Adjusting the water pressure reducer in an apartment: how to properly set up and regulate the water supply pressure - setting up the regulator

Modern man has learned to value comfort and, accordingly, is very demanding about living conditions. No surprise, the amenities are good. And when something is missing, to put it mildly, it’s not very good. The same thin stream of drinking liquid from the tap instead of an impressive pressure becomes a serious problem. Especially if this cannot be called an exceptional case. To eliminate this annoying nuisance, you need to understand why the water pressure reducer is adjusted in the water supply system in the apartment.

What is the RDV and how does it work?

The number of atmospheres in the water supply during the supply of water resources is, unfortunately, unstable. The discharge constantly fluctuates up or down. For users living in apartment buildings, this is very inconvenient. In addition, sudden surges in pressure can lead to failure of hydraulic structures and even cause breakthroughs.

In order to prevent disastrous consequences, special devices - regulators - are installed in hydraulic systems. With their help, it is possible to stabilize the pressure level, thereby protecting the internal network from excessive overloads and water hammer. The latter make themselves known quite often from the central highway.

Equipment

Reducers can be equipped with pressure gauges for visual monitoring of pressure and the ability to regulate pressure according to instrument readings.
Regulators can be produced in the same housing with a coarse filter. For use in pumping stations, automatic pressure regulators are used.
More modern gearboxes are equipped with an electronic unit that allows you to control the pump using an installed program. There are regulators with an electric rod drive that operate based on a signal from an electric pressure sensor. Such devices require a constant power supply.

How to adjust the water reducer in an apartment and is it really necessary?

A device that allows you to control the amount of atmosphere in the water supply is simply irreplaceable in most cases. It acts as a restraining protective factor that protects the hydraulic network from harmful fluctuations and excess load. It must be installed if at least one of the problems occurs:

• Lack of stable pressure. When tap liquid initially flows from the tap in a thin stream, but after a couple of seconds it almost knocks down the person standing near the sink - do not delay installing the unit. Sudden pressure surges become the root cause of breakdowns of household appliances and communications. In addition, such instability poses a direct danger to users (thermal burns).
• Too much water flow. In such a situation, the installation of a reduction gearbox is required. Owners of apartments on the ground floor most often encounter a similar problem. This happens because H2O is supplied to high-rise apartment buildings with great force. Otherwise, it simply will not rise to the required level and residents of the upper levels will be left without water. When a residential building is located near a pumping station, inflated indicators become commonplace. Because of this, connections fail with alarming regularity, leaks form, etc. But a custom reduction unit helps eliminate all these difficulties.
• Weak pressure. In this case, it is worth installing a device equipped with a pump. Thanks to this device, you can forever forget about the thin trickle from the tap, which prevents you from taking a normal shower, washing dishes or connecting any household appliances.

Is it necessary or not?

The regulator is necessary in apartments or private houses where plumbing, washing or kitchen appliances that are sensitive to water pressure are used.
In addition, installation of the device is necessary in rooms where water hammer is possible.

Otherwise, the flexible supply line may fail and flood the neighbors from the lower apartments.

Most apartment buildings have common reducers that control the pressure on the entire riser. They are located in the basement, so it is useless to look for them in the apartment.

However, these devices do not always fully cope with their tasks, so installing your own device will not hurt.

A detailed answer to the question is in our article.

Design features and operating principle

Before adjusting the gearbox settings, you need to find out how the water pressure regulator in the apartment works and what it is. The RDV is equipped with a durable metal body and a threaded connection. So that the consumer can manually adjust the fluid flow at any time, the unit is equipped with a special screw and pressure gauge.

In water supply systems of private residential buildings, stabilization is carried out using a relay and a hydraulic accumulator installed in a main outlet. It is these devices that correct the actions of the pumping station. Regulatory mechanisms are installed in networks:

• water intake;
• irrigation;
• fire protection;
• communal;
• technological

The design of various RDVs is largely similar. All of them have a valve, piston, membrane-spring unit and control elements.

During operation of the gearbox, the flow of the liquid medium passes through the membrane and spring, stabilizing at the outlet. This protects the water supply system from excessive overloads and fluctuations in H2O supply.

Honeywell D04FM-1/2A

Powerful “small”: will give peace and security.

Product from the rating

Water pressure reducer Honeywell D04FM-1/2A 4 reviews

In stock

Type: membrane | Output pressure range, bar: 1.50, 6 | Diameter (inch), ": 1/2, 3/4 | Maximum inlet pressure, bar: 16 | Protection against: dynamic pressure | Suitable: for hot water, for cold water |

If you are looking for a reliable device to protect old water pipes and household appliances, be sure to take into account the model from the German manufacturer Honeywell. This device deservedly made it to the top of water pressure reducers. It is suitable for home use and for use in commercial plumbing systems (within its technical specifications).

