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Water pressure limiter 1 2. How to install a water pressure reducer with your own hands. Devices can be

When and why is it necessary to install a water pressure regulator in the water supply system? How does a water pressure regulator work in an apartment? Care, adjustment, how to adjust the pressure reducer in the apartment?

Head can be measured by raising a column of liquid to a certain height. If on the twentieth floor water is supplied under a pressure of 2 atmospheres, on the first floor the pressure of the water column in the general water supply is much greater. Household appliances are designed to operate in the range up to 3 ati. Complex equipment guarantees do not cover malfunctions if a water pressure valve is not installed in the apartment.

Do you have hot and cold line meters installed? Do household members open taps and use a jet with pressure for a long time? Adjusting the water pressure reducer in the apartment will help reduce consumption.

There is nothing worse than a water hammer in the DHW line. The system is always full, the liquid is under pressure, when there are no owners, a pipe break threatens to flood its own and lower apartments. Plumbers who are not caught by the hand on the spot will refuse to violate the technology for starting the pump, and you will have to pay for repairs and change furniture. Is there any doubt that the water pressure reducer in the water supply system, adjusting it is a water supply airbag?

The result of the operation of gearboxes - water pressure regulators in the apartment will be a decrease in the network pressure to a predetermined value. Therefore, the node is called a water pressure limiter. The procedure for changing the parameter depends on the principle of operation of the water pressure reducer. If the device regulates "to itself", the system is dynamic. In apartments, a static water pressure relief valve is more often used, working “after itself”. The fact is that such devices are simple, well regulated by one screw, compact. Sometimes a water filter reducer is connected to a flow filter, it works on the entire water supply. The choice of a water pressure reducer in an apartment is carried out according to the parameters, consumption and reliability of the manufacturer. The water pressure reducer in the heating system is installed only by specialists - plumbers during repairs, pressure testing of batteries. It is important that the straight section of the pipe after the device is at least 5 diameters, preferably in a horizontal section. Proper installation of the water pressure reducer ensures its reliable operation.

You need to make the right choice. A high-quality economy class water pressure reducer is offered by domestic and foreign manufacturers. It is better to take the advice of a specialist. You need to know that the household water pressure reducer is designed for low flow, the accuracy depends on the cleanliness of the actuators. The hot water water reducer must be designed for operation at temperatures up to 1300 C. Regular cleaning of the water pressure reducer from microparticles deposited on the walls is required. The control spring accumulates static fatigue, and the water pressure reducers in the apartment require revision, cleaning, adjustment. The water pressure reducer has a longer service life, the better it is cared for. You can adjust the device yourself, guided by the instructions and the pressure gauge.

Choosing a water pressure reducer for an apartment

WFD is used in any systems through which fluid moves. It depends on the place of application which type of reducer to reduce the water pressure to choose:

  • for an apartment, with a capacity of up to 3 m3/hour;
  • a commercial water pressure reducer is designed for a flow rate of 3-15 m3/hour;
  • production control valve, designed for certain parameters of the production line.

The dynamic water pressure reducer is used in pipelines, designed for high flow, has a flange connection with the pipeline. It is useful for you to get information on how to regulate the water pressure reducer in the apartment's water supply system, the principle of operation of a static valve.

All residential water fuses are designed for variable flow in the system, varying pressure, which must be kept consistently below the set maximum of the water reduction gear.

Piston water pressure reducer

The device is an adjustable piston operating under the action of a balance of spring forces and pressure after the valve. How does a water pressure reducer work? By changing the nominal passage at the outlet of the valve, the water flow changes, maintaining the specified parameter. If the water supply has a pressure below the specified one, the valve will open for the entire conditional passage of the pipe.

The water pressure regulator is factory set to 3 bar. If other values ​​are needed, how to set the water pressure regulator? The piston-spring system in the valve is adjusted by a clamping screw, changing the resistance force of the spring. If you need to lower the pressure in the water supply, turn the adjusting head with a screwdriver clockwise. One turn is designed for a change in resistance corresponding to 0.5 bar.

ATTENTION! They regulate the system with a filled line, closed taps in the apartment, and a pressure gauge connected to a special hole.

The piston-type water pressure reducer device is a body made of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, with internal components:

  • piston
  • spring;
  • adjusting screw;
  • sealing gaskets.

