How to Install a New Pressure Regulating Valve with Cash Acme

Watch How to Install a New Pressure Regulating Valve | Cash Acme on YouTube.

Replacing a Pressure Regulating Valve (often referred to as pressure reducing valve or PRV) is a crucial home maintenance task that can prevent plumbing issues caused by high water pressure. Follow as Mary-Anne Bowcott, a master plumber of 20 years and known as The Lady Plumber, demonstrates how to install a new Cash Acme EB45 PRV.  

Why Replace Your PRV?

Pressure regulating valves do exactly what they sounds like- they regulate water pressure. A functioning PRV reduces the main line pressure to a safe working pressure for your home, which is around 60 PSI.  

If you’re having high water pressure, inconsistent pressure, water hammering, or leaks, your pressure regulating valve may need replacing or adjusting. 

Gather Your Materials  

CA-valve-Eb45-press

 

How to Replace Your PRV  

1. Turn off the main water supply: 

Locate your main water shutoff, typically located in a meter box right outside your home. Click the link below for more information.

Learn More: How to Turn Off Main Water Valve for Plumbing Repairs  

2. Drain the old PRV:

Locate your PRV, which is typically found near your water main shut-off, often in a garage, crawl space, basement, or under a sink.

Drain any residual water from the system by opening the drain port on the main water line. This will be either a ball valve or a gate valve right next to your PRV. With a bucket placed under the valve, use a wrench to loosen the nut and let it fully drain into the bucket.  

3. Prep and cut the copper pipe:

Clean the existing copper pipe with an emery cloth. Do this before cutting the pipe because it’s easier to clean pipe when it’s still intact.  Then, cut out the old PRV with copper pipe cutters.

4. Prepare the pipe:

Use the SharkBite depth and deburr tool to mark the insertion depth and deburr the pipe. This step protects the fitting from sharp copper edges on the pipe and ensures a proper, leak-proof connection.  

Watch: How To: Use SharkBite Max Depth and Deburr Tool

5. Install a new ball valve (if needed):  

The old main water ball valve or gate valve may need to be replaced. If so, push a SharkBite Max ball valve to the correct insertion depth on the pipe and switch the handle to the off position.  

6. Assemble the new Cash Acme PRV:

Cash Acme EB45 PRVs come in multiple connection types and in double or single unions, so there's an option for any application. To assemble, attach the union connections to the new Cash Acme EB45 PRV, ensuring the o-rings are in place. Note the directional arrow on the PRV to ensure correct water flow.

7. Cut and prep new copper pipe:  

Measure and cut a new piece of copper pipe to connect the valve and the PRV. Clean and deburr this pipe section before install. Push the pipe onto the SharkBite Max ball valve. Once you’ve marked the insertion depth on the other side of the pipe, push the PRV onto the pipe to the line.

Repeat the process of measuring, cutting, cleaning and marking the insertion depth for a new piece of pipe. Insert it onto the top side of the PRV. Then push a SharkBite Max fitting onto the pipe to connect it to your existing water system.  

8. Make final connections:  

Use a press tool to complete the connections on the PRV and wrenches to tighten the union connections.  

9. Last steps:  

Slowly turn the main water supply back on to allow air to escape and prevent disruptions in the piping system. Check the pressure to ensure it's at a safe level for your home, around 60 PSI.  

Adjusting PRV Pressure

After installation, you may need to adjust the PRV pressure.  

  • Cash Acme EB45: This valve comes factory set at 60 PSI, so you will likely not need to adjust the PSI. If you do need to adjust it one day, spin the bolt in to increase the pressure or out to decrease the pressure, but do not exceed 80 PSI.
  • Cash Acme EB25: This model features an orange dial for adjustment. Pull out the dial and make small adjustments to increase or decrease pressure, following the plus (+) and minus (-) indicators.

Key Takeaways

  1. Your PRV may need replacing if you have high water pressure (over 80 PSI), inconsistent water pressure, or leaks.
  2. Pressure regulating valves (commonly known as pressure reducing valves or PRVs) are vital to reduce water pressure to a safe level and are located near the main water line gate valve or ball valve. This is usually near your hot water heater or in your basement. 
  3. Proper pipe preparation is essential for leak-free connections. Use the SharkBite depth and deburr tool to properly deburr the pipe and mark the correct insertion depth.
  4.  Cash Acme PRVs offer various connection types, sizes, and come in single or double union.
  5. Adjust PRV pressure using the bolt (EB45) or dial (EB25), but stay below 80 PSI. Note that Cash Acme EB45 valves come set at 60 PSI.  

See More Installations