Water pressure reducer in the water supply system: purpose, device, regulation rules

The water supply system does not only consist of pipes that transport water to supply points. It includes devices and mechanisms to stabilize the operation of the pipeline.

One of these elements is the water pressure reducer in the water supply system - the device solves the problems associated with changes in fluid pressure. It is also called a pressure reducing valve.

We will figure out in which cases it is necessary to use a gearbox, how the device works, and what are the design features of various modifications. In addition, we describe the installation technology and give an example of the adjustment of a pressure reducing valve.

What is a pressure reducer?

WFD (water pressure reducer) is not installed on all systems. For example, in typical city apartments, where water is supplied in a centralized manner, it cannot be found. But this does not mean that the pressure is not regulated, just the device is installed in the pipeline to apartment wiring.

Autonomous water supply, as well as centralized, also needs to be regulated by pressure. It is also necessary at industrial enterprises, farms, public institutions - wherever the water supply system operates. Let us consider in more detail what role the pressure reducing valve plays and whether it is necessary.

The additional installation of the airborne detonating system in the in-house wiring ensures the stability of the water temperature, regardless of the actions of neighbors on turning on / off the taps

Purpose and principle of operation

A simple construction mechanism, however, performs very important functions. It protects not only the water supply system itself from pressure drops, but also equipment connected to it and sensitively responding to changes in water pressure.

A few reasons to install the WFD:

Only with stable water pressure heating equipment fulfills its service life and does not require frequent repairs. It is noticed that if there is a gearbox in the boiler piping that stabilizes the pressure of the water, the equipment lasts longer and its parts do not wear out so quickly.

In urban high-rise buildings, pressure-reducing valves are installed in the nodes connecting the common house systems with the central highway, as well as on the risers of the cold water and hot water

The main function of a water pressure reducer is to regulate the pressure of water in the pipeline, to protect against water hammer and other troubles associated with a sharp increase or pressure surges. Most often, the gearbox is installed between the valve for supplying water to an autonomous or internal system and the point of consumption.

The operation of the pressure reducing valve consists in automatic adjustment, that is, for full functioning it is not necessary to connect additional equipment or mechanisms. In the case of increasing water pressure, the device independently reduces the performance, so that the water supply to boilers, boilers and taps is normalized.

Description of the work process:

• well water or a centralized system moves with a certain stable pressure;
• for technical or other reasons, a pressure surge occurs, there is a risk of failure of equipment connected to the water supply system;
• water under increased pressure enters the gearbox, acts on the spring or membrane;
• the cross section of the valve automatically decreases, followed by a decrease in pressure;
• the liquid gets to the water taps at a pressure not exceeding the established norms.

The pressure surge arising in the water supply system is called water hammer.

It can happen both in a multi-storey building and in a cottage, and the result of a sudden increase in standard parameters is the failure of expensive equipment or pipeline elements.

A reducer in a heating or water supply system is an additional insurance against accidents, leaks, flooding with unpleasant consequences for homeowners, and sometimes “lower” neighbors

Thus, the WFD is the main tool to prevent undesirable consequences from water hammer, which can be independently installed in the home water supply system.

The regulatory framework can be found in the documentation - GOST 55023, GOST 12678, methodical literature of the Research Institute of Plumbing.

Types and design features

Household regulators should be distinguished from industrial and commercial, and not only in size. In households, productivity is much lower - on average 3 m³ / h, while in industrial valve gearboxes to reduce water pressure it reaches 15 m³ / h and higher.

Household appliances are usually connected to the water supply system in a clutch manner, and more productive ones are installed on the trunk lines using flanges.

Almost all gearboxes are made from metals, most often from brass or brass alloys. The body is made in the form of a cross, the side pipes are designed for threaded connections to the pipeline, the upper and lower for additional devices, for example, a pressure gauge.

There are two types of gearboxes that differ in design:

• piston;
• membrane.