Additionally, the line should be equipped with an air release valve to prevent excessive noise, a pressure gauge and a sump.

How to regulate the water pressure in the pressure reducer if the DHW and cold water systems have different parameters? To keep the temperature in the jet stable, it is necessary to set the same pressure on the pressure gauge on both devices.

If the apartment does not have a common water valve, the installation of a pressure regulator for individual household appliances is carried out at the time of their connection.

For a country house with a local heating and water supply system, a hot water pressure regulator in the circuit is necessary. Each time the circulation pump is connected, a water hammer of different strength occurs.

It is important that a filter be installed before the piston type pressure valve. The ingress of mechanical impurities and scale under the piston disrupts the operation of the device. It is good when a pressure gauge is installed on the water supply. Sometimes the filter and fuse are combined in one device.

Membrane water pressure reducer, principle of operation, device

The membrane type water pressure reducer device is different from the piston type. It also has a spring that does not support a piston, but an elastic membrane. In this case, a compartment appears that is in contact with the liquid, and a dry part, a chamber where the spring is located. The diaphragm transmits the force of the spring to the valve, changing the nominal bore. Due to the elasticity, the chamber passes impurities that do not affect the performance of the functions of the water pressure regulator. Adjustment is carried out with a special screw.

A more unpretentious unit does not require cleaning, the repair consists in replacing the diaphragm, but this is a rather complicated process. WFDs for cold and hot lines have differences in the use of heat-resistant materials. For hot water supply, you need to look for membrane water fuses that operate up to 130 degrees. Membrane devices have a wide range of fluid flow applications.

The device has no moving parts driven from the outside. All functional parts are sealed from liquid. Compared to a piston, a membrane water pressure regulator is more reliable. How to adjust the knot depends on the equipment installed in the house. If there are cleaning systems using osmosis at home, you need to raise the value to 4 ati. Enough atmosphere for domestic use. The adjusting screw and pressure gauge will help you set the desired value for the regulator.

Regulation of irrigation water conduits

Flowing WFD is used less frequently, more often in irrigation systems. The principle of operation of the device is based on changing the energy of the water flow passing through the internal labyrinths. The conditions for a correct installation are the requirements:

  • a horizontal pipe section, but the device itself is installed vertically;
  • the liquid must be filtered;
  • shut-off valves are installed at the inlet and outlet;
  • the gauge is at the top.

The pressure is set by blocking the internal labyrinths of the water pressure regulator. How to regulate, install a complex node, experts know. You can make the system unusable on your own.

How to choose a good quality RDV

The industry offers many types of devices from different manufacturers. Their quality does not always correspond to the declared. The forums often ask the question of how to choose a water pressure reducer, how to adjust the hot water and cold water systems in an apartment. We use the advice of the masters on how to choose special means to protect plumbing from high pressure and water hammer.

The production of RDV has a number of difficulties. The case is made of expensive materials - bronze, brass, stainless steel. Take the product in your hand, compare by weight with another, more expensive one. Choose the node that is more significant, and does not have burrs and metal influxes on the sides. Take a close look at the connections. On counterfeit parts, the case may be coated with a coating.

Cheaper you can buy a good quality product from a Russian manufacturer. Even foreign samples without a pressure gauge in the kit are inexpensive.

The best way to purchase a quality item is to contact a specialized company. We work only with well-known manufacturers. Often promotions are announced in the store, sales are held to free up shelves for new goods. At such a moment, you can buy RFE from well-known foreign companies. Our experts will help you choose a security tool, guided by the request.

  • do not purchase a unit at the market collapse of spare parts laid out on improvised flooring - this is an obvious counterfeit, but it is sold very cheaply;
  • a conscientious manufacturer provides each product with a passport and a certificate - if they are not there, a reason to refuse to purchase;
  • purchase a product that meets the operating conditions, in the desired range of regulation.

How not to spoil a good thing at the time of installation? If you do not have skills in plumbing and plumbing work, entrust the installation of the RFE to a plumber. The specialist will find the best place for the device, put it according to the rules, and adjust it to the desired pressure. You may save money on purchasing a pressure gauge - the installer is portable. Our company can provide a service by performing the installation and periodic maintenance of security devices.

The article deals with the regulation of the water pressure regulator in the apartment.

