Pressure regulator pressure increasing (static)

[kjoiner]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and have a question about my pressure regulator.

I replaced a pressure gauge on the output side of my pressure regulator yesterday and noticed the pressure was very high - around 100 psi. My first thought was the regulator was bad, but upon checking the expansion tank, I found the diaphragm had ruptured (water came out the schrader valve). This morning, I replaced it with a a new Watts DET-5-M1-HD. I have the regulator set for 40 psi (with faucet running) and the pre-charge on the tank at 40 psi. When I run faucets etc., the pressure shows 40 psi. When I shut them off, the pressure starts to rise. After 2 minutes, the gauge shows 70psi and after 3 minutes, it's at 80psi and seems to be stabil. Coincidentally, the street pressure coming into the house (before the regulator) is around 80 psi. The regulator is a Watts 25AUB and is at least 10 years old. The name plate shows a range of 25-75 psi.

Is this normal for pressure to increase even with a tank?

Thanks,

Kyle

 

[phishfood]

Did you run hot water or cold water when you did this test? If you used cold water, then it definitely was not thermal expansion, and would point at the regulator.

 

[kjoiner]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I just ran the test again with cold water and the pressure rises after the faucet is shut off.

Kyle

 

[frodo]

Instructions

1


Take an initial reading of your current pressure using the water pressure gauge. Attach the gauge to a faucet and notate your current psi. If your water pressure is already at the recommended maximum or minimum, you may need to replace a faulty regulator. For example, if you want to increase your water pressure and the reading is already at 60 psi, you may need to replace a faulty regulator. Contact your water supplier before replacing since the problem may be with your water source.

2


Locate your regulator valve near your main waterline or meter reader. The bell-shaped valve will have a screw and a lock nut on top of it.







3


Secure the screw with the screwdriver and then loosen the lock-nut with the Crescent wrench. Do not move the screw when loosening the lock nut, since it will immediately adjust your water pressure. For example, a slight random movement could decrease your water pressure, when your goal is to increase it.

4


Adjust the screw slightly to the right or left. If you want lower water pressure, turn the screw to the right. Conversely, to increase water pressure, adjust the screw to the left. Turn the screw in minor increments, testing the water pressure with the gauge after each adjustment until you reach your desired setting.

5


Hold the screw firmly with the screwdriver and tighten the lock nut.



install gauge on hose bib

do not adjust with water running,
install gauge, look at psi
make adjustment.
bleed pressure. open faucet, close faucet
look, make adjustment
bleed
look..make adjustment
bleed. should be settled down by now.