Question on Pressure Reducing Valves

[welder4956]

I had to replace a 2 year old pressure reducing valve today that was groaning and moaning every time we used the hot or cold water, took a shower or flushed the toilet. The previous one lasted 32 years. When I replaced it two years ago I used this valve (https://www.watts.com/products/plumbing-flow-control-solutions/pressure-reducing-valves/water-pressure-reducing-valves/lfn45b) because it was dimensionally the same and had the same pressure rating as the original. I think the original valve was made by Zurn.

This time I used this valve (https://www.watts.com/products/plumbing-flow-control-solutions/pressure-reducing-valves/water-pressure-reducing-valves/lf25aub-z3) because it is serviceable without removal, but is about 1" longer. So I had to cut the pipe and solder in a new fitting on the outlet side.

My question is, did I just get a cheap replacement two years ago? Is there a better choice?

 

[manwithtools]

Due to my experiences over the years, I will not use anything that is sold by Watt's. I think once upon a time they made a decent product, but in the last 15 - 20 years everything I've bought that is made by them is less than I expect from a quality prospective.

 

[welder4956]

Due to my experiences over the years, I will not use anything that is sold by Watt's. I think once upon a time they made a decent product, but in the last 15 - 20 years everything I've bought that is made by them is less than I expect from a quality prospective.

Who makes a better valve? Looking for a recommendation.

 

[SGKent]

I've found that the average lifespan of PRV guts made 20 - 30 years ago was about 5 years. About that time the spring rusts, parts weaken and it starts leaking in both directions. As a result I bought about 10 kits for my Zurn and stashed them, since they were going NLA. I am down to about 5 after 20 - 22 years. Since I am 70 that doesn't concern me much.

However once you put a working unit in - your old one was probably dead for a very long time, it will start blocking return water to the street and as a result you can get some hammering and groaning if you don't have some kind of a working pressure bladder in to protect the house side of the system. Whether one model is more prone to noise than the other I don't know. I am still using the one I bought around 1992.

 

[welder4956]

I've found that the average lifespan of PRV guts made 20 - 30 years ago was about 5 years. About that time the spring rusts, parts weaken and it starts leaking in both directions. As a result I bought about 10 kits for my Zurn and stashed them, since they were going NLA. I am down to about 5 after 20 - 22 years. Since I am 70 that doesn't concern me much.

However once you put a working unit in - your old one was probably dead for a very long time, it will start blocking return water to the street and as a result you can get some hammering and groaning if you don't have some kind of a working pressure bladder in to protect the house side of the system. Whether one model is more prone to noise than the other I don't know. I am still using the one I bought around 1992.

Thanks. I do have a expansion tank on the water heater.

 

[sixty4]

Never had a problem with Watts. We use them alot at the hospital. Your always going to have failures, however I think your choice was a good one.

 

[manwithtools]

I think the last I PRV used was Zurn. Also fought the Watts anti-back-flow garbage until I replaced them with Zurn.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Is it possible you got a lemon? Sure. Every manufacturing company has their fair share of Monday morning hangovers that effect quality production.

However, most times when I have run into this issue it's debris that's gotten caught within the housing. Just a few months ago I had an issue at a commercial property, and the plumber pulled down the PRV, opened it up and found a piece of gravel that was approx 1/2" in dia. Most of other times it's a small grain of a rock-like large sand- that gets wedged in the diaphragm.

 

[frank001]

Nothing wrong with Watts, but if you're looking for industrial grade get a Fisher PRV.

 

[lilredex]

Nothing wrong with Watts, but if you're looking for industrial grade get a Fisher PRV.

Second that recommendation, they are the "Snap-on" of the valve industry. Pay a lot, get a lot. Used to work for them many moons ago when they were known as Fisher Governor Co, a family run affair.

Industry used to shun Watts products.....they were viewed the same as HF stuff. But, your choice looks good. Easy in, easy out.

Why do you need a reducing valve?

 

[welder4956]

Second that recommendation, they are the "Snap-on" of the valve industry. Pay a lot, get a lot. Used to work for them many moons ago when they were known as Fisher Governor Co, a family run affair.

Industry used to shun Watts products.....they were viewed the same as HF stuff. But, your choice looks good. Easy in, easy out.

Why do you need a reducing valve?

We're on city water and pressure is over 100 psi coming off the meter.

 

[like2wheel]

I checked mine this summer & was surprised to see it was 100lbs.
Do I need a reducing valve?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I checked mine this summer & was surprised to see it was 100lbs.
Do I need a reducing valve?

Most residences are between 50-80 Psig. Mine was over 120 Psig before I installed a PRV.

Tommy