Home water pressure regulator. What are water pressure regulators and how to install them correctly

03.03.2020

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The choice of plumbing equipment must be approached responsibly. All manufacturers' requirements must be observed. The water pressure regulator in the water supply system can prevent many troubles. Pressure surges inside the plumbing system can lead to breakage of even expensive and proven structures. In this case, a special device will help.

Control device device

Units that contribute to the retention of a certain amount of pressure are used for commercial purposes and in everyday life. They have the following benefits:

protect networks from water hammer;
eliminate equipment failure due to pressure drops;
water consumption is reduced;
when the operating pressure decreases, the noise produced also decreases;
at the outlet, the head has a constant value, despite the fact that jumps may occur at the inlet.

With the help of a water pressure reducer in the water supply system, the movement of the liquid is stabilized and hydraulic shocks are damped.

Similar products are used in water supply networks for various purposes, in structures for irrigation, in water filling stations and in various systems firefighting.

Useful information! Regulating mechanisms are installed at the entrance to the water riser or to the building itself.

Mounting Features

This device is placed at the entrance to a residential building, for pumping equipment or shutoff valves. The water pressure reducer in the water supply system allows you to dose the pressure in the mains.

If the device has a large diameter, then a filter device is mounted to purify the water. A shut-off valve is also mounted, which is necessary for ease of maintenance or repair work. Pressure gauges are mounted on the line before and after the regulator, allowing for adjustment and systematic inspections.

When choosing a device, it is necessary to find out the permissible indicators of pressure losses and throughputs.

Useful information! Before buying, you need to consider the possible speed in the inlet pipe. These indicators are indicated in the documents attached to the product.

Structural features and types

Before you buy a water pressure regulator, you need to choose the right option.

Lever flange pressure regulator in the water supply system

The lever model restrains excessive pressure in the pipeline network before mounting the mechanism and after the installation site. This helps control flow.

The device consists of a steel or cast-iron body, a lever structure with support elements, stems with valves, a cover and a special mechanism with a membrane. Valves open access under the influence of loads. They help to regulate the pressure after the installation site of the structure. The setup steps include special weight calculations and weight accounting.

household regulator

The water pressure regulator in the domestic water supply system is manufactured by the Russian company Pascal. Household appliances help extend the life of the valve and pipeline mechanism. Also, devices can reduce noise, reduce pressure and vibration.

The installation of such gearboxes reduces the cost of water supply and electricity consumption.

Electronic variant

An electronic device starts a low-power pump when water is drawn from the system. Such a mechanism is silent. A special sensor protects against possible water hammer and from the operation of the pumping mechanism without water.

The regulator consists of a special diaphragm, a board, a sleeve for connecting to the cable and the main body element.

Useful information! The electronic device is mounted up to the first water intake mark. The presence of incoming pipes facilitates the installation of the mechanism in the line of the highway. Before starting the control product, the pump tank must be filled with water.

Electronic water pressure regulator in the apartment: how to regulate the mechanism?

Manufacturers set the optimum pressure in the design with a value of 1.5 bar. It should be borne in mind that the nominal indicator should be 0.8 bar more than the starting indicator. The start value is adjusted with a special screwdriver.

Related article:

Direct acting pressure regulator

The flange valve is a product of an industrial water pressure regulator in a water supply system. The price for it varies from 30 thousand rubles. Values are adjusted using network settings.

The device consists of the following parts:

boxes with incoming and outgoing flanges;
bushings;
large valve;
membranes and impulse pipes;
pilot valve parts.

If the value exceeds the possible threshold, then the liquid enters the valve reservoir. In this case, the membrane closes the through hole of the regulator. After the pressure is reduced, the membrane slightly opens the passage.

Honeywell device

Household models include Honeywell. The device contributes to the economical distribution of water, and also helps to maintain constant values \u200b\u200bfrom the network. The manufacturer releases combined models with regulator and filters in one housing.

Useful information! Purification of water from a variety of contaminants can improve the performance of the design of the water supply system. In this case, you can rinse without turning off the water.

Regulators for apartments

A control mechanism will help improve the quality of the water supply in the apartment. For a residential building, you can choose a device with a throughput of 3 m3 / h.

The following rules will help you install the device correctly:

the device must be installed in a heated and accessible room;
on the surface of the product there should be no extraneous influences;
the arrow on the box must point in the direction of flow;
before installation, the lines are cleaned;
it is recommended to install a strainer.

