pressure regulator recommendation?

16 years ago

The pressure coming into our property is 140 psi (confirmed by the water company). The irrigation system was installed by the prior owners. There is a separate irrigation line with its own valve under a plastic box in the front yard. The house pressure is 60, but the sprinklers are getting the full 140psi. I can see a 5" plastic cylinder after the valve which I assume is a pressure regulator, but has no markings on it. If it is a pressure regulator, I assume it's blown. 1" PVC is run from this to the sprinkler valves.

- Can someone recommend a good brass pressure regulator that is rated to 200psi inlet pressure and has an adjustable range in the 50s? My local vendor wants $150, and I've seen models online for $50-$100.

- What type of fitting should I use to put the regulator inline? I was thinking of a union, which would make it easier to replace if it goes bad; but a brass regulator should last longer than I'm in the house, right? Or should I use a slip/threaded adapter to the PVC? Is plastic OK to screw into the regulator?

- Can someone recommend a good low pressure regulator for a drip system? I've just been shopping at Home Despot as I'm new to all this, but from now on I plan to order everything online or from a local irrigation shop.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

lehua49
16 years ago
mag,

I recommend hiring a plumber who is familiar with the pressure problems in your neighborhood. He can answer all the questions you have asked and make many economical and logical recommendations from his experience. 140 psi is very high even for a irrigation system. Do you have a shut off valve on the irrigation line? Preferably just after the tee connection from your house mainline. If not the plumber will have to shut the whole house down as well to install the PR and you should put a gate or ball valve for an irrigation mainline shutoff. JMHO Aloha
mageus
Original Author
16 years ago
As I described above:

- They've run a separate line out for the irrigation. It first runs through a shut off valve that is accessible under a plastic box in the front lawn.
- The water company employee told me 140 is normal for my area.

I'm going to buy a brass pressure regulator and swap it for what I assume is the blown plastic one after the shut off valve.

- Some places have a Watts model online for $50-60
- Home Despot and Lowes have a Wilkins double union for $80 (single union is $70)
- The local Ewings wants $150 for theirs.

Any recommendations?
Related Professionals
Concord Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Tyler Landscape Contractors · Wichita Falls Landscape Contractors · Janesville Landscape Contractors · Chico Landscape Contractors · Fresno Landscape Contractors · Boise Landscape Contractors · Coos Bay Landscape Contractors · Charleston Home Additions · Myrtle Beach Home Additions · Lufkin Home Additions · Elgin Home Additions · Santa Maria Home Additions · Amarillo Home Additions · Magog Home Additions
lehua49
16 years ago
Magi,

You pay for what you get. If you can afford it buy better quality. Ask your water company/plumber what brand gives the best value or check on the internet. Put in tee w/hose bib(faucet)fitting to put on a pressure gauge to adjust your new pressure regulator and later can be used for a higher pressure hose source for cleaning stuff. JMHO Aloha
zeuspaul
16 years ago
McMaster-Carr has a selection of regulators with good descriptions. Try page 486 in the linked catalog.

Zeuspaul

Here is a link that might be useful: regulators
zeuspaul
16 years ago
Mageus, when connecting pvc to metal it's best to use a male thread on the pvc adapter threaded into female on the brass.

Also it's a good idea to use sch 80 pvc adapters due to the significant reduction in pvc pressure ratings when threaded pvc connections are used.

Zeuspaul