Greetings all:

I have this wrapped pipe in the garage storage room that's started to drip from a area that sticks out from it where there's some kind of screw. In between the screw and washer is some kind of plastic spacer so that the screw cannot be over tightened. I tried to turn/tighten the screw but it did not budge, so not knowing what I am dealing with I left it alone. I don't know if it matters, but the washing machine is inside right behind it. I've never seen a pipe like this before, but I've never lived in a slab house before, so if it is a setup common to them I would not know.

If need be I will call someone to look at it, but I would at least like to know what it is so I can speak intelligently to explain the problem. I am going to try and attach some photos of the pipe, so if someone could please tell me what it is, I would really appreciate it.

 

It's a water pressure reducing valve.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zurn-Wil...DULU/203999053

 

That blue handle below the reducing valve is your main water shutoff to your unit.

 

@XSleeper thank you for the link so I could read about it. Is it normal for one to drip like that or is it a sign of some major problem?

 

@PJmax thank you for that info on the water valve shut off. I had asked where it was, but no one knew and mentioned the shut off at the water company/house connection in the yard which would work, but not if it is buried under a foot of snow.

 

PRV valves should not leak. They can be rebuilt but the price is usually the same for a new one.. Just have it replaced.. They are preset to 50 psi.. so have the plumber turn it up if you need more pressure.. I like to set them around 70 psi.

 

@lawrosa thank you for that information on the Pressure Relief Valve. And thanks again to all. Even though this unexpected issue will eat up my planned painting budget, I do feel better about it now that I know what the leaky thing is.

 

PRV... Pressure reducing valve... You have high pressure at the street mostlikely over 80psi and this is why you have a PRV at the main.

Also because of this PRV you have a closed system.. That means you probably have an expansion tank at the water heater.. Its a good time to replace that also, or adjust the air charge to it..

expansion tank PSI gets set to what the PRV gets set to FYI. The exp tanks lose air over time and need to be checked every few years..

 

@lawrosa thanks for that name correction & added info. Should have rechecked my notes before posting.