The Honeywell D04FM-1/2A body is made of nickel-plated brass. The spring is made of high-strength spring steel. The design of the product does not imply contact of water with the spring element, so the gearbox can be used for a water supply system supplying drinking water. The regulator does not affect the taste of the liquid in any way.

The Honeywell brand model will prevent dangerous manifestations of dynamic pressure in the line. In case of a sharp drop, it will equalize the pressure to a safe value (must be specified in advance).

Due to its small dimensions, the Honeywell pressure reducer can be installed both in an already functioning system and in those that are just being designed. In order to monitor the current pressure, the gearbox can be equipped with a pressure gauge.

The unit is suitable for cold and hot water pipes. The only negative is that it does not guarantee protection against static pressure. The model is designed for external pressure up to 16 bar. The output value can be set from 1.5 to 6 bar.

Expert comment: it is advisable to purchase a coarse filter, which will contribute to more efficient operation of the gearbox.

Compare this unit with other models in the Honeywell D04FM series to find the right product for your plumbing needs.

Types of regulators

Devices for regulating pressure are divided into several types. Each of them should be considered in more detail.

Piston

This species is most popular among consumers of water resources. Widespread use is largely due to its relatively low cost. It operates due to a piston, which increases or decreases the cross-section of the pipe accordingly. The required flow level can be set using a rotating valve. The output range varies from 1 to 5 atmospheres.

Among the disadvantages of this type of unit, it is worth noting the increased sensitivity of the piston system to the ingress of polluting particles, which leads to breakdowns.

Membrane

When figuring out how to regulate (adjust) the water pressure valve in the reducer in an apartment, it is important to remember that such devices have many advantages over analogues. Among them:

• the ability to adjust the pressure within 0.5-3.0 cubic meters per hour;
• the spring-membrane mechanism is located in a sealed compartment;
• reliability of design;
• undemanding during operation.

1.5 m3/h For process water

1.5 m3/h For process water

MBFT-75 Membrane for 75GPD

At the same time, such units are very expensive. They also have many moving elements, which complicates repairs.

Flow-through

There are no moving parts in devices of this type. This is a big plus, since they break much less often and last longer. The devices ensure flow movement through constant rotation of the liquid along an internal labyrinth circuit.

The reasonable price for such models is explained by the use of plastic elements during assembly. The only thing is that the consumer will have to purchase a separate inlet valve, but this is not particularly difficult. The operating range is 0.5-3.0 atmospheres.

Automatic

Such regulators control the force of water movement in the water supply network due to the membrane. The degree of compression of the spring mechanism depends directly on the pressure. The contacts alternately close and open, thereby activating or turning off the pump. With the help of a relay, the pressure is stabilized.

Electronic

Units of this type maintain a certain level of liquid medium in the pipeline, starting the pumping station if necessary. A special sensor reads the information received by it. If there is no liquid in the pipes, a corresponding signal is given and the pump device does not operate.

The necessary parameters are set on the panel, where the characteristics of the water resource supply are displayed. Regulators of this type are more reliable and almost silent. In domestic use, they are much more efficient than their mechanical counterparts.

To achieve ideal drinking quality in a house or apartment, it is necessary to equip the water supply system with filtering equipment. The necessary cleaning devices can be found on the website.

Manufacturers

Among the leading manufacturers of gearboxes, Italian companies predominate. They are traditionally famous among manufacturers of such products. However, the Russian company Valtec or the American Honeywell are no less famous.

To more clearly compare products from different manufacturers, let's create a table:

Looking at the table, you can see that the parameters of all household devices are more or less similar. Only the maximum temperature and operating pressure differ. This makes it easier for users to choose the right device.

Tips for choosing: what is better to install

When planning to purchase a regulator device, you should pay attention not only to its type, but also to other characteristic features. Most often, its effectiveness depends on them.

Compound

Gearboxes used in everyday life are usually mounted on a thread. When choosing the right model, take a closer look at the connection size, measured in inches. The standard RDV has a diameter of ¾. ½ or 2 options may also be presented. To determine the correct parameters, it is enough to measure the internal water supply pipe where the unit is supposed to be installed.

Performance

In apartments, devices with a maximum value of 3 cubic meters per hour are usually installed. The given volume is fully sufficient for the household needs of the residents. In public and industrial buildings, more powerful regulators are installed - from 3 to 15 m³/h and higher.

Temperature

When going shopping, you should remember that not all gearboxes are designed for domestic hot water systems. Please note the relevant specifications. The device must function stably at a temperature of 130º C. The control unit for cold water does not need such heat resistance.

