My pressure reducing valve has gone bad. This looks like a pretty simple change. My question is do i loosen the union nut first (after draining water line), then loosen the whole valve??? Then reverse to install??? Any info would be great....
Yup. That's pretty much it. Loosen the union a little, unscrew the valve from the non union side, then take the union completely loose and remove the valve. Last thing is to remove the other half of the union from the pipe. Always use the complete new union that comes with the new pressure regulator.
some reducing valves are adjustable. if this one has a locknut witha screw on good thats probable the explanation for loss of psi. via turning the screw in you advance the psi. if it has no screw examine the score on it. you like 60-a hundred psi variety. if nonetheless no answer do away with the valve and see if sturdy rigidity comes out of the meter. its a fashion of removal and a splash attempt. it particularly is the meter. you may troubleshoot its one or the different.
Sometimes a valve can get something stuck in the valve like rust or sand and just need flushing. The reason you have a pressure reducing valve is because of the high main pressure. If you have a tight system it will build up pressure even if the valve is good if you do not have an expansion tank for your hot water tank this will also make your water heater vent about a quarter cup most every time it fires up if no faucets are leaking. You need to know how to shut off the pressure from the main. Then you are right it is simple to change the valve. The city has crazy pipe threads that you can't get but I don't think they would be on your pressure regulator Some cities have smart meters and I think they may know when you shut the valve off to the meter. Some one may be out to see why the meter stopped. The cut off valve and the meter belongs to the city or water provider in most places. Most cities do not want you to operate their valve