Pressure Regulator Whats Wrong?

Chris Williams_3

Hi, I installed a watts pressure regulator and it seemed perfect the model is the N45B-M1, didn't seem like anything too too tough, but it worked great. It turned my 150psi water down to 55psi. Worked super, then I left it and came home and found the pressure had crept back up to 130 and as soon as I runa facuet it came back down, but of course the initial burst is still there. This went right from a water meter into it, and then out. Thank you very much
Chris

Ray Landry_2

Chris it sounds like you need to install a potable water expansion tank at the cold inlet to your hot water heater. Now that the PRV is installed it acts like a check valve and doesnt allow the water to espand when heated, thus raising your systems pressure.

Empire_2

Nice job Ray

Just another tip, The tank air side diaphram has to be set @ the regulated pressure. Many different sized to choose from.

Mike T.

Cosmo_3

Things to check

Ray had a good post, if in fact you installed on a water supply system that has a domestic water heater yes, you need a properly sized expansion tank, and as was mentioned make sure to increase the pressure in the air bladder of the expansion tank to the same psi as your regulated water pressure.

Another thing to check is for debris that might have gotten stuck in the regulator. I believe the model you mentioned has a double union so that removal is easy (that is if you have isolating valves!), it is worth a look see. I had a couple of regulators, and backflow preventers not work because of "junk" getting in the way...


Cosmo Valavanis

Chris Williams_4

Thank you VERY much, its funny when I called Watts they said that it was 99% chance that I wouldnt need the tank you suggested. I decided to take your advice since it made sense, and I am sure no surprise to you, you were absolutely right and it seems that my pressure problems are gone and I only needed to spend $35 to add this tank and clearly this house always needed it since the h20 heater press relief was weeping quite a bit. Thank you VERY VERY MUCH for your help a week of a lot of frustration appears to be at an end. Thank you

JK_4

Still needed

The tank would not have worked without the pressure regulator so don't think that it was a waste. Just wanted to you feel better about the money spent.

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Jerry_15

All right on advice, and glad it's fixed, but I have had brand new regulators creep without the hot water even on. Yeah, they replaced it for free, but what a pain.

Unknown

that's strange

My watts rep in chicagoland area always recommeded exp tank with any back flo preventor or pressure reducing device on ANY heating vessels....