How often have you gotten home craving a long warm shower but couldn't enjoy it because the water pressure was too low? For most water appliances in our homes, water pressure makes all the difference. Extremely high-pressure or low-pressure can bring issues, particularly regarding the safety and the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances.

Understanding how a pressure reducing valve works makes all the difference when dealing with any plumbing concern. Attempting to DIY a plumbing problem can result in more dreadful and costly 

. If you are within Phoenix, Arizona, and need residential or commercial plumbing and rooting services, 

Before narrowing down to how a pressure reducing valve works, understanding what it is, the key components, and the function is critical.

A pressure reducing valve is a self-operating, hydraulic control valve designed in a way that regulates the force of water to the necessitated value. Regardless of the differences between inlet and outlet water pressure, a pressure reducing valve responds instantly to function with the varying demand.

Today, most plumbing systems have a preinstalled pressure reducing valve; however, after about ten years of using the pressure reducing valve, it's recommended to have it replaced.

Main components of a pressure reducing valve

The pressure reducing valve is made up of different components to meet the ultimate function of maintaining a steady upstream and downstream pressure. These include:

 – The valve's body accommodates an internal V port plug that helps give a stable and accurate response for pressure regulation and flow return.

 – This is often understood as the valve's brain. The pilot regulator is meant to shape the inflow and outflow of water between the control chamber of the pressure reducing valve.

 – Before water gets into the hydraulic parts, it's filtered in the control filter to increase the reliability of the control valve. Also, it offers opportunities for minimum maintenance.

With the control valve in its closed position and the adjusting screw uncalibrated, upstream water pressure begins to flow in the diaphragm, and no force is available yet to push the open valve.

As the upstream pressure gets into the drip after passing through the filter, the water supply regulator reduces the pressure moving it into the pilot, where a pilot plug blocks flow. When the adjusting screw is calibrated, the supply pressure fills the control valve, opening the valve to give upstream pressure.

Primarily, the pressure in the pilot guides the valve on the right course of action. Immediately pressure is vented, the pilot diaphragm decompresses, and the pressure supply recycles.

Under proper water pressure calibration and consistent water flow, the pressure reducing valve should open and close by small percentages to guarantee adherence to the set point. In automatically regulated pressure reducing valves, they work with the help of a sensor line protector that controls pressurization.

How do you check the water pressure in your plumbing system?

If you think that the plumbing system in your premises could be having an issue, checking the water pressure could likely give you clues about the actual problem.

So, how do you check the water pressure? It's as easy as opening the spigot on the pressure gauge on one of the pipes. The gauges you see when you open the tap indicate everything about your house's water pressure. You can source these pressure gauges in Phoenix at almost any hardware or through Moon Valley Plumbing.

Alternatively, you can use a smart water security system to monitor water pressure and detect any possible plumbing issues in real-time. To learn more about this technology and how such plumbing fixtures can monitor your water pressure within Phoenix, reach out to the 

Imagine getting home to a flooded house because of a leak? It is fundamental to maintain the recommended water pressure, whether it's a water pipe, appliance, or fixture.

Usually, each of these products is designed to withstand water pressure to certain limits, usually between 60 to 80 psi. When any of the water lines, pipes, water heaters, and faucets are exposed to high water pressure, they wear down faster than expected.

Get Help from the Plumbing Experts at Moon Valley Plumbing

Low or high water pressure can be a nuisance compared to regular running water. If you are experiencing commercial or residential plumbing and rooting problems in Phoenix, Moon Valley Plumbing would be glad to help.  24-hour emergency services available.

Plumbing services we can help you with include water heater installation, water line, cooler leaks, pipe and drain repair, and cleaning, just to name a few. Regardless of the complexity of your plumbing problems, 

 today, and let us sort out the plumbing system for you.

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work? 

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work

Clogging is a significant problem in residential and commercial developments as it creates severe issues in the sewer system. Clogs in your sewer lines can create enough pressure to cause 

 in your drain lines. You need to contact professional plumbing services when you notice any issue with your drain lines. 

, we offer honest, high-quality, and professional plumbing services in Arizona. We also provide high-grade sewer cleaning tools in Phoenix. 

 to guide us on the equipment to carry for the plumbing job. We mainly enquire about the type of drain and the type of clog.

At Moon Valley Plumbing, we use a 3/8 cable for clearing a slow-draining tub or clogs in tubs and showers. If the clog cannot be reached through the overflow and drain, we will go on the roof and cable through the roof vent.

The closet auger is the appropriate tool for clearing a stoppage in a toilet. It has a spring that makes it flexible to go through the tight bend in a bowl. We use a telescoping auger for clogs beyond the bowl. We use the urinal auger for urinals as it can go through tight bends.

We recommend using handheld models with ¼, 5/16, or 3/8 inch cables as they are suitable for clearing all small diameter drain lines. 

There are wide varieties of machines you can use to clear small floor drains with added features. The most suitable tool for unblocking 2-4 inch drain lines is that with a 3/8 or ½-inch cable. 