The scope of its application is described. The concept of the device is revealed.

The technical characteristics and principle of operation are presented.

The article has instructions on how to adjust the regulator, as well as photo and video material.

Time does not stand still. The technologies with which devices come to us are changing, including those aimed at minimizing costs, improving the environment and controlling various everyday situations.

We are talking about a small device that plays almost a dominant role in the fight against water hammer, regulating and controlling the water pressure to a neutral value.

The control device is used:

  1. in industrial buildings.
  2. Work shops.
  3. in technological buildings.
  4. In houses intended for permanent residence.

Classification of pressure reducers

Devices designed control water pressure conditionally can be divided:

  • to dynamic;
  • and statistical products.

Dynamic

They provide fluid flow control in systems installed in industrial plants. Used in main pipelines.

Statistical

Most often they are mounted in places with unstable supply and uneven water consumption. This is a private sector and residential multi-storey buildings.

PECULIARITY. The device is installed at the entrance to an apartment or house.

Pressure regulators share:
  • on existing regulators;
  • statistical devices.

Operating

They work on the principle that when there is no pressure, they are closed.

With an increase in inlet pressure, the maximum level of incoming water is controlled and limited. The current regulators are called "TO YOURSELF".

The second type of regulating device is called "AFTER YOURSELF".

When there is no pressure, it is in the open position. In the event of an increase in the set maximum pressure at the outlet, it closes.

Statistical

The regulator controls the outlet pressure on a constant basis.

Step-by-step purchase instructions and adjustment procedure

The first step is the choice of a control device. To make the right decision about buying it in a store, you need to know the approximate water consumption in the apartment.

Before purchasing the device, please read the technical information contained in the attached price list.

If the diameter of the purchased gearbox does not match the indicators of the water pipe, it's okay. You can buy and use adapters. You need to buy and stock up on two valves.


NOTE! If you use safety valves in the system, the pressure at the OUTLET of the device is required to be 20% less than that of the safety devices.

Summing up

Arriving home from work in the evening, I found a thin stream of hot water that was pouring from the tap (as it turned out later, the water pressure regulator needs to be replaced). It's good that there were no problems with the cold, you can take a shower. Just once there was no cold water, only hot. An interesting picture, while you begin to appreciate the little that you have. It turns out that it will not work to wash under boiling water - it is very hot, but there is nothing to dilute it with, the cold is over. And this is in Moscow. What incidents happen outside the capital, I'm afraid to even guess.

In order to deal with the problem, he invited a specialist from the Management Company who came when he could, every other day, without warning. By the way, I was not indignant, since I was at home, I just gave my friend shoe covers. I must say, there are shoe covers at home especially for such cases and for cases of going to the clinic. We learn to do the right thing, keep clean.

After checking the pressure and making sure that the trickle was running very small, the specialist announced that Need to replace water pressure regulator. Adding that everything that is in the owner's apartment is being changed at his expense, he left. I even forgot to ask what kind of thing it is, where it is located and what kind of gearbox is needed. Well, nothing, Russians are familiar people, let's do self-education 🙂 .

Hot water jet, maximum pressure

So what do we have:

We deal with the law.

First, it should be noted that the apartment is owned, not municipal. Next, we use the Internet, a consultant plus or a guarantor. The main thing here is not only to find the norms that are responsible for plumbing equipment, but most importantly, do not forget to check the relevance of this law and by-laws. It was possible to find out quickly enough, what you need:

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of August 13, 2006 No. 491 “On approval of the Rules for the maintenance of common property in an apartment building and the Rules for the maintenance of common property in an apartment building and the rules for changing the amount of payment for the maintenance of residential premises in the event of the provision of services and performance of work on the management, maintenance and repair of common property in an apartment building of inadequate quality and (or) with interruptions exceeding the established duration.

We will leave everything that relates to the composition of common property for later. Let's move on to the main thing, namely to the 5th paragraph of this law:

point 5 . The common property includes in-house engineering systems of cold and hot water supply, consisting of risers, branches from risers to the first shut-off device located on branches from risers, these shut-off devices, collective (general house) cold and hot water metering devices, the first shut-off and adjustment devices cranes on the outlets of the intra-apartment wiring from the risers, as well as mechanical, electrical, sanitary and other equipment located on these networks.

