To ensure a stable water pressure in the apartment, in order to exclude possible differences in water supply and prevent possible breakdowns that can be caused by water hammer, it is necessary to use special devices. They will help to establish the work of the specified system and keep your plumbing safe and sound. These devices are a pressure reducer (regulator) of water pressure (RD) or a shock absorber. Their use is important in domestic conditions.
Device application
The regulator maintains the initial pressure and does not allow the output to exceed the norm, thereby stabilizing it. In this regard, household appliances remain in good condition. If a water heater is installed in your home, then in this case the water pressure regulator in the apartment will become a reliable assistant in maintaining the operational properties of this device.
As a result, it will be advisable to use the specified device. Also dangerous for plumbing and appliances is water hammer. It can cause considerable damage to the specified system. It arises with a change in the flow of water and its speed with a small period of time. This shock causes cracks in the pipes. As a result, in the near future there is damage to the water supply canal and its other elements.
In this case, the installation of a water pressure regulator is important. A sharp jump in it can disrupt the operation of washing machines, dishwashers, mixers, heat exchangers, pumps, that is, almost any equipment in your home that connects to the water supply system.
Product variety
Pressure regulators are of two types:
- Diaphragm gearboxes . They do not have expansion tanks for extinguishing pressure , since they have the properties of its settlement in a wide range.
- Piston In these reducers, the outlet and inlet pressure are regulated.
According to their distinctive properties, these products are divided into the following subtypes:
By performance :
- Household water pressure regulator - 3 m³ / h.
- Commercial gearbox with an average capacity of 3-15 m³ / h.
- Industrial - 15 m³ / h.
According to the connection principle :
- They are connected to the water supply network with a diameter of up to 50 mm with a threaded sleeve. For example, when installing the regulator D06F.
- With a flange connection, it is possible to connect pipes with a diameter of 50-450 mm to the water supply. For example, this is how the water pressure regulator (RD) of the D15P and DR300 brands is installed.
On the pressure adjustment scale :
- With a wide range - from 1.5 to 12.0 bar. For example, D15P and D06FH.
- With fine adjustment - from 0.5 to 2.0 bar. For example, D15NP and D06FN.
By critical pressure of incoming water :
- At the entrance to 16 bar. For example, the regulator brand D15P.
- At the entrance to 25 bar. For example, D17P.
By the maximum value of water temperature :
- For cold should be up to +40 ° C. For example, a gearbox of the brand D06F-A.
- For hot water, the temperature should be up to +70 . For example, D06F-.
It can be noted that these products are distinguished by the fineness of filtering the mesh for primary cleaning, the presence of a transparent flask for cold water, as well as the connection of pressure gauges, the connection of which can be axial or radial. Also, gearboxes can have specially built-in air filters or be made without them in advance. It depends directly on the tasks for which they were made. Their installation can be carried out directly in the highway or as part of blocks. Thus, the gearbox can be installed in domestic as well as in industrial water supply to reduce the excessive pressure of the flowing fluid to a safe value. This is one of the main properties of this device.
The water pressure regulator in the apartment: principle of operation
The principle of operation of the pressure reducer itself is to compensate for changes in the inlet pressure, and the outgoing pressure after the passage of time remains unchanged. This also protects the water pressure regulator with pressure gauge from failure, and also helps prevent water hammer. In other words, this device helps to balance the effort. For example, if there is a decrease in the outlet pressure indicator, then the increased voltage of the device spring causes the valve to open. It affects the regulation of water flow. As a result of this, the output pressure will be increased until the specified spring is balanced by the diaphragm force.
Such a property is important. The hot water pressure regulator is identical in principle to its existing counterparts. The specified device can be mounted on pipe branches of risers.
Do-it-yourself water pressure regulator installation
This process is not so complicated if you have some skills in this area. Of course, the installation of this product should be carried out by a repairman who has received specialized qualifications, but it happens that waiting for the master is simply unrealistic, so you have to do everything yourself.
The principle of installation of this device is the same as that of a conventional water meter. It is advisable to install the water pressure regulator in the apartment in a horizontal position, but if there is no choice, then it is also allowed in the vertical. If the system does not have shut-off valves, then it is imperative to carry out their installation.
Necessary Details
To perform this work, you will need: a regulator, several shut-off valves (for input and output), a water purification filter, a pipe or adjustable wrench, a tow and special grease for it.
Installation steps
We proceed directly to the controller installation process:
- Initially, it is required to shut off the water.
- Then it is necessary to cut a piece of pipe with a size such that the complete assembly, which includes two valves, a pressure regulator and a cleaning filter, can accurately enter the hole.
- Then the thread should be cut. This is done if necessary, because provided that they are mounted on plastic pipes, pre-prepared elements are soldered, which can be purchased at any plumbing store.
- On soldered or threaded threads (after having screwed 4-5 turns of tow), it is necessary to wind the shut-off valve clockwise. Just do not in this case make too much effort, because the brass valve can burst in the thinnest place.
- Next, we set the coarse filter and regulator, strictly with the pressure gauge up.
- Then, gaskets of a certain size should seal the joints or tow, where necessary.
- The gearbox itself needs to be mounted only at the counter, since a valve and a coarse filter are placed between them. In this case, the correct location of these elements should be taken into account.
- Next, we install a second valve behind the pressure regulator, it will further facilitate the dismantling of this device.
Setup process
After mounting the gearbox, you must configure it. To do this, you must initially close the tap at the entrance, and open at the exit. Then it is necessary to turn the adjusting screw clockwise with a special key to increase pressure and in the opposite direction to decrease it. The required value on the pressure gauge should be about 3 atmospheres. If the regulator does not have a pressure gauge, then the factory setting is used.
Tip
When you independently purchase this device, you need to pay attention not to the diameter of the pipes in the apartment, but to the consumption of used water in them. This is important to remember. The difference in the indicated diameters is eliminated upon the acquisition of adapters. It is also necessary to buy a filter for mechanical cleaning and two auxiliary valves, without which the connection would be impossible.
Conclusion
Analyzing the above, it is safe to say that the installed water pressure regulator in the apartment or in the house guarantees high-quality uninterrupted operation of your household appliances during pressure drops and pressure surges in the system. This is important for everyone. Also, this device will save plumbing, ensure the normal operation of the water supply, and protect against water hammer. Therefore, do not forget about such a device as a water pressure regulator, the price of which is quite affordable for everyone (from 240 to 12,000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer, as well as on the design and brand of the product).