Material used in production

Of course, all practical, reliable and long-lasting models are made from high-quality parts that are resistant to rust. As a rule, it is chrome-plated brass or stainless steel.

SF-mix Clack up to 0.8 m3/h

SF-mix Runxin up to 0.8 m3/h

SF-mix manual up to 0.8 m3/h

Design features

Devices with a piston system are very resistant to wear. However, they are still not particularly reliable due to increased sensitivity to contaminant particles in tap liquid. They fail quite quickly if the H2O supplied to the home is of inadequate quality. Here the question will most likely arise not of how to adjust the water pressure regulator valve in the apartment, but of how to change it.

Units with a membrane are much more practical in this regard. They are unpretentious in use and maintenance. If the operating rules are strictly followed, they operate for a long time without interruption. The main thing is to constantly monitor the condition of the membrane part.

Established standards

Regulatory requirements include the following:

• The RDV is obliged to maintain pressure up to 0.3 MPa;
• the output should be no more than 0.04;
• throughput - 0.5 l/s;
• the number of launches is at least 250,000, taking into account a service life of up to 10 years or more.

Technical specifications

Manufacturers produce gearboxes with different characteristics. To determine which type of device is optimal, you need to carefully study the relevant information. As a rule, all the necessary information is presented in the device data sheet or directly on its rear panel.

Production quality

The unit must be made of durable, reliable material. When choosing the right model, try not to settle for the cheapest options. Remember a simple rule - a good thing cannot cost a penny. Also, pay attention to the weight of your purchase. Heaviness indicates the presence of metal parts in the structure.

Automation check

After starting the pumping station, you need to check whether the automation is working correctly. If you purchased a pressure switch with factory settings, it should turn off the pumping equipment when the upper pressure threshold in the system set on the relay is reached. After opening the tap and water flowing out of the hydraulic tank, the pressure switch should start the pump again when the pressure in the system drops to the set minimum. If necessary, the factory settings can be changed by setting the relay to the on and off pressure you need. This is done like this:

We turn off the pumping equipment and drain the water from the hydraulic tank by unscrewing the bottom valve in the system. Open the cover on the pressure switch using a screwdriver or wrench. We start the pumping equipment, which will begin to pump water into the hydraulic tank. We detect and record the pressure gauge readings at the moment the pump is turned off. This will be the top pressure. Now open the tap farthest from the pump or the tap that is located at the highest mark. As water flows out of it, the pressure will drop and the pump will start again. It is necessary to record and record the pressure gauge readings at the moment the pump starts. This will be the lower pressure

We find their difference. During testing, you need to pay attention to the pressure of water flowing from the farthest or highest tap in the system. If you are not satisfied with it, then the pressure needs to be increased

To do this correctly, you need to turn off the pump and tighten the nut on the large spring in the relay. To reduce the pressure, on the contrary, we loosen this nut. Now let's set the pressure difference. You have already found it by taking the recorded pressure gauge readings. If this number is 1.4 bar, then you do not need to adjust anything. If the value found is lower, this may lead to more frequent pump starts and uneven pressure, which will cause premature wear of the equipment. If the value is higher, then the station’s operating mode will be more gentle, but the difference between the maximum and minimum pressure will become noticeable. To adjust this parameter, you need to tighten or loosen the nut on the small spring in the relay. To increase the pressure difference, tighten the nut more, and to decrease it, loosen it. When you have adjusted the pressure, you need to check the operation of the system again by repeating the previous steps. If necessary, the adjustment can be repeated.

If your pressure switch has no settings at all, that is, all the springs are completely weakened, then the adjustment is done as follows:

1. We start the pump and build up pressure in the pipeline so that the water pressure from the farthest or highest tap in the system is satisfactory. We note the pressure gauge readings and turn off the pump. Let us assume that the device showed at this moment a pressure of 1.3 bar.
2. Turn off the power to the station and open the cover on the pressure switch. We begin to tighten the nut on the large spring. When you hear a click of the contacts closing, we stop rotating.
3. Replace the cover and turn on the pump. We bring the pressure in the system to 2.7 bar. We obtained this value by adding our indicator of 1.3 bar with the recommended difference in values ​​equal to 1.4 bar.
4. Disconnect the pump from the network, remove the cover and tighten the nut on the smaller spring. When the contacts open, you will hear a click. At this moment the rotation must stop.
5. After our settings, the pressure switch will start the pumping equipment when the pressure in the system drops to 1.3 bar, and turn off the pump when the pressure rises to 2.7 bar. Now all settings are completed. We install the relay cover in place, and connect the pump unit to the power supply.