We translate the phrase into understandable language. The common property in this case is everything that goes up to the first shut-off and control valve. Everything else is changed by the owner of the apartment at his own expense. In simple terms, you first need to buy, and then change the water pressure regulator.

Be sure to check the law for relevance. In this case, the government decree has not lost its relevance. At this stage, everything is clear, we have found out the legal side for ourselves.

We determine what a water pressure regulator is, why it is needed, where it is located.

We read on the Internet about these devices, why we need:

- First of all, it is protection against high pressure. If the pressure in the apartment is higher than normal, then various household appliances may fail. These include washing machines, dishwashers, faucets and other equipment.

- secondly, it is an opportunity to get a water hammer. This is a very sharp increase in water pressure (jump). It occurs primarily due to breakdowns in plumbing equipment (for example, at a pumping station). After such an impact, not only various equipment can fail (the same washing machines and dishwashers, water heating equipment, etc.), but water breakthroughs are possible.

Thirdly, it is resource saving. It is achieved due to the fact that the total pressure in the water supply networks is reduced.

Understood, the thing needed in the apartment. It works on a simple principle, the more water is supplied (the pressure is greater), the smaller the hole in the valve inside the water regulator. The hole inside the device is blocked due to water pressure. The lower the water pressure, the larger the hole in the valve opens accordingly. Thus, the same permeability of the liquid through the equipment and further along the pipeline is achieved.

Then we look for where it is. As a rule, the water pressure regulator is located after the shut-off and control valve, before the water meter. On the Internet, they often argue about where the gearbox should be - before or after the water meter. Everything is obvious here, the device must protect everything that is after the shut-off and control valve. The only thing that is placed immediately after the shut-off and control valve is a mechanical coarse filter.

Appliances in the water supply network

The image contains elements of the plumbing systems of an ordinary apartment:

1. Shutoff and control valve.

2. Mechanical fine filter.

3. Water pressure regulator.

4. Water meter.

We buy and replace devices.

Buying and replacing a water pressure regulator is an important event in the life of an apartment and its smooth operation. It is advisable to buy a quality pressure regulator. Recommend Honeywell Water (you can buy in different stores) as the highest quality. But the price of the latter starts at about 1.5 thousand rubles. A typical pressure regulator costs about 400-600 rubles. In this case, you still have to buy adapters of the desired diameter, if necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to immediately buy a device for hot water with the right diameter for connecting to water pipes. If the previous regulator served faithfully for a long time, then it is easier to buy the same one and simply replace it. In addition, the replacement of plumbing equipment itself will also cost a certain amount. If there are financial opportunities and a desire to install a better pressure regulator, then you will have to spend money on the device itself and adapters.

Yes, by the way, in our case, it was not necessary to change the pressure regulator. The unfortunate specialist did not understand the reason for the drop in pressure. There is an instruction for Italian regulators. It is necessary to find the adjusting head at the bottom of the gearbox and slowly turn it. Clockwise - decrease the pressure. Counterclockwise - increase. For one turn - 0.5 bar is added or decreased. You can adjust without a pressure gauge, but it is advisable to borrow and adjust with a pressure gauge. Good luck to all!

Our topic today is the pressure regulator in the water supply system. We will find out why pressure regulation is needed, how regulators are arranged and how to mount such a device in an apartment or private house. Let's get started.

Why adjustment is needed

First, let's find out what the pressure in the water supply should be.

Standard values

SP 30.13330.2012 gives a quite unambiguous answer to this question: at the points of water intake, it should be within 2 - 4.5 kgf / cm2.

Exceptions are allowed in two cases:

  1. The upper bar can be raised to 6 kgf / cm2 if a low-rise building is being built in a multi-storey building;

Reference: an atmosphere of excess pressure raises a column of water to a height of 10 meters. For example, to supply water to the 10th floor of a building with a ceiling height of 2.7 meters (taking into account the thickness of the ceiling, each floor will have a total height of 3 meters), its minimum pressure should be 3 * 30 / 10 = 3 atmospheres.

  1. The minimum pressure may be reduced to the value specified by the manufacturers of the applicable plumbing fixtures and household appliances using water. As a rule, the technical documentation for this equipment sets the lower bar at the level of 0.3 kgf / cm2, which corresponds to a head of 3 meters.

