Posted: 3/21/2005 12:01:36 PM EDT
| I need to install a PRV in my house. Well outside actually. I have a couple of questions, I am handy, just not with plumbing. Is this a job I should tackle myself? I am on a slab so I would have to dig a little. And if it is not a job I should tackle myself how much should be about right to get it done? |
I tried but they want 300 bucks and after my kid being in the hospital for a week I can't afford that. I am looking for a cheaper way. |
| It needs to be placed on the main line coming into your house,you shouldn't have to dig just find where the main enters and install it there.Don't forget you will need to install an expansion tank on the cold feed to your hot water tank or you will keep popping your t+p valve.If you have a copper main line it is an easy solder job,I would charge you around $275.00 parts and labor if you had my company do it. |
I am on a slab and the incoming is in the front yard. I have to install it after the incoming right? |
50PSI will not mess up your faucets...60 won't either. Who told you this and what problems are your fauctes having? Is the problem on the hotside of the faucet or the cold side or both? MT |
I think he has 50# TOO MUCH pressure anywhere from 60-80# is safe for fixtures |
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It is a problem all over the house. My toilets are the main problem. They run constantly. The faucets are not the major problem. And at my hot water heater it is dripping water into the pan they said somehting about some kind of releif valve there driping because of the pressure. |
I can understand, and I am sorry that your son was in the hospital. One piece of free legal advice before you undertake this. Drag out a copy of your Home Owner's Insurance Policy and look under "Covered Perils" and "Exclusions.” I have recently seen an exclusion in a HO policy for damage caused by repair/remodel/renovation. Make sure that you check carefully, because if the HO has this listed as an exclusion any resulting water damage may not be covered. I only offer this as a warning because I know how bad my plumbing skills are and I don't want to see you flooding your house on top of your already tight finances. If a plumber or other professional takes care of this and they screw the job up then you have a party who can be held financially responsible for any mistakes. Good luck. SBG |
you are correct...lol|
Here the city makes us install the PRV before the meters. The high pressure blows the meters apart too. If you have room in your pit I would install it there. You may be able to get it in with threaded fittings and nipples. If you don't know how to solder copper pipe and fittings it's better to have a plumber or a friend who knows how do it. Watch and learn. |
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Like already mentioned, install the valve close to the meter and outside the house if at all possible. If it leaks there, it won't destroy your house. There should be a shut off at the meter. If there is already a pressure valve there that is bad, just replace it. If not, find out what kind of water pipe you have and get the propper fittings to connect up your new valve. If you have to splice a valve in where there was none before, just dig a BIG hole atound the pipe to give you some working room. Shut off the water, then go depressurize the lines by cracking a valve in the house. You will need fittings suited to the type pipe you have (various plastic, copper, whatever), a box (like the meter box, plastic ones available at the home center will work), your new pressure valve, and something to cut the water line. Measure carefully and have at it. It will probably take longer to get everything you need than it does to install it. Once done, make sure you leak check everything before you cover every thing up. I like to leak check 2 or 3 days in a row before I am satisfied. |