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Water Pressure Reducing Valve Learn how to install a water pressure reducing valve. From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-303

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Loop Back Installation

Pressure reducer valves are usually installed in an in-line application; the line goes in one side and out the other. If you don't have enough room for the fittings and the valve is in a small space, you'll have to do what's called a loop back installation.

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	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Start by using a pipe cutter to remove a section of pipe from the main water line (figure B). Be sure to have a bucket close by to catch any water in the line.

2. Remove the pipe and make sure all the water is out of the line.

3. Clean both ends with a plumber's sand cloth.

4. Clean the inside and outside of a 90 degree elbow, coupling and male adaptor. Use a deburring tool to remove any burrs on the inside of the fittings.

5. Apply flux to the fittings as well as to each end of the cut section of the main water line.

6. Attach the elbow, the coupling and the adaptor (figure C).

7. Heat the fittings with a torch, and then add solder to each joint.

8. Apply Teflon paste to the mounted fitting. Unscrew the union from the reducing valve, mount to the fitting, and then screw into place. Use plumber's wrenches to tighten.

Mounting the Pressure Reducer Valve

With the union is in place you can now mount your pressure reducer valve. One end of the valve will have a threaded connection. Put an extension piece on, solder the whole assembly away from the valve, and then screw it back into place.

1. Clean, flux and attach the adaptor to the extension piece.

2. Heat the fittings and apply solder. Make sure the fitting is cool before picking up.

3. Apply Teflon paste, and then screw the pressure reducing valve into the union, making sure the fitting marked "in" is attached to the main water line. Tighten with plumbers wrenches.

4. Clean and flux three 90 degree elbows and a coupling. Attach one elbow to the extension piece from the reducing valve, and then a coupling followed by the second elbow.

5. Clean and flux a measured section of copper pipe (figure D), and then attach the prepared elbow to the copper pipe.

7. Mount the fitting to finish the loop to the water line.

8. Make sure the assembly is securely fastened, and then solder all the joints to complete the installation of the water pressure reducing valve (figure E).

9. Once the joints have cooled, it's time to turn the water back on. You can start by turning on your water heater again, and then slowly opening up the main valve. Be sure to check for leaks.

Figure D

Figure E

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