The Atmor flow water heater operates at a pressure of 0.3 - 6 kgf / cm2

And now we have to figure out why we need to adjust the pressure inside the building and why water is not always supplied to the water supply system with the necessary pressure.

Low pressure

The reason for the lack of pressure can be:

  • Overgrowing with deposits and rust of steel pipes. For 10-15 years of operation, the throughput of a pipeline made of black steel may well decrease by 2-4 times. Moreover, as the internal section narrows, the roughness of the walls increases, which again increases the hydraulic resistance of the water supply line;

Note: not only main water pipes, but also steel spills, risers and eyeliners suffer from deposits. Raising solves the problem only for a while. A radical way to combat the drop in the throughput of water pipelines is the use of modern corrosion-resistant materials (copper, stainless, polymer and composite pipes).

  • Construction of multi-storey buildings in low-rise buildings without installation of booster pumping stations;
  • An increase in the number of water consumers (read - connection of new buildings to the existing main water supply system). In this case, as in the case of overgrown pipes, there is a drop in water pressure at the peaks of analysis (as a rule, in the morning and evening hours).

High pressure

When installing water supply in high-rise buildings, there is a problem of excessively high pressure on the lower floors.

Imagine a house with a height of 25 floors (75 meters). In order for the overpressure in front of the mixer to be equal to two atmospheres on the top floor, it must be 2+(75/10)=9.5 kgf/cm2 at the level of the first floor, which obviously exceeds the norms established by SP 30.13330.2012.

This problem has three possible solutions:

  1. Installation of intermediate booster pumping stations in the middle of the building;

However: the layout of many buildings excludes the allocation of technical rooms on intermediate floors. In addition, the noise of the pumps will disturb the residents.

  1. Water supply to the upper and lower floors through different risers. At the same time, a group of risers supplying the upper floors is served by a booster pump;

Note: the disadvantage of this solution is the increased material consumption of the water supply system.

  1. Water supply to risers with obviously overpressure, and installation of gearboxes at the inputs to apartments and other premises. Water supply pressure regulators will limit it in the internal water supply to values ​​​​of 1-4.5 kgf / cm2, regardless of the pressure in the spills and risers. It is this scheme that the notorious set of rules SP 30.13330.2012 prescribes to use in multi-storey buildings.

A special case

In buildings built before the mid-70s of the 20th century, hot water supply was a dead-end: water in the bottling and DHW risers was updated only when it was parsed through taps.

This scheme has a number of rather unpleasant disadvantages:

  • With a long filling length, it is difficult to ensure that the water temperature meets the regulatory requirements at all points of water intake. As it moves away from the heat point, it will decrease due to heat loss;

Reference: the standard water temperature in the DHW system is 60-75 ° C. It should be measured directly on plumbing fixtures.

  • With a long absence of water analysis, it has to be drained for a long time before heating;

Meanwhile: mechanical water meters in apartments register water consumption, not its temperature. You drain cold water, but pay for it at a much higher rate for hot water.

  • Towel warmers heat up only when water is used. Hence the low temperature, dampness and mold in the bathrooms.

The DHW circulation system is devoid of all these disadvantages.

However, a pressure difference is needed to circulate water. When hot water is connected according to the “from supply to supply” or “from return to return” schemes, the difference can be created by throttling washers or a differential pressure regulator that maintains its constant value for any changes in pressure in the heating pipeline.

Control equipment

Now we have to study the pressure regulator device: water supply can use several fundamentally different schemes and devices to change the water pressure. We will get acquainted only with those that can be used in an apartment or a private house.

Piston reducer

What is a piston type water supply pressure regulator?

Piston - a relatively simple mechanical device that uses a valve connected to the piston by a common stem to limit the pressure of water.

The normal position of the gearbox is with the valve open and kept from closing by a spring. At a certain pressure, the piston rises, and the valve shuts off the water until the beginning of its analysis and the accompanying pressure drop in the water supply.

Please note: the vast majority of gearboxes allow adjustment of the working pressure. For adjustment, most often a screw hidden under a plastic or brass cover is used, which allows you to adjust the force generated by the spring.

Reducers can be installed not only in apartments, but also at water inlets to apartment buildings. Their installation is practiced, first of all, in low-rise buildings erected in a multi-storey building.

