Pressure regulator replacement

[cordovan66]

Our house had water hammering and low pressure problems. We bought our house recently and it had a year of "home service contract" (with American Home Shield). They sent a plumber who diagnosed it to be a pressure regulator problem.

They got a replacement regulator but it doesn't fit; the end fall short by a few mm. They say that to make it fit, the pipe ends will need to be lengthened slightly on each end. They say that this constitutes hard line modifications which will cost $250 and is not covered under their contract.

The original pressure regulator is a Watts N35B-Z3 SZ1. It is no longer being made by Watts. The replacement the plumber had was a more recent Watts model. I was wondering if anyone can point to a replacement that would be an exact fit and would not require hard line modifications?

If such a replacement doesn't exist, is a rebuild recommended? I see a rebuild kit at http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/PressureRegulators.htm Is this something I might be able to do myself? The plumber actually opened up the regulator and cleaned it out (it had some deposits) but didn't have a rebuild kit so couldn't do a good job. When he put it back in, the pressure problems went away. It however had a leak, so he took it apart and fitted it back on. This time the leak went away but the pressure problems came back. He concluded that a replacement is required.

Thanks

 

[Caduceus]

I am under the impression that if no pipe modifications are needed and a rebuild will solve the problem, then the rebuild would be covered. Verify this with the plumber or AHS and go for the rebuild. If it is covered I don't see why you would want to do the repair. It isn't a difficult task for a plumber and a DIYer could do it, but it can get a little tricky. Some plumbing supply houses stock the kits or can be ordered in within a few days.
Depending on the size of the regulator the kits are as follows;

Repair Kit N35B-RK 1/2" 0006849 diaphragm, O-ring (3) , bypass ball and disc

Repair Kit N35B-S-RK 1/2" 0006804 O-ring (2), seat

Repair Kit N35B-RK 3/4" 0006849 diaphragm, O-ring (3) , bypass ball and disc

Repair Kit N35B-S-RK 3/4" 0006804 O-ring (2), seat

Repair Kit N35B-RK 1" 0006849 diaphragm, O-ring (3) , bypass ball and disc

Repair Kit N35B-S-RK 1" 0006804 O-ring (2), seat
Maybe you can copy this info and have it sent to the plumbing company so that they can determine which kit is needed, order it and plan the repair to save time. My understanding, from working with plumbers who have subcontracted with AHS, is that they are only paid a low set amount from AHS for specific repairs and the only way that plumbing companies can profit from the work is to get upsells...such as pipe modifications. It's quite common and doesn't mean that the plumber is being unscrupulous. Modifications are sometimes necessary, but if a repair can be done and covered I say go that direction. Keep all of your paperwork in order and document everything to keep everybody honest.

 

[LockePlumbing]

It should not cost $250 to extend the pipe that is ridiculous. And try the watts U5B one of the best prv's out there. You probably won't have to modify it at all.

 

[johnjh2o]

It should not cost $250 to extend the pipe that is ridiculous. And try the watts U5B one of the best prv's out there. You probably won't have to modify it at all.

That's a tough statement to make without being able to see what is involved.

 

[LockePlumbing]

Not really. Never seen a PRV that takes over an hour to do and that's pushing it. But you are right I haven't seen the circumstances so I don't know for a 100%.

 

[kiwin]

The original pressure regulator is a Watts N35B-Z3 SZ1. It is no longer being made by Watts. The replacement the plumber had was a more recent Watts model. I was wondering if anyone can point to a replacement that would be an exact fit and would not require hard line modifications?

I called Watts and they immediately confirmed an LFN45B is a drop in replacement for a N35B. I picked one up this morning and had it installed (replaced) within 5 minutes.
regards