How a Water Pressure Regulator Works

How a water pressure regulator works is fairly simple. Basically, a water pressure regulator (often referred to as a pressure-regulating valve, or PSR), is a special plumbing valve which decreases the water pressure coming from the main water supply line to the different faucets and fixtures in the house. This valve then brings the pressure back up to a normal level before the unwanted water gets into any fixtures in the house.

Pressure is measured

To explain how a water pressure regulator works, you must first understand how pressure is measured. In an upright water heater, the amount of pressure exerted on hot water is equal to the force of its rotation. The PSR is the maximum amount of force that can be exerted by the pump. When a homeowner turns on the hot water tap, the pump rotates and creates pressure in the pipes surrounding the hot water tank. This pressure is conveyed to the shower, tub, and other fixtures in the bathroom. If these fixtures become clogged with grime and debris, they will not operate properly and the whole system will eventually need repair or replacement.

Water pressure regulating

The water pressure regulating valve regulates this flow of water through the system. There are two types of PSRs in use in homes: vertical and horizontal. The vertical PSR is installed in the main water line just below the faucet. This valve works by allowing only so much water to flow through the pipes while preventing the escape of high pressure steam. Horizontal PSRs are placed in the service pipes at the service panel next to the main water pipe. They allow more water to flow through the pipes while preventing the escape of steam.

Open the service panel valve for the PSR

To start, you must open the service panel valve for the PSR and turn it on. You should hear a beep. Then, turn off the faucets to prevent leaks. You should remove the relief tube from the plumbing fixtures you want to monitor. The PSR will then appear on the screen next to the gallons displayed.

The pressure gauge on the left side of the device shows you the pressure in pounds per square inch. This number will increase slightly when the water line is opened.

On the right side of the gauge, a constant pressure valve will show the percent of open water in the line as well as a shutoff valve. This shutoff valve allows the water pressure to be reduced or turned off. The PSR has a small adjustment screw that you must use to make the adjustments to the settings.

Measures the pressure in the main water line

The water pressure regulator then measures the pressure in the main water line that leads to the faucets. You will need to adjust the shutoff valve so that the amount of water coming through the faucet will be controlled. You can also do this for a bathroom or kitchen faucet.

Types of water pressure regulators available

There are three types of water pressure regulators available. The first is the PSR, which is used in toilets and kitchen sinks. The second is the MPSR, which is used in showers, bathtubs, and laundry centers. The last is the SMPR, which is used in both showerheads and tubs. Each of these devices is designed differently to better handle different plumbing fixtures.

Conclusion

When you open the service panel valve, the pressure gauge displays the percentage of water in the main water line, which is regulated by the shutoff valve. When this pressure increases, the shutoff valve closes off the supply of water to the faucets, and the flow of water through the pipes increases. When it becomes lower than the set level, the valve reopens so that the flow of water is controlled.