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Letters  

Check water pressure valve

Amongst other things I’m a retired plumber. Occasionally I get called upon to help folks with plumbing problems.

I have found that virtually every home over 40 years old has a failing pressure reducing valve (PRV). A properly functioning PRV should deliver water pressure at no more than 60 pounds per square inch (60 PSI). Typically street water pressure is 120 PSI or more and can surge.

Water pressure of 120 PSI is bad news for aging hot water tanks and may invalidate warranties. Aging copper pipes and the now popular cross linked PVC pipes are also at risk.

So, it’s best to prevent these problems by checking out your PRV. You can hire a pro or do it yourself. Water pressure gauges are no that expensive. Properly fitted, they can be attached to any threaded fitting such as a hose bib (an outdoor tap you attach your garden hose to).

If it’s close to 120 PSI, you should get it replaced pronto. If it’s just over 60 PSI, you can try turning counter clockwise and see if the water pressure drops. Usually one turn should drop pressure by 5 PSI. If it doesn’t reduce water pressure, your PRV is suspect and should be monitored.

Steve Burke, West Kelowna



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