Gearbox installation

The regulator must be installed at the beginning of the pipeline fittings designed to shut off the flow of liquid, in front of the metering devices. This will achieve greater efficiency and simplify the maintenance process. In addition, meters, filters and other hydraulic equipment will be protected.

Accommodation in an apartment

Before carrying out installation work, you should correctly assemble the RDV and test the integrity of the plugs. The control device is placed between the adjustment taps in a strictly vertical position. Taking into account that the pipe runs exactly horizontally.

If you intend to use polypropylene elements, you must ensure that adapters are available. Usually they come immediately in a prefabricated kit.

The installation of the unit must include a filter mesh and a valve for controlling the liquid. The connection areas will need to be laid with FUM tape. At the end of the work, it is necessary to tighten the connecting joints. The main thing is not to overdo it and not break the nuts.

Installation in a private house

The installation process here is practically no different from that described above. The only difference is the pump, which serves to maintain the required pressure. The control device is installed in the area where the main outlet coincides with the supply network. Many manufacturers produce regulators and pumps as a set. But in some cases you will have to purchase an additional pumping mechanism.

It is quite difficult to install on your own. If you are not confident in your own experience and certain knowledge, it is better to entrust this work to specialists.

AMETHYST - 02 M up to 2 cubic meters/day.

Aeration unit AS-1054 VO-90

Main table dispenser AquaPro 919H/RO (hot and cold water)

Cleaning

To clean you need:

• 
  turn off the water;

• open the tap to remove remaining water;
• disassemble the gearbox, remove the strainer and clean it with a wire brush;
• Clean the inside of the case with a thin brush. You can use household chemicals;
• Reassemble the gearbox in reverse order and supply water.

If the quality of the network water is low, cleaning will have to be done quite often. Additional cleaning methods can be found here.

Self-configuration

Studying articles and videos on adjusting the hot water pressure reducer sensor in an apartment, it is easy to understand that the process involves a step-by-step implementation. In fact, it can be broken down into two stages.

Preparatory

Depending on the design features of the selected model, you may need certain tools:

• hexagonal slot 4-6 mm;
• regular flat screwdriver;
• special (universal) wrench for 2-20 mm;
• a pressure gauge that allows you to control pressure;
• adapter for connecting to a shower hose or faucet.

Direct setup

After careful preparation, you need to do the following:

• turn off all taps in the internal system;
• place the pressure gauge-controller on the regulator or connect it to the pipeline;
• using a valve, let the liquid flow through the pipe with minimal pressure;
• record the readings from the meter;
• unscrew the plug from the hole where the adjustment screw is located;
• taking a suitable tool (for example, a screwdriver), carefully rotate the screw element clockwise, as a result the spring will press on the valve and it will begin to slam shut with less atmosphere;
• to increase the flow force, it is necessary to rotate in the opposite direction;
• All that remains is to test the installation and disconnect the pressure gauge.

Pump station pressure switch

The sensor automatically regulates the process of pumping water in the system. It is the pressure switch that is responsible for turning the pumping equipment on and off. It also controls the level of water pressure. There are mechanical and electronic elements.

Mechanical relays

Devices of this type are distinguished by a simple and at the same time reliable design. They fail much less often than their electronic counterparts, because in mechanical relays there is simply nothing to burn out. Adjustment occurs by changing the spring tension.

Mechanical pressure switch is regulated by spring tension

A mechanical relay includes a metal plate where the contact group is fixed. There are also terminals for connecting the device and springs for adjustment. The lower part of the relay is reserved for the membrane and piston. The design of the sensor is quite simple, so there should not be any serious problems with independent disassembly and damage analysis.

Electronic relays

Such devices attract primarily due to their ease of use and their accuracy. The pitch of an electronic relay is noticeably smaller than a mechanical one, which means there are more adjustment options. But electronics, especially budget ones, often break down. Therefore, excessive savings in this case are not advisable.

Electronic water pressure switch

Another clear advantage of an electronic relay is the protection of equipment from idling. When the water pressure in the main is minimal, the element will continue to work for some time. This approach allows you to protect the main components of the station. Repairing an electronic relay on your own is much more difficult: in addition to technical knowledge, you need a specific tool. Therefore, it is better to leave diagnostics and maintenance of the sensor to professionals.

Device characteristics

Depending on the station model and its type, the device can be located either inside the housing or mounted outside. That is, if the equipment comes without a relay, or its functionality does not suit the user, then it is always possible to select the element in a separate order.

The sensors also differ in the maximum allowable pressure. A good half of the classic relays are set to 1.5 atm to start the system and 2.5 atm to deactivate it. Powerful household models have a threshold of 5 atm.