We use heavy-duty sewer cleaning tools with large diameters and strong cables, as they produce enough torque to clear tough clogs and cut through tree roots. The major machines we use to clear floor drains and mainlines include sectional drain cleaning and drum-type drain cleaning machines. We use a picote machine on cast iron to clean out most of the scaling and build-up.

We use cable machines and attach other retrieving tools when removing foreign objects such as toys and broken cables, causing stoppage on your drain lines.

We use water jets to clear grease clogs in residential homes and restaurants. Water jets use high-pressure water to knock and flush away grease stoppages. They also clear sand, and mud clog on metal and plastic drain lines.

Soap, hair, and scales are the common causes of debris blockages. We use cable drain cleaners to clear debris in residential homes.

Major Types of Sewer Cables and Drain Snakes

We ensure to select the correct size and type of sewer cable to remove drain clogs successfully. Good drain sewer cleaning cables are flexible and strong to generate enough torque. Some of the 

Always choose the correct sewer cleaning tools, and ask the right questions before starting a plumbing and rooting job. This is important as it helps you do the job quickly, easily saving your client unnecessary expenses. 

Always choose Moon Valley Plumbing since we are licensed, insured, clean, professional, and highly affordable. 

 for professional plumbing work in Arizona.

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools?

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools

Water inefficiency is bad for both your pocket and the environment. Fortunately, you can take a wide range of measures to avoid water wastage at home. Below are some of these measures.

Water appliances have different efficiencies. Choose the highest efficiency within your budget whenever you want to install an appliance. Here are some useful examples of such appliances:

Water appliances are becoming more efficient as time goes on — and without compromising on functionality. If you have old appliances, the chance is high that the contemporary market has numerous efficient appliances you can use to update your current appliances.

Water heaters come in different varieties, but you can choose between two major categories — tank and tankless systems. The tank system heats and stores hot water, while the tankless system only heats water when you need it.

A tankless water heater is both energy- and water-efficient. Water efficiency is possible because the appliance instantly heats the water when you need it. Thus, you don’t have to wait for some cold water to flow down the drain as the water heats.

Low water pressure reduces the risk of water leaks, which high water pressure can cause by forcing its way through small spaces in pipe joints. Additionally, low water pressure reduces water delivery per minute, which reduces overall water use. Both of these perks can help you achieve better water efficiency in your home.

To lower the water pressure in your home, adjust the pressure regulator that sits just after the water meter outside the house. Ensure the pressure reading doesn’t exceed 80 psi.

A leaking plumbing system wastes water and makes you pay for the water you aren’t using. Because of this, you’ll want to prevent and plug leaks as soon as they occur. The following tips should help:

Install a leak detector to alert you as soon as a leak occurs. If you detect a leak, shut off your water supply and plug the leak as soon as possible.

Did you know you can recycle some of the wastewater from your house for reuse? A typical house produces two types of wastewater — black and gray water. The black water comes from the toilet and shouldn’t be recycled. Grey water comes from various other sources, such as showers, sinks, and bathtubs, and you can often recycle this water.

You can install a recycling system that separates the grey water from the black water and purifies it. The installation is especially easy and cost-effective during construction. You can use the water for non-consumption activities, such as watering the lawn and washing clothes.

If you choose to install one of these systems, ensure you follow your state’s water recycling regulations.

Changing your water-usage habits can have a big effect on your overall water efficiency. Some things you can do include the following:

Indoctrinate all household members to water-saving tips — collective efforts work better than individual efforts.

Three things are critical to your water conservation efforts — good plumbing installation, proper maintenance, and water-usage habits. Moon Valley Plumbing can help you with the first two things. We also provide emergency services to those who need immediate help after hours. 

 with your plumbing problem to get a professional solution.

How to Conserve Water In Your Home

If you own or manage rental properties, chances are you’ve had problems with wasted water, clogged drains, or other shower-related plumbing issues in the past. Your plumber can help you find ways to care for the rental units’ plumbing while ensuring that the units are also attractive to potential renters.

For instance, a low-flow showerhead can help save money and increase the green credibility of your apartment building or duplexes. Discover some of the benefits you could incur by having your plumber install low-flow showerheads in rental units.

MAKES RENTAL UNITS DESIRABLE TO ECO-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS

Positioning your company and rental units as eco-friendly can go a long way towards making your units desirable in today’s market. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly goods and services. In addition, renters often look for more eco-friendly rentals nowadays.

After a few affordable eco-friendly upgrades such as low-flow fixtures and added insulation, you may be able to rent your units out for a higher price by advertising these eco-friendly features.

The most obvious benefit to a low-flow showerhead is that you can use it to save on hot water. Wasted hot water can be extra pricey because it wastes both water and electricity. If you rent out units with utilities included in the rent, savings on hot water can put more money in your pocket directly.

A low-flow showerhead can save several gallons per minute of showering. For instance, switching from an old 4 GPM (gallon per minute) flow to a 2.5 GPM flow saves 1.5 gallons per minute, whereas switching to a 1.8 GPM showerhead saves 2.2 gallons per minute.