They are named after the main active element located inside the case.

Piston gearboxes. The working part of the first category is a piston or piston assembly, which, under the influence of a spring, closes the target.

Sample gearbox with piston mechanism. Typically, devices of this type are designed for temperatures up to + 80˚С, but the exact parameters are indicated in the product passport (+)

When water begins to flow under increased pressure, the spring presses on the piston, it reduces the flow area. Thus, the liquid in the inlet chamber is under greater pressure than in the outlet. Therefore, the pressure in the wiring located after the gearbox will remain normal.

Piston pressure regulators are used for water supply and heating systems, if the temperature of hot water and coolant does not exceed the upper limit set by the manufacturer.

Diaphragm gearboxes They are considered more powerful, durable, wear-resistant, less sensitive to poor quality fluid in the pipes. However, their cost is higher than piston counterparts.

Sample gearbox with diaphragm mechanism. The long service life is explained by design features - there are no parts rubbing against each other inside the case (+)

The principle of operation of the membrane gear is similar to the one described above. Water flows under high pressure into the inlet chamber, presses on the stem. Under the voltage created by the spring and the rod, a gap is formed, through which water enters the outlet with a lower pressure.

Membrane models, characterized by greater throughput and durability, are able to reduce pressure from 25 bar or more to 6-7 bar or even lower.

If the inlet pressure is within normal limits, the fluid moves freely through the pressure reducer without changing its parameters.

Installation and adjustment rules

If there are skills in working with pipes, then you can do the installation of the WFD yourself. Beginners should not experiment, it is better to invite plumbers for responsible work.

Installation is carried out in the following order:

1. We get a couple of products - for cold and hot water, preferably a membrane type. We also prepare tools and supplies for sealing - fum tape or tow, grease. You will need keys and a threading tool.
2. We turn off the water in the risers by notifying the neighbors in advance.
3. We install an inlet valve on the pipe after the counter in front of the stopcock. We use the threaded method.
4. First we fix the coarse filter, then the gearbox.
5. We seal the joints.
6. If necessary, install a pressure gauge. We position it so that the dial is clearly visible.
7. We connect the regulator to ball valveseal.

After installation, connect the water, turn off the ball valves and test the equipment.

One of the options for installing a pressure regulator in an apartment water supply system. The location of the WFD between the ball valve and the meter is considered technically sound and the most successful

The installation sequence of the regulator in the house is the same as for apartment installation.

Most pressure regulators are manufactured and sold with factory settings. A pressure value of 3 bar is considered. If you want to reduce or increase the set parameters, the adjustment can be done independently.

Pressure reducers have different designs, so the adjustment is also made in different ways, according to the instructions. But usually one simple tool is required - either a screwdriver or a wrench

DIY adjustment example. Initially, a pressure of 6 bar was set on the gearbox with pressure gauge; it was necessary to change it to 3 bar.

As a result, the pressure at the inlet and outlet should be different. At the entrance, as originally - 4.5 bar, at the exit after adjustment - 3 bar.

This method is simple, performed right on the spot. It is not necessary to remove the device from the pipe. Adjustment on the table is made when a new one is installed instead of the old device or when the gearbox is mounted for the first time.

A device without a pressure gauge is more difficult to maintain, since it is impossible to control indicators. Usually twist at random, focusing on the result. But we still recommend using a temporary pressure gauge, inserting it instead of the plug.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Professional view of pressure reducers:

Useful Theory:

Adjustment tips can also be found in the instruction manual of the device. If it is not (which is possible when ordering a gearbox in China), you can guess the method of changing the parameters by carefully studying the design of the device.

In case of difficulties, we recommend contacting professional plumbers who know exactly how to quickly and correctly adjust the water pressure in the apartment. You can also consult with them on choosing a suitable regulator.

Share with your readers your experience with using a pressure reducer for a water system. Tell us what the choice of the device was based on, and whether you are happy with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.