Useful information! To facilitate maintenance of the device, it is recommended to install a special valve.

The principle of operation of the mechanism

The reducer is a valve for pressure containment and adjustment. The work of the design is to smooth out the forces of the two types of equipment under pressure flow. Regulators are of two types:

devices with pressure regulation in the area up to the device;
mechanisms that stabilize the pressure in the lines connected to the outlet of the structure.

The advantage of such devices is practicality and reliability in operation. Subject to the settings, the mechanism is able to maintain the specified indicators.

How to adjust the device?

When adjusting the device, the installed pressure gauge helps. The adjusting screw should be turned until the desired value appears on the pressure gauge. This screw is installed on the equipment case. It can be moved with a hex wrench.

Adjustment is made as follows:

valve opens;
all water withdrawal points are closed;
the required pressure indicator is set;
water taps are opened and the pressure value is checked according to the set parameter.

Useful information! The permissible value of pressure fluctuations should be within 10%.

Article

These data on water savings are, of course, averaged and depend on the quantitative and quality composition living in an apartment. In a word, the more often you use running water in your home, the more you will be able to save water when using RRW.

Savings for a family of 3 is up to 9,000 rubles at the rate for 2018.

Water flow regulators are made in Germany, from very high quality plastic, which practically eliminates the formation limescale on the regulator and the aerator housing in which the regulator is installed. The service life of the RRV is 5 years. The regulators are made of food-grade plastic and are not harmful to health.

The use of water flow regulators reduces consumption by up to 30%

Today in various outlets you can buy various fakes that are cheaper, but they simply do not even work as aerators, not to mention any savings in water and your money. Such products are made from low-quality, possibly hazardous materials.

You can look at how water flow regulators work by contacting the water saving center of Moscow State Unitary Enterprise Mosvodokanal, which recommended this technology for use in apartments. These devices have been peer-reviewed by the NP "Russian Water Society" and are recommended for use in housing and communal services and public sector.
H2O-Technologies took first place at the Technology Fair, which was held as part of the Clean Water International Forum.

The use of water flow regulators reduces consumption by up to 30%

In addition to the ability to save water, the introduction of technology entails saving energy resources for water supply, cooking hot water, optimizes the operation of pumps, boilers, reduces the load on sewerage, septic tanks, regulates uneven water flow between upper and lower floors in high-rise buildings, eliminates the lack of water pressure while neighbors use water, eliminates and regulates uneven water flow in multisystems (sinks, showers) .

The use of water flow regulators reduces consumption by up to 30%

The design of the water flow regulator is an asterisk of a special, specially designed shape and a free-lying elastic ring. Between these two components, the flow of water passes. When opening faucet, as the pressure in the system increases, the ring flattens out and closes the sprocket, gradually reducing the through hole between the sprocket and the ring. When we close the faucet, the rubber ring returns to its original state. The design, calculated in a special way, allows you to keep a constant flow of water passed through the device, regardless of the pressure of the water in the system and the degree of opening of the tap. A high-quality aerator, in the body of which the RRW is built, provides a comfortable feeling of water consumption when using the RRW.

Do not rush, when you see the water bill, grab your head and declare austerity in the house. Maybe you just need a next generation faucet. What are the latest systems and technologies that an economical mixer should be equipped with?

1 of 1

On the picture:

For many shower heads, there are two types of jets - soft aerated and powerful invigorating. Switching between modes is carried out using the button.

Photo: Raindance Select E 300 shower head from Hansgrohe.

aerated jet

Air instead of water. Saturation of the stream with air makes the jet softer and more voluminous, and also allows you to significantly reduce water consumption. This is perhaps the most common of the water saving technologies: every second modern faucet is already equipped with it. However, aeration itself does not provide significant savings: it works effectively only in tandem with other systems.

Set pressure

Consumption is not more than 5 l / min. The average throughput of a standard mixer ranges from 12 to 20 liters per minute. Modern technologies allow to reduce water consumption several times, passing up to 5-6 l / min. At the same time, the water pressure is stable, you do not feel a decrease in the flow force. Economic development leaders are Hansgrohe and Grohe.

Examples of faucets with built-in aerator and water flow limiter up to 5 l/min.

This faucet with hand spray aerator has a Booster position to switch the water flow from 3.5 to 5 l/min. for increased pressure.