If you already have newer 2.5 GMP showerheads, switching to 1.8 GPM may be less dramatic but can still save on hot water. As you can imagine, these savings can add up quickly, especially if you have dozens or hundreds of tenants. And you don’t just save on your water and sewer bill at this point but also on the electricity that heats the water for the shower.

CAN FUNCTION AS PART OF BATHROOM REMODEL 

While a low-flow showerhead does reduce the water used, that doesn’t mean it has to be a spartan, bare-bones addition to a bathroom. Some low-flow showerheads can come with luxury features that could help you position the bathroom as a luxury bathroom.

So you can choose a 1.8 GPM showerhead that has a massage spray setting or one that offers a luxury rainfall experience, for instance. This type of showerhead isn’t just a water-saving upgrade but a luxury upgrade as well. Add a few more affordable but luxurious upgrades, and you can use your remodeled bathrooms as a selling point.

Even if you don’t pay directly for the utilities your tenants use, you likely have a responsibility to ensure that things like the tenants’ water heater works correctly. While a showerhead won’t directly care for water heaters, it can significantly reduce the use of hot water, which can, in turn, reduce wear and tear on water heaters and avoid failure from overuse.

As you can imagine, less water heater wear and tear could translate into fewer water heater repairs and replacements. If you have a lot of tenants and a lot of water heaters, this can add up into big savings over time.

Having low-flow showerheads in place can end up being beneficial to your bottom line. Be sure you select a model of showerhead that doesn’t break easily and will last for years and years so you don’t end up spending money on a lot of replacements.

For more information on how you can increase your green credibility, reduce water bills and electrical bills, and help the environment by installing low-flow plumbing components, contact your local plumber such as 

 today. We can help you with any plumbing job from installation to maintenance to repairs or replacements.

Benefits of Installing Low-Flow Showerheads in Rental Units

House inspection is a critical step when buying a home. During the inspection, you should pay attention to the structural integrity, roofing system, security features, interiors, HVAC systems, appliances, electrical systems, exteriors, and plumbing systems.

A reliable plumbing system allows free flow of clean water and wastewater in and out of the house, respectively. Therefore, you need to inspect the plumbing systems with the help of a professional before you close the deal. Here are things to look for during plumbing inspection.

The efficacy of a water heater can help you assess the performance of the entire plumbing system. Switch on any faucet and find out whether the heater produces enough hot water or not. Do this for a couple of minutes to detect any temperature fluctuations.

If you hear strange sounds from the water heater, this could be a sign of sediment buildup that needs to be flushed.

Remember to check for any leak signs around the water heater. Make sure the pipes and other fittings are well connected and sealed. With the help of a technician, you should identify signs of loose parts, leaks, and faulty accessories and estimate the repair or replacement costs.

Moreover, the plumbing technician can help you check the heater type in the house in question and offer advice based on the degree of efficiency.

In the kitchen you need to check the sink, garbage disposal, shutoff valves, and other kitchen appliances. Here is how to inspect them.

Turn on the faucet and check for any leakage around it or slow draining. You can let tap water run for a few minutes and watch how it behaves.

Be wary of water that drains slowly because this could a sign of blockage. Fortunately, a plumber can disassemble the sink, clean the drain, or replace any problematic parts.

Even if the drain is in good condition, however, you need to observe proper maintenance strategies to prevent clogging once you buy the house.

Check for any leaks from the garbage disposal, and let the plumber tighten the connections. Strange smells from the garbage disposal is a common sign of clogs. Since the garbage disposal units might also fail to turn on, you should test it during the inspection session.

Shutoff valves regulate water supply to your taps and appliances. Turn off different valves to find out if they affect the water supply. If not, you need to repair or replace the faulty ones.

Kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, also depend on the home’s plumbing system. During the inspection, turn on the dishwasher and carefully assess how it functions. Check how long it takes to fill or drain, and make sure the shutoff valve that controls it works.

In the bathroom, make sure the faucets don’t leak. Also, find out if the bathroom drains are clogged by hair or soap scum. If you notice any issues, you can hire the technician to open the drains and eliminate any trapped debris.

Open the toilet cistern, flush, and watch how it behaves. A toilet that flushes continuously wastes a lot of water and might need repairs or replacements. Also, check for any leaks around the toilet.

If you want to buy an old home, the main sewer drain may have root intrusion and other issues that can block your sewer line. A professional plumber can use camera inspection to detect any signs of cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion and advise accordingly.

You need to inspect various parts of a plumbing system before you buy a home. This guide provides you with a checklist that can make your work easier and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Our company offers plumbing inspection and repair services for residential properties, commercial properties, foreclosure properties, and condos. 

az-plumbing

How Does a Pressure Reducing Valve Work?

What Are The Different Types Of Sewer Cleaning Tools?

How to Conserve Water In Your Home

Benefits of Installing Low-Flow Showerheads in Rental Units

Things to Look for During a Plumbing Inspection