Water Main Pressure Reducing Valve and Gauge query

Avoriaz

Our house was built in 2004/5. The rising main is under the kitchen sink and has a PRV valve with gauge fitted. As you can see in the picture, the gauge has a slight leak that I need to fix. I am fairly sure that only the gauge is leaking. The water drip seen on the PRV body comes from the gauge above.



Is there any point in replacing the leaky gauge or can I just remove it and cap off the opening?

Ultimate Handyman shows a similar PRV here and suggests that the gauge is optional.

UH also states that the PRV should be installed on horizontal pipework.

Mine is vertical. Is that a problem? I will shortly be fitting a water softener so I can change the pipework then if necessary.

Thanks


PS: I presume that the PRV is required for the Boiler. I will check the specs of that and make sure that the PRV is the correct rating.

Moss5

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-BSPT-316-STAINLESS-STEEL-HEX-HEAD-PLUG-150LB-/320493054750?pt=UK_DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item4a9edfeb1e

and PTFE tape.

With the water off, open the kitchen cold tap, remove the gauge and be ready to catch the drain-down.
The leak will be from the bourdon tube inside the gauge.
Not repairable.
You can refit the gauge for adjustment of the pressure, then re-plug.

southcoastrgi

yes the gauge is optional but is handy for checking the pressure & making sure the pressure is ok, the pressure on that valve is adjustable, it makes no diff if the valve is as yours or hortizontal, if you are thinking of fitting a softner check your boiler manual or phone the manifacturer as you can't fit a softner with some boilers as it can damage them.

Avoriaz

Thanks for the comments and advice.

I’m passing City Plumbing later today so I will buy a new gauge if they are available separately or just a plug if they don’t sell the gauges on their own.

I might buy a new PRV with gauge, use the gauge now and then fit the new PRV when I plumb in the softener as I will be re-routing all the pipes anyway.

The boiler is a Potterton Powermax HE 150 litre and the booklet recommends soft water.

Thanks again. Good advice is appreciated.


Edit: I bought and fitted a new gauge ( £12 from City Plumbing) so I no longer have a leak.