In the photo: mixer 12012000 / 12013000 from the Axor factory.

Adjustable pressure

You decide. ROCA faucets also reduce water consumption by up to 50%, but they do this not automatically, but with your help. We pressed the button - the system activated Ecodisk. As a rule, it is installed in a thermostatic mixer: it is important to regulate not so much the flow of cold as expensive hot water.

Overlap on a short time. Stop water. Suppose you are cooking and in the process you have to rinse your hands often. It is inconvenient to open and close the water every time, it is uneconomical to keep the tap open. The Swing&Stop function in KLUDI faucets allows you to keep water in the faucet base: just turn the device itself (with your elbow, for example). And in order for the water to flow, push it back.

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On the picture:

This faucet combines original design, new technology and ease of use. The Swing & Stop function (turn and stop) allows you to close the tap with your elbow.

Turn on the water on time

When the hands are under the stream. Any faucet that you activate by turning a valve or a lever pours water for nothing for a couple of seconds while you carry your hands to the spout. And only electronic faucets let water into the palms of their hands. The principle of their operation is quite simple: a photocell is built into the mixer, which reacts to the movement of the hand in the area of the beam. It is powered by a 6V battery (4 AA batteries).

As a rule, an electronic mixer delivers mixed water at once - exactly 38 ºС. And in this sense, an electronic and a thermostatic mixer are one and the same. However, not every thermostat has electronic stuffing and activates the jet when hands are brought to it.

1 of 1

On the picture:

Contactless touch control of the faucet increases water savings. Such a mixer includes a digital display and a control unit with icons and backlight, equipped with an aerator and an electronic water flow limiter.

The comfort of using water has been significantly increased by mixers with a thermostat - reviews from homeowners, in whose apartments pressure and temperature drops are not uncommon, testify to their popularity. If you can still put up with poor pressure, then getting burned in the shower just because someone from the house pressed the toilet flush button (and all the cold water “left” to fill the tank) is a bleak prospect.

In the photo: faucet 5A1360C00 from the Roca factory.

Save hot

Mixer with thermostat. As the name implies, a device is built into the thermostatic mixer to maintain the set temperature. By default, these are comfortable 38 ºС, but you can adjust the temperature to your taste, select several modes for each family member or occasion (bathing, rinsing hands, washing).

A thermostatic faucet not only protects your skin from burns, and your nerves from constantly switching water, but also your wallet from overpayments for water. For example, if one of the neighbors in the riser changed the heated towel rail to a more powerful model, a general decrease in temperature in the DHW system is possible. You open the valve, and instead of hot, the first couple of minutes are barely warm water. Familiar? If the house has a thermostatic faucet, it will simply turn off the supply cold water until the hot temperature rises. You won't even suspect it.

Images used in the article: kludi.com

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Also in this section

Let's say right away: almost all mixers that are sold in Russian stores are made of brass. But they look completely different. What kind of metal is it, how is it decorated and protected?

Now drinking water can be obtained not from a separate filter, cooler or additional faucet, but directly from the kitchen faucet - for this you just need to choose a model with a cleaning function.

Imagine that in your kitchen straight from the tap it is pouring crystal pure water, boiling water or soda. Now it is quite achievable with 2 in 1 kitchen faucets.

Sinks and faucets are often purchased separately. But they should be unity both technically and aesthetically. How to reach it?

Prices for faucets differ in the same way as the faucets themselves differ from each other. Protozoa quality models start from 1500 rubles, and the upper limit is limited only by the imagination of the customer and designer.

The reconstruction or installation of a new water supply system means the installation of all water supply devices and additional structural details. Many of these parts must meet stringent operating conditions. Failure to do so will shorten the life of the equipment. One of these requirements is the control of the allowable pressure in the water supply.

The water pressure regulator in the water supply system is necessary to adjust and stabilize the pressure in the water supply network. The need to install the device is indicated in the regulatory and technical documents. It is installed on the risers of houses and apartments. The pressure regulator is the most important device for saving water consumption.

Features and purpose

The main purpose of the regulator is to optimize pressure and maintain it at the same level, to prevent the formation of loads and water hammer in the water supply system. This is ensured by a temporary cutoff of the fluid supply when the pressure rises above the established norm.