By lowering the pressure reducer to standard values, the following are provided:

  • Water hammer protection;

  • Increasing the resource of faucets, fittings for drain tanks and filling valves for household appliances (in particular, dishwashers and washing machines);

  • Reduced hydraulic noise during water flow.

boost pump

It is installed on the water supply or inlet, and compensates for the lack of water pressure, raising it to values ​​of 1 - 4.5 kgf / cm2. The pump only turns on when water is running out.

Many booster pumps allow you to adjust the flow sensor response level: if properly adjusted, the device will start when the mixer taps are opened, but idle when the drain tank is filled.

This class of devices has a couple of ... let's say - not very pleasant features:

  1. They cannot boast of a large resource due to the specific mode of operation (frequent starts and shutdowns);
  2. The pump is useless if the water does not rise to the level of your floor or house. It raises the pressure, but does not suck water from the water supply.

Pressure switch

Electronic pressure regulator for automatic water supply is used with submersible and surface pumps. In addition, they are equipped with pumping stations.

The pressure switch does not regulate it directly, but controls the operation of the pump: it turns on when the pressure in the water supply and accumulator drops to the lower threshold and turns off when the pressure reaches the upper value.

Depending on the type of relay, its setting is carried out from the control panel or mechanically.

Here is an instruction for setting up do-it-yourself relays built into pumping stations:

  1. Remove the relay cover. Under it you will find two spring-loaded studs with nuts of different sizes;
  2. Turning the large nut clockwise will increase the turn-on pressure of the pump, counterclockwise will decrease it;
  3. A small nut will help to set the pump shutdown pressure in the same way.

Installation rules

Where and how are pressure regulators installed in the hot water and cold water supply systems?

  • The pressure reducer is mounted at the entrance to the house or apartment, after the shutoff valves and the mechanical or magnetic-mechanical filter. The latter will protect the gearbox from jamming with sand or scale.

  • When installing, pay attention to the position of the arrow on the body: it indicates the direction of water flow;

Please note: to control the operation of the gearbox, it is recommended to supply the water supply with a pair of pressure gauges. One of them is installed before the pressure regulator, the second - after it or directly into its body. Many gearboxes are supplied with pressure gauges at the manufacturing stage.

  • The pressure regulator for hot water supply, which provides water circulation, is mounted between the DHW tie-ins in the supply and return threads of the elevator assembly;

In addition: a differential pressure controller can be used to regulate the heating supply of a building. In this case, it is usually installed on the supply with a pressure sensor connected to the control valve on the return.

  • The booster pump, like the gearbox, is installed at the inlet after the tap or valve and filter;
  • An automatic water supply system with a pump and a pressure switch should include a hydraulic accumulator connected to the water supply and a check valve installed on the suction pipe of the surface pump or on the outlet pipe of the submersible. The valve prevents the discharge of pressurized water from the accumulator after the pump is turned off.


Conclusion

Let's consider our acquaintance with pressure regulators completed. To learn more about how it works and why shut-off and control valves are installed on the water supply, the video in this article will help you. Good luck!

How often does such a technique as or. And it is not always a factory defect or improper operation. The most common reason for this is water pressure drops in. Its sharp increase, water hammer and, as a result, the need or even replacement of the device. But is there really no way out of this problem? As it turned out - there is. In such cases, the pressure regulator in the water supply system will help out. But how to choose it, what to pay attention to first of all, and also how it is installed today and we will understand.

Important information! It is mandatory to install a regulator when installing a reverse osmosis water filter and pump. Many filters cannot operate at medium pressure, and therefore require the installation of a pump. In this case, when the pump is turned on, a water hammer may occur, which must be extinguished. It is with this task that water pressure stabilizers will cope.

By installing such equipment to protect household appliances, you can save on the repair or replacement of household appliances an amount ten times higher than the cost. Do not forget about the inconvenience that appears when the same dishwasher fails. In addition, such a nuisance as the need to pay for repairs to neighbors living below may be added in case their apartment is flooded.

The device and principle of operation of the pressure regulator

To begin with, such regulators can be of two types:

  • Membrane type– less common for home devices;
  • piston type- most often these are installed in apartments and private houses.

Such water pressure regulators can be both with fixed indicators and with the ability to adjust to the required levels. Most often, it is for private houses that they are equipped with pressure gauges, while for apartments this is not necessary due to the presence of a primary pressure control at the water inlet to the house.


