High pressure in sprinkler system


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Old 04-09-17, 09:51 AM
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High pressure in sprinkler system

I have a sprinkler system with a pressure regulator installed as pressure in the water supply line in my area is high at about 130 psi.

Turned system on first time after the winter break this weekend and notice kind of strange behavior / water flow.

I mesured the water pressure in the system:
- When sprinkler system is on, the water pressure is low, under 40 psi
- Turning sprinklers off instantly brings pressure up to 130 psi (that corresponds to the pressure in the main water supply line).

Is this a normal behavior or something is wrong with the pressure regulator? I am afraid the high pressure will damage the sprinkler system.
 
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Old 04-09-17, 10:01 AM
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Sounds like the pressure reducing valve (PRV) is stuck. Rapping on the valve body while the sprinkler is on MAY cause it to get un-stuck but no guarantee. Use the handle end of a hammer and whop it smartly, but not like a gorilla trying to pen a coconut. If that doesn't work you can try taking it apart (turn off the water first) and freeing up the internals. Worst case is you will need to replace the PRV.
 
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Old 04-09-17, 10:01 AM
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Where are you measuring the water pressure ?
Is the sprinkler system before or after the pressure regulator ?
 
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Old 04-09-17, 10:21 AM
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After the pressure regulator / at the drain valve
 
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Old 04-09-17, 10:40 AM
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Handle hammer didn't help, unfortunately.

This is a N45B M1 WATTS regulator, easy to exchange with Threaded NPT on both sides.
 
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Old 04-09-17, 10:43 AM
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Hammering didn't help unfortunately.

This is Watts N45B M1 regulator with threaded NPT on both sides - seems to inexpensive and easy to exchange.
 
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Old 04-09-17, 11:04 AM
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It would appear it needs to be replaced.
 
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Old 04-10-17, 03:08 PM
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Just replaced Pressure regulator with the same model and it works perfectly now.

One follow-up question - should I consider installing a particle filter before the pressure regulator to remove solids from water?

Could you recommend one?
 
 

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