Pressure Reducing Valves Explained - How to Replace a Pressure Regulator or Adjust Water Pressure

What is a Pressure Reducing Valve? How to replace a Pressure Regulator? How to Adjust Water Pressure. The pressure reducing valve, a.k.a pressure regulator valve (PRV) is device installed at the main water entry pipe of your home, reducing the water district's high pressure to a lower, safer pressure rate. Most common sizes are; 3/4", 1", 1 1/4".
In this video I am showcasing how to measure, increase or decrease the pressure of the pressure reducing valve as well as how to replace the water pressure regulator valve in your home.
The water district provides water at high pressure to every house in the neighborhood(usually 120psi-160psi), to ensure that all homes get plenty of water flow. Your homes, PRV reduces the water pressure to a safe 50psi-70psi. If you live in a master planned community, chances are you have a Pressure Regulator. If you live in an rural area, you might not have one, however with near-by new homes development, the water district might increase their pressure to ensure proper water delivery for future homes, which can result in your home needing to get a Pressure Reducing Valve installed as a result of the increased pressure in the water district's pipes.
Once you get one installed you may adjust the pressure by turning the bolt on it. Turn clockwise to increase the pressure and counterclockwise to reduce the water pressure. Ideal pressure is 50-60psi. When reducing the pressure, remove the pressure gauge and release old pressure, then recheck.
If you have an existing PRV and if you like to replace it. You might be able to do it yourself if the Pressure Regulator is attached to the pipe with unions. Just buy the same exact make and model, turn off the water to the house, drain the pipes and perform the operation. Only replace the rubber washers that come with the new one.

Below are Amazon links to the most common pressure regulators and the tolls you need to replace yours:

3/4 Zurn-Wilkins Pressure Regulator - https://amzn.to/33e9vWO

1" Zurn-Wilkins Pressure Regulator - https://amzn.to/3t9Uxf5 or https://amzn.to/331CNYT

1 1/4" Turn-Wilkins Pressure Regulator - https://amzn.to/3F1KDyE

3/4" Watts Pressure Regulator - https://amzn.to/3f1Liph

1" Watts Pressure Regulator - https://amzn.to/3th9lZo

Pressure Gauge Hose Bib Connection - https://amzn.to/3ENOShb or https://amzn.to/3mP8hbg or https://amzn.to/3qGQDrs

My favorite pliers sets:
- 16 " Pliers(you need this for the 1 1/4" PRV) - https://amzn.to/3qX15Lr

- Single Pliers Medium Size - https://amzn.to/3sZfwBc

- Two Pliers Set, Medium & Large - https://amzn.to/3znkMQC

- Three Pliers Set, Small, Medium & Large - https://amzn.to/3pMuyII

- Solder torch - https://amzn.to/3zjAYlA

- Solder - https://amzn.to/3zkoSIX

- Soldering Flux - https://amzn.to/3zno06G

- Solder brush - https://amzn.to/32U17vs