The instrument is a safety device with inlet and outlet threads. It can be equipped with a pressure gauge so that you can measure the pressure in the water supply, and a screw to regulate the pressure of the liquid.

To supply cold water, the regulator must be installed:

on utility and technological pipelines;
in fire extinguishing systems;
on the main pipeline in pumping stations;
at water filling points;
in irrigation and melioration systems.

Reasons for installing a pressure regulator:

Often the pressure rises above 3 atmospheres. This usually occurs in older apartment buildings.
Breakage of the meter and fogging of the glass as a result of a sharp increase or decrease in pressure, as well as poor quality of the device.

Benefits of using a regulator:

allows you to increase the service life of household appliances by optimizing the pressure in the consumer line;
water consumption drops when the pressure drops to normal;
protection of the water supply network from hydraulic shocks;
noise reduction;
reduces the risk of equipment failure during sudden pressure surges.

The reducer is not recommended to be installed if the private household has a full-fledged water supply system. Here, the relays, together with the hydraulic accumulator, act as a regulator, that is, they optimize pressure and dampen hydraulic shocks. And also there is no need to install a reducer if the water supply is common in apartment building. In this case, the water supply system includes a pumping station, a hydraulic accumulator, a pressure regulator and other necessary devices. They are serviced by public utilities.

Types and device

To date, the market is represented by a huge range of pressure regulators for use in everyday life and industry.

Depending on the technical features, gearboxes are classified according to:

working mechanism: piston or valve;
working mechanism: membrane or spring;
throughput: industrial (more than 16 m3), commercial (3 - 15 m3), household (less than 3 m3);
body material: cast iron, stainless steel, brass, nickel or chrome plating;
fastening method: flange or threaded connection;
type of workflow;
body size and type of flange connections.

The lever flange regulator is designed to optimize the pressure before and after the installation site, as well as to stabilize the pressure stresses. Lever reducer reduces pressure, noise, vibration, increases the service life of household hydraulic equipment.

Design features:

cast iron or steel body;
cover equipped with stuffing box seal;
stock;
access control lever with supports and load;
membrane actuator.

In these devices, the position of the working mechanism in relation to the saddle is different. Pressure regulation involves calculating the mass and choosing the location of the load on the lever.

The household water pressure regulator is a domestic device of the Pascal safety plumbing fittings factory. It is designed to reduce noise, vibration and pressure, increase the service life of hydraulic devices. The installation of regulators leads to a reduction in energy consumption, the cost of public water supply systems.

The direct acting pressure regulator is a pressure stabilizer that uses the energy of the mains flow.

Design features:

housing with flanges;
stem and bushings;
main valve;
membrane valve;
impulse tube.

Honeywell Water Pressure Regulator provides a decrease in excess pressure in the water supply system, stabilizes the parameters of the network, saves water consumption. The noiseless operation of the gearbox is due to the constant pressure through the flow area. The principle of operation of the device is based on the opposing forces of the diaphragm and the spring when exposed to too much pressure.

The manufacturer produces combined versions of filter elements with a control function and a flushing valve. The filter provides preliminary purification of water from solid particles, thereby improving its quality, increasing the life of the water supply and household appliances.

Device device:

body with threaded connection and a socket for a manometer;
adjustment knob equipped with a scale;
adjusting spring, which acts as a working body;
executive parts - valve and diaphragm.

A piston or mechanical regulator is one of the most common types of mechanisms designed to reduce pressure. Such popularity is due to the low cost relative to other types of regulators. Consists of an adjustable piston driven by spring force and valve pressure.

The principle of operation of a piston gearbox is based on a change in the nominal passage, as a result of which the water flow changes. If the pressure is insufficient, the valve may open to the entire nominal diameter of the pipeline.

The manufacturer on the device sets the factory pressure parameter equal to 3 bar. If there is a need to reduce the pressure in the pipeline, use a screwdriver to turn the adjusting head clockwise. One turn contributes to a resistance change of ½ bar.

The body of the piston pressure regulator is made of non-ferrous metal or stainless steel and consists of the following elements:

working element - piston;
spring;
screw for adjustment;
sealing rings.

In order for the water temperature to be kept at the same level, it is necessary to set the same pressure values \u200b\u200bin the pressure gauge in both the hot water supply system and the cold water supply system.

The piston design has several significant disadvantages. First, the fear of polluted water? therefore, if there is sand and rust in the water, the system should be equipped with fine and coarse filter elements. Secondly, the presence of moving parts that wear out quickly. As a result, the equipment fails.

