zero pressure regulator - set-up tips, any good?

[mrfixit]

Thanks for the confirmation, I was second guessing myself.

I checked the soap concentrate today and it didnt look like any was lost. And I haven't seen anymore instances of the soapy water.

I think you nailed it; probably from the softeners, They have thier own issues, or could be a weep check valve, ill check them.. I guess I was focusing on the change I just made, overlooked the other causes..

 

[2Biz]

How old is the main coming into your wash?

The reason I ask, concerning pressure drop....I was having the same issue and stumbled on the problem. I have a 2" main and went from a 2" meter down to a 1" meter to save on monthly minimum charges. Whoever put in the original 2" meter used cast iron flanges attached to the copper pipe. When I took it all apart, the 2" pipe had an opening about the size of a quarter from galvanic corrosion. The obstruction was only where the dissimilar metals touched. A no no in this business or any business! This is something you may check for.

 

[mrfixit]

Hey, thanks. I have read of that problem. Its only about 14 years old. We get plenty of rust build up in the screens at the main back flow preventer. Iron tested at 1 in the past. But overall its a main offender at our wash. Its the primary ro membrane foulant.

But anyway, we have dog wash at far end of building. Plumbed off soft water it wouldn't even work. Plumbed on hard water before the copper it gets plenty of pressure. Not affected by the pressure drop like the soft side. They do step the line down to 1 1/2 out the main - that will be changed to 2" when I replumb with another softener.

But it is cast meter, to galvanized, to brass shutoff, to copper pipe. Kinda hard to check that fitting without breaking it down. But its something to check.

 

[2Biz]

I'm guessing the meter is a cast bronze? The issue will be with the galvanized fitting/fittings! When you re-plumb the new softeners, it will be a good time to break it all down to inspect and get rid of the galvanized fittings. I know its kind of hard to tear into something like this unless your replacing equipment. I got lucky and stumbled on it! Seems like that happens from time to time! While you're down, might as well do it right.

 

[mrfixit]

Yes was just going to edit the post.

The meter is bronze. Galvanized on both ends of it. Then the brass/bronze shut off valve to copper step down to 1 1/2 pipe.

Yes most definitely fix it all while apart. Just gotta pick a rainy couple days to work on it.

 

[mrfixit]

I was going to add all the hog pogged pieces. There's a mix of everything.. Here's a picture, 'professional plumbers did this..




I'm sure going full brass would have cost a lot more - probably why its galvanized.

The dog wash pex was moved to that lower connection.

 

[2Biz]

WOW...I bet you'll wonder how you had any flow at all when you tear into that!

FWIW...I get all my ball valves and brass fittings from Supplyhouse.com....You'll save appr. 50% compared to the big box stores.

 

[mrfixit]

Thanks 2 biz.

After doing some reading about galvanic corrosion... Looks like during the corrosion process free iron releases into the water...

Wow, I bet this is where all the rust is coming from.. I thought it was from the city but it could be these pipes all along!. .

This will be great to be rid of!

 

[mrfixit]

2biz... Man I can not wait to tear Into that.. All this rust in everything omg its caused so many issues and ruined so many valves and components.. You can see that 1/2" pex running vertical. That's clear, see how its red.. Everything in my system is coated with it. Prefilters are always loaded with it, strainers, everything is red.. Omg I can't believe I didn't question that before!!!

Looking at how the threads of the galvanized have rusted I can only imagine how bad the inside is!

 

[2Biz]

What gets me is these plumbers that call themselves professionals! When you fix this and do it right, what are you? An Extra-Professional?!?!?!? I watch too many episodes of Ancient Aliens on History Channel!

 

[mrfixit]

So this has been working well for me so far.

I replumbed the inlet side, moved things around, got the bypass hose down to about 6".

The end bay gets soap in about 19 seconds. It does take longer to clear. About 40 seconds or so.. I think the issue is the lines feeding the bay. The hose end fitting at the pump is rusted inside, I imagine other fittings have a similar issue. So I think soap is hanging in the rust, also the hp line itself might be holding some now - its about 14 years old.

A new HP line is in order I believe with new compatable fittings that won't cause rust from steel to brass.