The principle of operation of a piston-type differential pressure regulator is quite simple. It can be compared with the operation of a conventional ball valve, with the only difference being that the piston with a spring does not allow the water pressure to rise at the outlet, regardless of its level at the inlet. It turns out that the piston plays the role of a kind of compensator.

The great popularity of piston mechanisms is due to their durability. However, do not think that such devices are eternal. It is to monitor the state of all the mechanisms of the regulator that pressure gauges are installed on it. According to their testimony, you can determine the effectiveness of the device. It is not always necessary to purchase a pressure gauge complete with a water pressure regulator, although this is desirable. It will be available for purchase later. Installing a pressure gauge on the regulator will not be difficult - it does not require any special skills or abilities.

To determine the type of device that is necessary in a particular case, you can only fully understand how the water pressure reducer works. But it should be understood that at a lower cost of piston types, their service life is much lower. This means that the need to install pressure gauges on them is higher.

You should also know that if you have a repair kit, it is quite possible to repair such a device. But for this it is necessary to thoroughly study the principle of operation of the water pressure reducer, as well as the device of a particular model.


Types of water pressure reducers in water supply systems

The main classifications of pressure regulators can be divided according to the following features:

  • Productivity - for household, this figure can reach 3 m 3 / hour;
  • Locking element type - piston or membrane;
  • Mounting method - flange or thread;
  • Maintaining the set parameters - dynamic (for continuous water supply) or static (support with uneven pressure);
  • Adjustment methods - balanced and unbalanced).

Depending on these indicators, the final cost of the device will be formed. Reducers that lower water pressure, even if pressure gauges are not initially installed on them, are necessarily equipped with a place for their installation, which allows you to do this at any time convenient for the home master.

Regulators can also be subdivided into 6

  • Mechanical or piston;
  • Membrane;
  • Automatic;
  • Electronic.

Due to the fact that each of these types has both its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the nuances of installation and operation, they should be considered in more detail.


Mechanical valves for water: the advantages of piston-type devices

A mechanical water pressure regulator, in addition to a long service life, has another undeniable advantage - it is quite easy to set up. This means that you can set the required values ​​quickly enough. In this case, you do not have to resort to the help of professional craftsmen. Of course, this cannot be done without installing a pressure gauge.

Typically, the standard ranges of such regulators are water pressures from 1 to 5 atm. This is quite enough for a home system. After all, many filters for drinking water need just the average value of this indicator of 2.5-3 atm. At the same time, the provision of protection against water hammer, which can disable household appliances, is provided quite well. At the same time, there are quite a few models that can be adjusted to the performance of a water pressure regulator of 25 bar, which is quite large.

Important information! Installing a water pressure reducer will help not only protect household appliances, but also extend the life of the faucet, faucet box and all water main connections.

A little lower, we will definitely analyze step by step how to install such equipment with our own hands. And now we propose to find out what those who have already installed such a device in the apartment think about installing piston water pressure reducers.

For households, the situation is different. But, in fact, it's still easier. But the case of each of the devices has a special screw, and the direction for increasing or decreasing pressure is also marked.

Thus, even a schoolboy can cope with such work as adjusting the water pressure reducer in an apartment. As for more detailed instructions, a detailed algorithm of the actions performed was described in one of our previous articles.

Water regulators in the water supply system: adjusting the parameters of various brands

Quite often we are asked how much you can trust the advertising of a particular brand. It is safe to say that not all firms are as good as they position themselves. And yet there are some manufacturers that cannot be ignored. These are the most popular brands in our country, and there is no doubt about the quality of their products. Consider their products, and at the same time compare the cost at which you can buy a water pressure regulator in Russian stores.


Features and Models of Honeywell Water Pressure Reducers

This brand is distinguished by the quality of gearboxes with a cleaning system. In other words, it is possible to purchase a water pressure regulator from sufficiently large particles. It was about such a device that was described in our step-by-step instructions. Here are some examples of models of this brand with some technical characteristics.