The diaphragm regulator consists of an elastic diaphragm supported by a spring. In this case, the regulator is divided into two parts: the first part is in contact with the liquid, and the other is equipped with a spring and does not come into contact with the liquid medium. The membrane, due to the spring, acts on the valve, while the nominal diameter of the pipe increases. Since the membrane has elasticity. the chamber is “forced” to pass mechanical impurities that do not affect the main functions of the gearbox. The device is controlled by an adjusting screw.

The membrane mechanism does not require cleaning, its repair involves only the replacement of the diaphragm. The device is not equipped with moving parts driven from outside. Compared to a piston mechanism, a diaphragm regulator is considered more reliable in operation. But this device is distinguished by a high price, a large number of moving parts and the difficulty of replacing the mechanism.

Types of regulators are divided according to the type of control.

The electronic regulator is designed to turn on low-power pumping equipment when taking water from the water supply network. It is installed in apartments, private houses and cottages. An electronic device ensures that the pump is switched off to avoid running dry, prevents water hammer due to the electronic controller and reports changes in flow and pressure.

The equipment is quiet in operation. Installation is carried out to the first mark of the water intake point. Before putting into operation, it is imperative to fill the pump unit with water.

Structural parts:

frame;
lid;
polymer bushings for connecting an electric cable;
branch pipes for connection to the water main;
diaphragm;
electronic board;
electronic sensor in a protective casing.

Automatic regulators are equipped with special relays that allow you to adjust the water pressure. The equipment is a small-sized unit with a membrane and a pair of springs. The level of compression and return to its original position is regulated by means of nuts. A special relay acts as a pressure stabilizer in the water supply system, and also automates the process of controlling the pumping station.

Types of regulators at the place of installation on the pipeline:

Reducers "to themselves", that is, they optimize the pressure in the water supply to the regulator. They automatically maintain the set water pressure parameter by changing the nominal passage through the valve, which is in the open position until the set pressure in the network is set. This type of gearboxes is recommended to be installed at pumping stations and heating systems.
Reducers "after themselves" stabilize the water pressure, optimizing the pressure in the main pipeline. Are mounted behind the device in household pipelines.

Principle of operation

The pressure reducer is a valve that holds and regulates the pressure. The force of the flow changes the flow area, connects the valve plug to the seat, and then closes or opens the passage for fluid to enter on its own. An increase in pressure contributes to the complete or partial blocking of the passage.

The principle of operation of the device is based on the optimization of the forces of two types of equipment under water pressure. The spring membrane acts on the network pressure of the water supply from one side, and the spring acts on the membrane from the opposite side. When the pressure rises above the allowable one, the water presses the membrane jumper, which, in turn, causes the valve to move.

Criterias of choice

At the moment, many types of water pressure regulators for apartments and private houses are being produced, but their quality does not always correspond to the declared one. Therefore, you need to know some criteria for selecting devices to protect hydraulic equipment from high pressure and water hammer.

The body of the instruments is made of expensive materials such as stainless steel, brass and bronze. It is recommended to take several regulators and compare their weight. It is necessary to choose the device that is heavier and without burrs. You need to pay special attention to the connecting seams. Low-quality regulators are often sprayed.

It is best to contact a specialized company to purchase a quality device.

When choosing the best option for the regulator, it is necessary to take into account such parameters as throughput - water consumption per hour (in m3) and the unit of account, which makes it possible to reduce the pressure in the system. The local resistance formed on the site has little effect on the operation of the entire water supply system. The adjustable regulator depends on the sensitivity of the membrane, and its quality depends on the degree of compression of the spring and the material of manufacture. If there is only one spring, the tuning limit will be one. If the manufacturer has provided several springs that differ in the degree of rigidity, the device will more accurately respond to any changes in environmental conditions.

Normally, during operation, the reducer generates noise due to cavitation, which occurs due to an increase in the head velocity when entering the device. If the flow area is too narrow, then the likelihood of cavitation is very high. Therefore, when choosing a regulator, it is necessary to know the degree of cavitation and the regulated flow rate. These values can be viewed in the device passport.

Buy a device in the market, where all spare parts are laid out on improvised flooring. This means that the equipment is counterfeit and quite inexpensive.
Complete with the product must be a passport and a certificate of quality. Otherwise, you should refrain from purchasing a dubious device.
Acquire a device that is designed for other operating conditions.

