something else?

Start by checking your main water pressure with a gauge; if it's consistently below the ideal 40-60 psi, your regulator is a prime suspect. However, if the gauge reading is good but pressure is low only in certain areas, the issue might be individual fixture aerators, internal pipe clogs, or issues specific to hot water, which this project doesn't cover.

My pressure regulator looks old or damaged; how do I know if it needs replacement instead of just adjustment?

Signs of a failing regulator include constant pressure fluctuations, banging noises in pipes (water hammer), visible leaks from the regulator itself, or if adjusting it yields no change in pressure. If the regulator is very old (over 10-12 years) or shows significant corrosion, replacement is generally recommended over attempting an adjustment.

Transcript
Hide

so counterclockwise on the nut you don't go all the way just a bit and releasing that will allow you to spin this now spinning this clockwise increases the water pressure and counterclockwise decreases it and you might want to count the amount of turns just so you have a reference of how much you did so I don't know if it's the same with all models but with this type spinning it counter or clockwise increases so we're going to do that now that was one turn so it's in this a bit two turns and let's just go check and see what that did how much two turns

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.