PLUMBING QUESTION - Changing a WATER PRESSURE REDUCER in my townhouse (Handymen/women welcome!...)

[ElPatriota]

Hi all,

All of the sudden when I was taking a shower, the pressure just increased at least by a factor or 2X... too strong!...I had to reduce the pressure from the shower head. Anyway, the water company came to check and found the pressure (78 lbs) which is normal so they said to check the "Water Pressure Reducer." (about $50.00) it seems this is what it is, although I can never be sure until a plumber looks at it. I already found out it costs $250.00. Not a lot but still....

On the surface it does not seem like replacing it is a very difficult job to do... the thing is, I am not a plumber! Does anyone know how easy/difficult is to do this?

QUESTION 2: Anyone knows of other forums on the web, with lots of people to ask questions of ? it used to be that USENET had it all... but everything has changed nowadays.

TIA

[ElPatriota]

I never know where do you suppose to put what :), "Body of thread" (Required!).... what thread?

Then, "Body of comment," what is the difference? :) who knows.

[TexasCajun]

Methinks 78 lbs is not normal.

[AppyPappy]

Did you google "Water Pressure reducer"?

[babydoll22]

Go to any RV dealership and ask them for a water pressure reducer and attach to your shower head. Shouldn't run you more than $ 25.00 and easy to install.

[Mad Dawgg]

There are only three things one need know to be a successful plumber.

1. Hot on the Left, Cold on the Right.

2. Shit flows down hill.

3. Don't chew your fingernails.

[Pondman88]

You have to cut into your main supply line, to do this you have to stop the water, so make sure the main valve is functioning, it may not be. You have to solder the pressure reducer in as well, unless you have plastic pipe, which would be easier.

It may be better to hire a plumber.

[ErnBatavia]

...and as the customer, never shake hands with him.

[eastforker]

Why do you need a preasure reducer? I use to run a 100 when we used our own well.

[tfecw]

I can't imagine having *too much* water pressure. ;)
Personally i would try and find a shower head that has a setting that i can adjust.

This regulator sounds like something that fits somewhere on the line (presumably right before your shower) so installation could suck even for an average handy man. At any rate, these things come with directions which are usually pretty easy to follow :) Another technique i use it to go to home depot and look it up in their guides and/or ask the people there how to do it.

[flada]

I wish I could get that kind of pressure from my shower head. I wouldn't complain, I just wouldn't open the valve as far and with the shower head set on massage, I may never again get out of the shower.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

You forgot one;

4. Payday is Friday.

[HEY4QDEMS]

Anything less than 80psi is normal, I had 120psi so I had to install one per code.

I did it myself, if you know how to sweat a copper joint you can do it also.

To relieve myself of the anxiety of "soldering upwards" I made the cut in the water main after the first elbow where the pipe turns to run along the ceiling.

After installing I left it open all the way and turn on the water main, then I began reducing the pressure down to 70 lbs.

[TC Rider]

5. Over large pants and a loose belt means more comfort.

[eastforker]

If you want to reduce the preasure/volume in just your shower head you can use a metal washer as a makeshift orafice plate by inserting it under the rubber washer where the head attaches to the pipe.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

Hire a plumber and pay him for what he knows.

[Atlas Sneezed]

78 pounds is on the high side , but seems within the normal range.

And it would not explain a sudden pressure increase in your shower. Are there other areas where the pressure seems higher, or you are getting new slamming when appliance valves shut?

I would first check the shower head. Maybe the flow reduction feature (that reduces GPM) failed, and you are now getting full flow. Try other showers in the house, or swapping the head, just to rule this out.

Unless you have an old house with delicate piping, or your appliance manufacturers require pressure under 75 pounds, you might just be fine.

[Moonman62]

Hire a plumber or handyman. Save yourself time, money and aggravation in the long run.

[LilDarlin]

4. . . . "or suck your thumb!"

[FreedomPoster]

You need a pressure-balanced shower valve, more than you need a pressure reducing valve.

A pressure-balanced shower valve provides the same mix of hot and cold water despite fluctuations in upstream pressure on either the hot or the cold incoming lines.