When it comes to an external element, it is extremely important to take into account the characteristics of the pumping station. If you operate with too high a pressure, the system may not be able to withstand it, and as a result, leaks, ruptures and rapid wear of the membrane will appear.

Therefore, it is so important to adjust the relay with an eye to the critical indicators of the station.

Features of work

Let's look at the principle of operation of the device using the example of one of the most common relays for pumping stations - RM-5. You can also find foreign analogues and more advanced solutions on sale. Such models are equipped with additional protection and offer expanded functionality.

PM-5 includes a movable metal base and a pair of springs on both sides. The membrane moves the plate depending on the pressure. Using the clamping bolt, you can adjust the minimum and maximum values ​​at which the equipment turns on or off. RM-5 is equipped with a check valve, so when the pumping station is deactivated, water does not flow back into the well or well.

Step-by-step analysis of the operation of the pressure sensor:

1. When the tap is opened, water begins to flow from the tank.
2. As the liquid in the pumping station decreases, the pressure gradually decreases.
3. The membrane acts on the piston, and it, in turn, closes the contacts, including the equipment.
4. When the tap is closed, the tank is filled with water.
5. As soon as the pressure reaches maximum values, the equipment turns off.

The frequency of operation of the pump depends on the existing settings: how often it will turn on and off, as well as the pressure level. The shorter the interval between startup and deactivation of the equipment, the longer the main components of the system and the entire equipment will last. Therefore, proper adjustment of the pressure switch is so important.

But it’s not just the sensor that affects the operation of the equipment. It happens that the device is configured correctly, but other elements of the station negate the operation of the entire system. For example, the problem may be due to a faulty engine or clogged communications. Therefore, it is worth approaching the inspection of the relay after diagnosing the main elements, especially when it comes to mechanical sensors. In a good half of cases, to eliminate problems with pressure dispersion, it is enough to clean the relay from accumulated dirt: springs, plates and contact groups.

How to adjust water pressure in an apartment and remove standard settings

The need to deviate from standards may arise for a number of reasons. The main ones should be listed:

• if the consumption of water resources significantly exceeds the power characteristics of central systems and pumping complexes (low flow force);
• location on the upper levels of multi-storey buildings (lack of H2O);
• the opposite situation is when housing is located at the very bottom of the building (excess p);
• pumps do not work correctly, frequent fluctuations (jumps in indicators) occur.

In such cases, it is necessary to reconfigure the adjusting device. In addition, the pressure may change over the long period of operation of the water supply system. For example, the cross-section of pipes may decrease due to the abundance of rust and other types of internal deposits. In this situation, you will have to make adjustments more than once.

What will happen if you do not adjust the water pressure valve in the apartment, do not adjust the regulator

In the absence of timely adjustment, no particularly dangerous consequences will occur. This is if we look at the issue from a global point of view.

Low pressure will make it impossible to connect useful household appliances to the internal network, take a normal shower or wash dishes. Excessive can lead to numerous breakdowns of communications and the same equipment used in everyday life. Therefore, it is still necessary to regulate the supply in order to avoid common problems due to refusal to carry out regulatory measures.

Replacement

Replacing the gearbox is a disassembly and installation procedure.

Procedure:

• turn off the water and relieve pressure by opening the tap;
• remove the defective device;
• install a new device, connect the drain hole to the sewer;
• supply water, set the operating mode.

It is best to buy the same model so that no problems arise when replacing. But if replacement is still necessary, our article will make the task easier.

Tips for use

Before installing the device, be sure to carefully read the included installation manual. The devices differ from each other and have different connection methods. Without certain experience, skills and abilities, it is better not to undertake installation work. Doubts in your own abilities are a good reason to invite a competent specialist.

It is necessary to monitor how the unit operates. If a leak is detected or the setting does not give the desired result, most likely the regulator has failed. It will need to be repaired or replaced with a new one.

Do not hesitate to install or replace the device. This way, you not only deprive yourself of comfortable living conditions, but also risk flooding your neighbors if communications break down.

Repair

As a rule, gearbox repair consists of restoring the functionality of the spring and valve.

Procedure:

• turn off the water, drain the excess from the tap and remove the gearbox;
• disassemble it and remove defective parts;
• clean the body, inspect the structural elements and identify failed parts;
• replace or restore the condition of elements. It is easier to replace the spring, but it is better to try to restore the piston;
• assemble the device, install it in place and supply water.

Full information about DIY repairs is here.

Attention! Membrane models, most often, cannot be repaired. Finding a replacement membrane is extremely difficult. This must be kept in mind when purchasing a device.