I have been told that I need an expansion tank and maybe even a pressure regulator on my water line. Could I install just the pressure reg on my water line into the tank? I have been told that my water line pressure is about 100psi. In this area of town. Is it a job for a plumber or could we do it ourselves? Pressure relief valve opens on top of the tank a releases water after every shower.

Hi Rubaduba...

Easy enough to install a pressure regulator if you have some basic soldering tools and some basic mechanical skills. You definitely need a pressure regulator (see picture). They even sell some fittings that do not require you to solder... so more than possible!

However, I can't imagine a plumber would charge much more to install this than you would spend for the right tools and supplies so may be best to leave this to him... but if you like we are glad to talk you through this...why we area here... ;)

Then, I say after regulator is installed you see what happens. Most water heater installations do not require an expansion tank unless you have a closed system such as a check valve in a recirculating hot water line or say a sprinler system, etc...

Let me know what you think...

MARK

Mark is giving you great advice. However, we really should confirm that PSI before we do anything. Do you own or can you get your hands on a pressure gauge that we can slice onto the drain spigot of the water heater?

Bob.. I swear I started with a picture of a hosebib pressure gauge AND a pressure regulator! Took so long to post that regulator picture that the hose bib gauge disappeared and I forgot about it! Thank you.

Here's a pic. Of what Bob was talking about! This is definitely the first place to start... about $10.00 at home depot... ;)

You will use the hose bib pressure gauge to find out beginning PSI and later, after the pressure regulator is installed so you can set and confirm the new pressure setting. Of course, depends on if you are doing this or a plumber??

Let us know.

MARK

Yep, Mark, I noticed the (see picture) and there was none so I just tried to fill in the pieces.

In my region, we are required to install water pressure regulator on any system that has pressure over 75 psi - that means on every house here.