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Plumbing Question

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1865
1865 Posts: 18
in Plumbing

My apologies as this in not related to heating.

I noticed a water leak at the first pressure gauge after the main main water shut off gate valve in my basement. The gauge is partially filled with water and seems to be leaking at the base around the threads.

I’m worried that if this completely fails (I don’t know this gauge’s internal construction) water is going be gushing out. Added issue is that the electrical box sits very close to it.

Is the an ASAP, call a plumber tonight on a Saturday issue, or could I possibly try to turn off the gate valve myself and replace the pressure gauge with a threaded plug (I’d have to go to Home Depot).

Note: There is a ball valve located after the gate valve which I would shut prior to closing the gate valve to do the work

Also, do I risk the gate valve leaking after I shut it off and open after a plug is installed?

Thank you.


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Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Posts: 20,951

    The valve at the meter inlet from the street is not a gate valve as those are not made in an angle configuration. Its a angle globe valve.

    I would open a faucet partway somewhere and start closing the globe valve. If the water flow stops then the valve holds. Don't kill the valve just snug it up. If the valve leaks by a little you can still remove the gauges since it is threaded fittings

    The reason for the pressure gauges is that you have a presure reducing valve and the gauges are for the adjustment of that valve. If it were me I would remove both gauges and install 2 1/4" brass nipples and 2 1/4" threaded ball valves and 2 1/4" brass plugs or 1 new gauge on the pipe going to the house.

    Since it just started leaking I would make the swap during the week when you can get a hold of the plumber or city water dept if you have an issue but I think you will be fine.

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Posts: 1,944
    edited 12:39AM

    That’s a strange setup. The gauge is bad as I’m sure you’ve guessed.
    Not a critical repair but I wouldnt wait weeks. Concur with your plan; close the valve located just before the water meter, remove the bad gage (both actually) and plug the tees.
    Should take 15 minutes.
    You'd need a crescent (adjustable) wrench, Teflon tape and 2 plugs.

  • 1865
    1865 Posts: 18

    Thank you both for the feedback.


    If I was to plug both t’s I would be eliminating and way to gauge water pressure internally.

    I recall the first gauge being pinned perse, maybe the incoming water pressure was greater than the gauge’s max reading (?). The pressure gauge after the pressure reducer reads 70psi.

    Wouldn’t I want to at least keep the pressure gauge after the pressure reducer…just replacing it with a new one?

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Posts: 1,944
    edited 2:43AM

    Most house do not have pressure gauges permanently installed; you may see in homes with well water system but it’s unusual otherwise. If required, a inexpensive gauge can be attached to hose bid.
    If you wish to keep the gauges, be sure to install a 1/4 turn shutoff valve in front of gauge as @EBEBRATT-Ed recommended.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Posts: 28,215

    I would replace both gauges and add a couple gauge cocks 1/4 male x female

    70 psi is fairly high and if the upstream gauge reads 70, the PRV may be bad

    IMG_3311.jpeg
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream

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