Installation

The rules that establish requirements for water supply and sewerage systems indicate that the installation of water pressure regulators is carried out at the inlet after the shut-off and control valves to the registration devices. In this case, the gearbox will provide full protection for all hydraulic household devices, including the water meter and filtration units.

In order to optimize and measure the pressure in the main water supply and to avoid failures in the water supply system, it is recommended to install a special gearbox. The device for the apartment will also allow you to avoid possible breakdowns equipment due to water hammer.

The gearbox is mounted to the riser behind the metering devices and the cleaning filter. It is highly recommended that the water supply is located horizontally, and the reducer is between two shutoff valves. The pressure regulator must be mounted vertically, as mounting in a horizontal or inclined position is not permitted.

The installation process of the gearbox is no different from the installation of a water meter or a cleaning filter. The direction of water flow is indicated by an arrow on the body of the device, and the pressure gauge or socket for its location is located at the top of the regulator.

Before installing the gearbox, you should start work by shutting off the water, and if necessary, install inlet shut-off valves, where a mechanical cleaning filter element is attached. Also, one should not forget about the ball valve, which is mounted on the regulator's membrane tank.

Careful sealing of all connecting seams is carried out. In order not to damage the gearbox, it is advisable to carry out all sealing operations with tow, which will avoid the formation of leaks.

Devices for private households are designed to perform the same function as for apartments. Pumping stations are used only for the water supply of private houses. Reducers are installed at the place where the home network is connected to the pipeline. You should also take care of the cleaning filter, which is mounted at the inlet to the domestic pipeline. Up to pressure regulator pumping station and after that shut-off valves are installed.

Adjustment

The most optimal pressure value is 2-4 kg / cm2. Since this is very difficult to achieve, it is necessary to understand the process of adjusting the pressure reducer.

Different models of regulators differ in the speed of action. When leaking, the pressure energy decreases by 1.5-1 bar. After a while, the pressure rises and becomes slightly lower than the static value. The optimum water pressure at the outlet should be more than 1.5 kg/cm2 less value at the entrance. Otherwise, this will lead to a slow movement of water in the water supply.

The manufacturer performs the initial adjustment of the device. Household regulators must have a standard pressure of 3 atmospheres. In the event that the operating pressure of the water supply system does not match this value, it is necessary to adjust the parameters yourself.

Adjustment of a reducer depends on the manometer. The adjusting screw is turned until the pressure gauge begins to show the test values. Such a screw is mounted on the compensator housing. You can rotate it with a hex wrench. When turning in the direction of increasing or decreasing pressure, the spring is weakened or compressed, which presses on the piston or valve.

If there is no socket for a pressure gauge in the regulator, it is mounted separately on the water supply section. The pressure load of the network must correspond to the accuracy class of the pressure measuring device and the measurement range. The error of the parameters will lead to a deterioration in the performance of household equipment.

The adjustment process is as follows:

valve opening;
closure of all water intake points;
setting the required pressure value;
opening water intake points and checking the pressure indicator on the pressure gauge.

Adjustment of the gearbox is carried out with the network running and the presence of water pressure. Thus, you can notice the difference in parameters on the pressure gauge after unscrewing with the adjusting screw. The adjustment process is not recommended in the absence of a pressure gauge, as this may lead to a failure of the factory settings of the device.

When installing a water pressure regulator, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

the automatic valve must be located in a heated and accessible place;
the body of the device must be isolated from pressure from the outside;
the arrow on the regulator must correspond to the direction of water flow;
before installing the device, it is necessary to remove dirt, silt and scale from the pipes;
installing a strainer will ensure improved operation of the device;
shut-off valves are installed for carrying out Maintenance, dismantling and replacement.

Dwelling water supply refers to complex hydraulic structures, the organization of which must be carried out in accordance with all the rules.

Accidents in the system can occur both due to errors in the installation of pipes or plumbing fixtures, and due to violation of operating rules. The latter include such a common phenomenon as pressure surges in the pipeline, to combat which special devices are used - pressure regulators.

Purpose of pressure regulators

Devices are able to simultaneously perform a number of important functions. The first of these is the prevention of pressure increase. Almost all household plumbing fixtures are capable of operating in the mode up to 3 atm. Exceeding this parameter is fraught with overloads for the water supply system at home. As a result, the service life of functional units on washing and dishwashers, the reliability of connecting adapters, gaskets decreases.

