Installing a permanent water pressure gauge: any tips?

[Temp945]

I need to install an expansion tank at my home (did not have one when I purchased it) and while I'm doing that, I'd also like to permanently install a water pressure gauge.

I have a couple of questions for anyone that has done an installation of a water pressure gauge:

1. Any recommendations on a good brand and model? I've used a couple of hardware-store quality pressure gauges and they are pretty bad - not something I'd want to permanently install.

2. Does it matter if the gauge goes before or after the expansion tank?

3. I saw a video by a guy showing his water pressure gauge and he installed a tee with a ball valve before the pressure gauge. Is there any reason to install a ball valve to turn the gauge on/off? The only thing that I can think of is that maybe it is not ideal to have pressure on a lower-quality gauge at all times?

4. Anything not obvious about installing a pressure gauge that a non-pro DIYer should know?

Thanks for reading

 

[JerryR]

I used this gauge on my well pump and it works great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IU6UYJ2/

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

1. Any recommendations on a good brand and model? I've used a couple of hardware-store quality pressure gauges and they are pretty bad - not something I'd want to permanently install.

I am thinking Winters. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Temperature-Pressure-Gauges-864000

2. Does it matter if the gauge goes before or after the expansion tank?

No.

3. I saw a video by a guy showing his water pressure gauge and he installed a tee with a ball valve before the pressure gauge. Is there any reason to install a ball valve to turn the gauge on/off? The only thing that I can think of is that maybe it is not ideal to have pressure on a lower-quality gauge at all times?

Would let you change the gauge without turning off the water. Maybe there is another reason.

Anything not obvious about installing a pressure gauge that a non-pro DIYer should know?

I plan to go liquid filled for my well, not that my regular gauge jumps around. But I may go 4 inch, because I can.

For a well, you usually want a 0-100. For water heater after a check valve, the pressure could routinely rise to over 100, and when the tank starts going, expect 150 or so -- at which point the T&P valve should open. So I might go 0-160 or 0-200.

Do you have a softener?