DIY replace PRV

[Mark_F]

Hi. I'm an infrequent forum user but when I've needed DIY plumbing help or advice this forum is my go to place and it's always delivered. Very helpful and generous at al times. I am sorry to read news of Terry Love's passing and my thoughts go out to you.

I hope it's OK to post my question here considering the circumstances.

I recently had a Moen Flo Control installed. Now it is sending alert that my home water pressure is too high. It get's above 90 psi at night. We were gone for 24 hours at Thanksgiving and the report showed the pressure holding steady t @ 90psi for the entire period. I read on internet a PRV should be replaced every 3-5 years. Mine is at least 20 years old, maybe older.

The water needed to be turned off at the curb stop at the street then cut into the main water line into my house in crawl space, replace old main shut off gate valve w new ball valve, cut pipe and remove town water meter and PRV move those down and then install Moen Flo Control above PRV and below my irrigation backflow preventer and town check valve.

I have some experience with DIY plumbing but I am not a pro. I have installed a shower valve, tankless water heater and other re-model type plumbing. Since it is winter, I am pretty busy, GF does not want to be without water for an extended time if problem arises (which is common for me) I managed to find a plumbing contractor who agreed to do it (it's so busy here most won't answer the phone or return calls).

The guy who came was excellent and it took @ 2hours. No problems with the work done. I was disappointed that they did not recommend replacing the PRV at that time since we had it out. I had no idea they went bad but it seems self evident now.

So I need to replace the PRV. The plumber claims he recommended it be replaced. I did not want to argue because it needs to be replaced. regardless. I know he never mentioned it and the guy he sent over to do the work never mentioned it. If they had I would have for sure agreed.

Because of this and also to save some $ I am considering replacing it myself. Photos attached show the situation.

1) It appears that it's a threaded NPT fitting on both sides and all I would need to do is disconnect each union and put a new one in?

2) Would I need the exact same model to ensure the space between the water meter below and Moen FLO Control above did not need to change?

3) Can you tell from my photos what valve and associated specs (in/out connections) I would need to order?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Reach4]

Since your PRV does not have dual unions, I don't think you can easily swap that out.

You might look into a rebuild kit. I cannot read a model number from your tag.

Maybe 600 or 600XL?

https://www.zurn.com/media-library/web_documents/pdfs/specsheets/reg-600xl-pdf

RK1-600XL | Water pressure control valve Repair Kit | Zurn

Water pressure control valve Repair Kit RK1-600XL is compatible with PRVs 600XL and 600. This pressure control valve repair kit has a spring range of 25-75 psi and is lead free compliant.

www.zurn.com

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Mark_F]

Hi and thanks for your reply. The model # is etched into the tag and very difficult to make out but it appears to be 610 ULR.

Other tag info, Man. Date - 0617, Range 10-125, Max Inlet - 400

The closest one I can find is this:
https://www.amazon.com/Zurn-112-600XL-Lead-Free-Union-Pressure/dp/B07RJ21PWW

I'm thinking I would turn the lower brass union nut down to detach the bottom end. Then turn/unscrew the PRV from the threaded end of the copper pipe at the top end?

To replace the lower union appears to be tapered NPT so no thread tape or pipe dope?

Use thread tape with some pipe dope added on top of the tape for the upper connection?

On Zurn website I also see the repair kit you provided. Not sure if that's a viable alternative? If yes this seems like a good way to go?
https://www.zurn.com/products/repai...arts-and-repair-kits-(includes-stra/rk1-600xl

Thanks again!

 

[Reach4]

Repair kit sounds like a good way to go to me. It would be faster (and therefore more economical) for a plumber to replace the PRV, but since you work cheap, I would go for the kit.

If you do go with the replacement, consider a double-union one. Those can be more readily swapped out.

https://www.zurn.ca/product-families/a-p/model-600xl/1-610xl does imply that the 600 kit would apply, since that page links to the 600XL specification sheet.

Post a photo of how that kit goes for you.
https://www.zoro.com/zurn-repair-kit-1-in-use-w22n572-rk1-600xl/i/G4451657/

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Zurn-RK1-600XL-1-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-Repair-Kit-Lead-Free

 

[Mark_F]

thanks again! after talking w zurn (very helpful), they make a RK34-610XL repair kit. Called nearest distributer (1.5 hours away). They got on with their supplier. None available nationaly. They can make one from the new kit that will work with my older model. $105. Sheesh! that's what I'm going to do and if /when it wears out again....well I will hope i can get another kit or then I will have to replace the unit altogether.

thanks again for your help!

 

[Reach4]

thanks again! after talking w zurn (very helpful), they make a RK34-610XL repair kit.

Did they say that the kit for the 600 was different?

I wonder if you could use the kit made for the 600.

 

[Mark_F]

The kit for the 600 is apparently a bit different. But whoever the distributor gets it from, Zurn?, said no problem for them to turn a 600 kit into a 610 kit. i "think" the only difference is the spring. The 610 has a pressure range of 10-125. The 600 doesn't go that high.

 

[Reach4]

Zurn bought Wilkins.

You don't want to go more than 60 anyway -- typically 50.

https://www.algorphs.com/Chicago-Illinois/Zurn-Industries-RK1-610XL-Repair-Kit.HTM has an interesting diagram.

https://www.zurn.com/media-library/web_documents/pdfs/repairparts-(1)/600xl_600_12-1-pdf
See the first and last columns of dots.

Note that your main casting says 600, but I cannot be sure that the bell housing is not different.

I have not worked with any of this. While I suspect the RK1-600XL would work for you, I don/t know.

 

[Mark_F]

That is very interesting. Also very cool you pointed out that the casting on my PRV shows 600.

I will call Zurn in the morning to follow up on all this.

Thanks x 10 for your help!

 

[Mark_F]

More info from Zurn In case anyone else may find this useful.

As pointed out by Reach4 in post above I have a 600XL body. The 600 is cast into the main body part, see photo above. The metal tag that is attached has the model# 610XL etched on it.

The 610XL rebuild kit will work in the 600XL body.

The 610XL kit has incoming psi of up to 400 and an adjustment range of 75-125psi.

The 600XL kit has incoming psi up to300 and adjustment range of 25-75psi

The 610XL kit is no longer available but I was able to order a 600 kit modified with a different spring to be a 610.

After learning all this I want to get the standard 600 Kit because I want to set my home water psi to 50 or maybe 60.

deep in a rabbit hole