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Cybertrout · Feb 7, 2008, 02:07 PM

Our home is nine years old. Last week the water pressure in the house began to fluctuate while being used. The pipes now make a mild rattling or vibrating noise when water is flowing. Also the water supply in the house actually shut-off for about two hours during the day and then returned. The water shutting off for over an hour during the day happened again four days later.

I was told that the problem is probably the water regulator valve under the house, and that I could replace it myself.

Any comments or thoughts regarding this issue would be appreciated.

Thank You

massplumber2008 · Feb 7, 2008, 02:20 PM

The pressure regulator valve.. The pressure reducing valve.. Which one.. Let us know the type of pipe... the size of pipe as well. Do you know how to solder.. Get back to us...

Does this valve have a union fitting on one side... both sides..?

KISS · Feb 7, 2008, 02:29 PM

Most houses don't have one, but some need them.

Cybertrout · Feb 7, 2008, 03:41 PM

The water supply line under the house is 3/4" copper pipe and the valve has union joints on both sides. Unable to read the metal tag on the valve to give a brand name. The water main from the street has pressure over 100lbs so all of the homes around here (Carson City, Nv.) have regulators and they are set at 50lbs.

Thank You

massplumber2008 · Feb 7, 2008, 04:45 PM

Then I would shut the water main, remove the pressure reducing valve, take to shop/bench area in basement and see if you can remove the strainer assembly on bottom... if can remove strainer, then do so and replace and try it out again. If that does not fix then you must rmove valve, take to nearest plumbing supply house and ask for replacement 3/4" copper x copper, pressure reducing valve (100psi to 50psi range or similar).

You will not be able to match up union ends...(YOU WISH!!) so you will need to cut into the 3/4" copper pipe and install it. Once installed will need to confirm pressure... may even want to increase your pressure a bit... so save instructions that come with valve! To confirm pressure, home supply stores sell a pressure gauge on a female hose fitting so you can hook to outside faucet and take a reading... purchase this along with the following:

Get a mappgas torch at home supply store (about 35 dollars), flux, flux brush, sandcloth, 3/4" cleaning brush and 1lb lead free solder on a roll.. then get back to us and we will help from there.

Cybertrout · Feb 8, 2008, 04:14 PM

Massplumber2008:

Thanks so much for your input. I purchased a Watts brand regulator and was able to install it this afternoon. And you were correct, the union ends did not match. I had to cut both sides in order to make the connection, but that was not a big deal once I got started.

Water now flows with good pressure and no noise in the pipes. Thanks again!