Model A photo Connecting dimension Inlet pressure, atm Type Cost, rub.
Honeywell FK 06 1/2″ AA
1/2″1.5-16 Prefilter with reducer3500
Honeywell FK 76CS 3/4″ AA
3/4″1.5-16 Pre-filter with reducer and pressure gauge26000
Honeywell HS 10S 1/2″ AA
1/2″1.5-16 Pre-filter with reducer and two pressure gauges15500

It is not clear on what basis the pricing of products of this brand takes place - after all, in terms of quality and functionality, all three points are almost identical. In general, Honeywell water pressure regulators are considered the most common in this area. Few can compete with them. And yet you can find a lower price for water pressure regulators. Consider the products of another well-known company.


Valtec water pressure regulators and how they differ

It should be noted that the products of this Italian brand are quite diverse. These can be crane regulators, which have a fairly compact size, and larger devices. In addition, their cost is somewhat lower than that of the models of the previous manufacturer. Let's try to do a little review.

Model Type pressure gauge Maximum pressure, bar Warranty, years Cost, rub
Valtec 1/2, HPMembraneWith pressure gauge16 15 1100
Valtec 1/2, VRMembranePurchased separately25 7 2100
Valtec 1, VRPistonNot provided16 7 5000
KFD ValtecPistonNot provided16 7 1300
Valtec 1/2, VRPistonWith pressure gauge16 7 1300

Thus, one can understand that the pricing policy of this brand is quite democratic. At the same time, any Valtek pressure regulator is designed for use in both cold and hot water supply systems.


But still, one cannot ignore the Russian manufacturer of such devices.

RDV - Russian-made water pressure regulator

This manufacturer mainly offers membrane-type water pressure regulators. Now let's try to consider three models with all their technical characteristics.

"RDV-2A-M" is produced in the form of a valve with a regulator. Like all divisions of this manufacturer, it is made of brass. The average cost is 900-1100 rubles.

Specifications Meaning
Nominal passage of regulators15, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50mm
Inlet pressure0.2…1.0 MPa
For DN 15 mm - 0.15...0.21* MPaFor DN 20, 25, 32, 40, 50 mm - 0.10...0.16* MPa
not more than 0.40; 0.45* MPa
Average service lifeat least 10 years
MTBFat least 250,000 cycles

The next model of such a product is "RDV-2A-F". Made already in the form of a tee from the same brass. Stainless steel filter mesh. The average cost is about 1300 rubles. Its specifications:

Characteristics Meaning
Nominal passage of regulators15
Inlet pressure, MPa0,25…1,0
Outlet pressure during drawdown, MPa0,15…0,21*
Outlet pressure in the absence of water intake, MPa, no more0,45*
Water temperature, °С5…80
Weight, kg0,5
Average service lifeat least 10 years
MTBFat least 250,000 cycles

And one more model from this line - "RDV-2A-FK". Here, a regulator, a filter and a ball valve are combined in one housing. It is possible to install a manometer. The average cost ranges from 2000 to 2500 rubles. What are its characteristics?

Characteristics Meaning
Nominal passage of regulators15 mm
Inlet pressure0.4…1.6 MPa
Outlet pressure during drawdown0.25…0.3 MPa
Outlet pressure without drawdownno more than 0.35 MPa
Regulator nominal capacity1.8 m 3 / hour (0.5 l / s)
Water temperature5…80 °C
Weight0.65 kg
Average service lifeat least 10 years
MTBFat least 250,000 cycles
Regulator design typemembrane

And another Russian model - RDV-2A-FK

Nowadays, the purchase of water pressure regulators in the water supply system has already become the norm. After all, utilities do not work perfectly, and you want to keep your home appliances longer. As for the RDV household water pressure regulator, today it is the most famous and reliable manufacturer in Russia, whose product quality is quite high. However, now fakes have begun to appear specifically for this brand, and therefore it is worth purchasing products only from a trusted seller. In this case, you should pay attention to the availability of all accompanying documents and certificates. Do not hesitate to ask the seller for them.

Summarizing

In conclusion, I would like to note that in our time a high-quality pressure regulator is a necessity for every apartment or private house. Which means you shouldn't skimp on it. Moreover, the cost of such devices is not so great. But in the end, you can get both the durability of the elements of the water supply, and a longer life of such equipment as a dishwasher or washing machine, filters for drinking water.


We hope that the information presented today was useful to the dear reader. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them in the discussions for the article. Write, criticize, share your experience. And finally, by tradition, a short video