Adjusting/Elimiating a Pressure reducing valve

[PMA]

In a 10 year old house, I have very low water pressure. The city is not known for high water pressure, but my neighbors have more than I do. A Watts N35B pressure reducing valve came installed after the meter with the house. If I screw in the adjusting valve to increase the water pressure, there is no increase in flow. Is there a way to inactivate the PRV completely, or does it need repair?

Thanks,

 

[Terry]

I would aske the city what the meter pressure is.
If it's over 80 psi, then you need the reducer, and an expansion tank.

At ten years, it could need repair parts or replacement.
Most of the time, as plumbers, we replace the unit.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

Prv

IF the valve is already delivering its maximum flow, then adjusting it will not increase the flow, nor will removing the valve, unless it is sticking and not allowing full flow.

 

[PMA]

Thanks

Thanks for the good responses. I will contact the city and figure out a plan from there.

 

[Cass]

It, the Watts N35B, is junk and most likely needs to be replaced, the Watts 25AUB will serve you better and there are other brands also.

 

[Gary Swart]

The city will tell you what pressure their main line carries. You should have your own pressure gauge to determine what pressure you have in the house after the PRV. A gauge is needed to set the PRV, and if you have a PRV you also need an expansion tank which also requires a gauge to match it's pressure to the PRV.