Pressure regulators prevent water hammer. We are talking about sudden drops in water pressure that occur due to malfunctions of pumping equipment or improper use of valves. Water hammer can lead to very disastrous consequences, including pipeline ruptures and breakdowns of boiler units. Sometimes pressure surges are so large that the boiler explodes.

Another useful feature is water saving. By adjusting, you can significantly reduce its consumption. For example, if the pressure is reduced from 6 to 3 atm, the savings can reach 20-25% (during the opening of the tap, a smaller jet will be released).

Hydro regulators help to reduce noise when using faucets and taps. The reason for the annoying hum of the fittings lies in the increased pressure, due to which the water pressure after opening the valve acquires a limiting force. Thanks to the regulator, the water pressure becomes stable and decreases to optimal values.

In the event of a pipeline rupture, water losses will decrease, as the device reacts to the pressure drop by reducing the water supply. Basically, regulators (reducers) are equipped with water supply systems of private houses, where they, together with a hydraulic accumulator, are switched to a circulation pump.

Device features

Water pressure regulators are presented on the plumbing equipment market in several varieties. According to the place of installation, the devices are divided into two groups:

"to yourself". The flow voltage is stabilized in front of the reducer;
"after myself". The water pressure stabilizes behind the installation point.

Regardless of the principle of operation, any pressure switch consists of the following structural elements:

valve (piston). Performs the function of the core of the device;
springs (membranes);
corps. Can be cast iron, brass or steel.

In addition to the standard set of parts, some models are additionally equipped with a pressure gauge, a coarse filter, an air valve and a ball valve.

By throughput, regulators are divided into household (0.5-3 m3), commercial (3-15 m3) and industrial (over 15 m3).

Types of regulators

According to the principle of operation, high pressure hoses are piston, membrane, flow, automatic and electronic.

Piston

The most simple design of water pressure valves (they are also called mechanical). Pressure adjustment is carried out by a compact spring-loaded piston due to a decrease or increase in the through passage. To adjust the outgoing water pressure, the device has a special valve: by rotating it, you can weaken or compress the spring.

To weaknesses piston regulators attribute their sensitivity to the presence of debris in the water: piston clogging is main reason breakdowns. To prevent such phenomena, a special filter is usually included in the gearbox kit. Another disadvantage is big number moving mechanical components, which affects the degree of reliability of the gearbox. The piston device is able to regulate the pressure in the mode of 1-5 atm.

Membrane

Very reliable and unpretentious devices, which make it possible to adjust the water pressure over a wide range (0.5-3 m3 / h). For domestic conditions, this is a very decent indicator.

The core of the device is a spring-loaded membrane: in order to avoid clogging, a self-contained sealed chamber is used to install it. The recoil from a compressing or expanding spring is transferred to a small valve, which is responsible for the size of the cross section of the outlet channel. The cost of membrane limiters is quite high. Due to the complexity of replacement, this procedure is usually performed by experienced plumbers.

Flowing

A feature of this model of water pressure regulators is that there are no moving elements in it. This has a beneficial effect on the reliability and service life of the devices.

The pressure is reduced due to the intricacies of narrow channels. Water during the passage of numerous turns is divided into separate sleeves, at the end again merging into one, but not so fast. In domestic use, flow reducers can be found in irrigation systems. The disadvantage of the device is the need for an additional output regulator.

Automatic

A small assembly consisting of a membrane and a pair of springs. To change the compression force, special nuts are used. When the inlet water has a weak pressure, this leads to a weakening of the membrane. The increase in pressure in the pipe provokes an increase in compression.

Under the influence of the spring, the contacts on the automatic pressure reducer either open or close again. This, in turn, turns the circulation pump of the forced water system on and off. The design of automatic high pressure hoses basically duplicates membrane devices, differing only in the presence of two correction screws for setting the operating pressure range.

Electronic

A special mechanism monitors the pressure of water in the pipe, for which a motion sensor is used. After processing the received data, a decision is made to turn on the pumping station. The electronic regulator will block the pump from turning on if the pipeline is not filled with water. The structure includes the main body, sensors, the electronic circuit of the board, the switching sleeve (thanks to it, the supply wire is turned on) and threaded pipes for connecting to the system.

