How To: Replace a PRV
Taylor Freeman, a journeyman plumber, uses SharkBite Max to replace an old pressure reducing valve. Follow as he explains how to install it quickly and easily, with pro tips along the way.
If your home water pressure is above the standard 50-55 psi, you may need to replace your PRV. This valve reduces the water pressure coming into your home from the city pressure, which is typically around 100 psi. By reducing the pressure, your PRV prevents pinhole leaks in your copper pipes and pipe bursts in your PEX and CPVC pipes.
To check your water pressure, go to your outdoor hose faucet and use a pressure gauge to measure the water pressure. If it’s too high, locate your main water shut-off and turn off the water to your home. Then, drain the system by opening a nearby faucet.
Read More: How to Turn Off Main Water Valve for Plumbing Repairs
Prep the System
Cut out the old PRV and use a bucket to catch any excess water. Then, cut out your old gate valve if necessary.
Now you can prep the system. Use the SharkBite depth and deburr tool to deburr the existing pipe left after you removed the PRV and gate valve. After it’s deburred, measure the correct insertion depth for a SharkBite Max ball valve and mark the pipe accordingly.
| SharkBite Fitting Size | Nominal Pipe Size | Pipe OD | SharkBite 1st Generation Insertion Depth | SharkBite Max Insertion Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. CTS | 3/8 in. | 13/16 in. (21 mm.) | |
| 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. CTS | 1/2 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | |
| 1/2 in. | 1/2 in. CTS | 5/8 in. | 15/16 in. (24 mm.) | 1 in. (25 mm.) |
| 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. CTS | 3/4 in. | 1-1/8 in. (29 mm.) | |
| 3/4 in. | 3/4 in. CTS | 7/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. (28 mm.) | 1-1/4 in. (32 mm.) |
| 1 in. | 1 in. CTS | 1-1/8 in. | 1-5/16 in. (33 mm.) | |
| 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. CTS | 1-3/8 in. | 1-7/8 in. (48 mm.) | |
| 1-1/2 in. | 1-1/2 in. CTS | 1-5/8 in. | 2-1/16 in. (52 mm.) | |
| 2 in. | 2 in. CTS | 2-1/8 in. | 2-3/16 in. (56 mm.) |
With the Max depth and deburr tool, you can measure insertion depths for both SharkBite Max and SharkBite (1st Generation) fittings. Once you’ve marked the pipe, insert the ball valve onto the pipe.
Next, ensure the existing pipe above your ball valve is free of debris and cut away any damaged pipe as needed. Deburr the pipe, measure and mark your insertion depth and insert your SharkBite Max elbow onto the pipe. Then, deburr and mark a piece of PEX pipe on both ends and insert it into the other end of the elbow.
Install a New PRV
Now you’re ready to install a SharkBite EB45 Direct Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV). Ensure that the arrows on the PRV are pointing in the direction of the water flow and push one end onto the already deburred and marked PEX pipe. Then, deburr and mark both ends of a piece of PEX pipe and use it to connect the PRV to the Max ball valve.
Double check insertion depths. Since Taylor used a SharkBite (1st Generation) PRV, he must mark a different insertion depth than he did for SharkBite Max. Be sure to review the different insertion depths and mark the pipes connected to the PRV accordingly.
Turn water back on. After you’ve made all your connections, turn the main water line back on. Once it’s on, slowly open your ball valve and check for leaks around each connection. Then, air out the system by turning on nearby faucets.
Check and adjust pressure. To check that your new PRV is set to the correct pressure, use the pressure gauge on your outdoor hose. If the pressure is a little low, loosen the setting nut on the PRV with a wrench. Turn the screw to the right to increase the pressure. Then, check that you’ve adjusted the pressure correctly by taking another look at your pressure gauge.