The design of the stabilizer has a convenient display to show the characteristics of the water flow. Mechanical regulators are sometimes not able to effectively protect the system from dry running, which is why it is necessary to constantly monitor it for the presence of water. In contrast, electronic models with a controller are able to constantly monitor the filling with water. Reducers of this type operate almost silently, reliably protecting all components from hydraulic shocks.

Mounting Features

According to the regulations for water and sewer systems, a water pressure regulator must be mounted at the inlet between the shut-off valve and the meter. In this case, it is guaranteed reliable protection all hydraulic devices, including metering and filtration devices.

Installation rules in the apartment

Most often, a water pressure reducer in apartments is needed for safety net - to reduce the pressure in the pipe.

Note! The optimal mounting point is on the riser, immediately behind the meter and the filtration unit.

The first step is to assemble the device with obligatory installation on the side holes of the plugs. In the future, pressure gauges are mounted on these pipes. It is best to place the water pipe horizontally: the high pressure hose in such a scheme has a shut-off valve before and after itself. When installed in apartments, the gearbox must be positioned strictly vertically (mounting horizontally or with an inclination is strictly prohibited).

Installing an apartment relay in many ways resembles a similar procedure with a hot and cold water metering device or a coarse filter. To indicate the direction of fluid movement, the body of the product is marked with an index ( seat for the pressure gauge is located in the upper part of the housing). Getting Started installation work, shut off the water supply, warning the neighbors in advance (if the installation is carried out on the riser). Work on polypropylene pipes will require the use of special adapters (as a rule, they are included with the product).

In some cases, it would be useful to include an inlet shut-off valve equipped with a strainer in the regulator piping. A prerequisite is the presence of a ball valve on the water pressure regulator. All connecting joints must be well sealed to avoid leaks, for which they use tow or FUM tape. Having installed the seal, the connections are tightened with a gas wrench. It is important not to overdo it, given the fact that in most cases brass fixing nuts are used, which have medium strength. Installation work is quite complicated, therefore, in the absence of proper experience, professional plumbers are invited to perform them.

The specifics of the installation of high pressure hoses in a private house

A water pressure regulator in a private house carries the same functional load as in an apartment. The difference lies only in the presence of a pump in the system that maintains the necessary pressure. HPH in combination with pumping equipment is installed in such a way that the pressure gauge points upwards. The point of installation of the device is the place where the home system is connected to the main pipe or supply from the well (after the water meter). For ease of installation, some manufacturers sell regulators complete with the pump.

When organizing the piping of the regulator, it is important not to forget about the coarse filter (if it is not present in the circuit initially). The filter installation point is the entrance to the house pipe. On both sides (as in apartments), the high-pressure hoses are equipped with shut-off valves. To stabilize the flow force, after tying the device, a straight line is installed (the length of this section is 5 working diameters). All work must be carried out by a person with the appropriate skills.

Setup and maintenance

Special standards for the operation of domestic water supply systems recommend that the outlet water pressure be in the range of 2-3.5 kg / cm2. This mode can only be obtained by adjusting the water pressure reducer. Action speed various models RWD is different. The flow of the system provokes a decrease in the pressure force by about 1.5 atm (the exact figure depends on the specifics of the circuit). After a few seconds, there is an increase in pressure to below average. The ideal parameter of the output value should be inferior to the input value by at least 1.5 kg/cm2, otherwise this will lead to a noticeable deceleration of the velocity of the fluid through the pipes.

These standards are important to consider when setting up water pressure reducers. To determine that the gearbox is not working correctly, paired pressure gauges or control fluid intake in front of the pressure regulator will help. It is possible to adjust the high pressure hose only if the system is in working order and it has the required fluid pressure. Having created such conditions, in the course of rotation of the adjusting screws, you can easily determine all the changes in indicators that occur (this will be displayed on the pressure gauge). Without a measuring device, such manipulations are not recommended, as this can lead to a violation of the factory settings.

During the operation of the HPH, it is necessary to control the pressure in the system. If the output parameters of the device cannot be adjusted, the membrane is most likely damaged. Sometimes water begins to seep through the joints on the case. Any signs of breakage serve as a signal to dismantle and disassemble the device. Most often, the membrane is injured by a rusty spring or rod. These assemblies, along with seals, can be found in repair kits available at your plumbing supply store.