pressure reducer --> pipes hum---> I HATE IT! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

clavus · 04-17-2005, 05:40 PM

My lovely wife installed a drip irritation...irrigation system. To keep the whole thing from blowing up, she installed a pressure reducer where the system ties into the hose bib. When it runs, the pipes turn my home into a humming, resonating Hell on Earth.

Is there a way to keep the pipes from humming without removing the pressure reducer?

scout · 04-18-2005, 02:47 AM

Dig a trench and tie it into the water line before it enters the house......

BadNick · 04-18-2005, 08:21 AM

Not that this is the most likely problem, but it could just be a cheap, barely functional pressure reducing valve which vibrates when it works ...errr sort of works. There is a spring inside these devices and if the valve is not properly designed, the spring can allow the internals to vibrate at certain flow rates.

Even if it is a good design, if it is not sized properly for the flowrate, it could vibrate. It could be too big for your flowrate and since the valve plug is then too close to the valve seat, it is much more likely to vibrate. If possible, while it is vibrating try to substantially increase the flow of water, if not from the drip nozzles themselves then create additional flow somehow after the regulator. If the vibration stops, that's an indication that it could be too large for the drip flow.

If the reducer is adjustable, try different pressure settings and quite likely a higher or lower pressure will stop the vibration.

the_tyipist · 04-18-2005, 12:11 PM

I sell irrigation and have encountered this problem from time to time. You may have a pressure reducer that is rated for a lower flow than you have, or you might just have amazingly high pressure.

Either way you should buy another reducer. If you need a higher flow, just replace the one you have now. If you have very high pressure, buy a reducer that reduces it a little less than the one that is installed, and install it before the existing one.

The third possiblity is removing the reducer altogether. Don't do this unless you have an idea what your pressure is. I have customers who don't buy them at all.

clavus · 04-18-2005, 02:28 PM

Hmmm...I shall try installing the second reducer ahead of the first. I know for a fact that without a reducer, the lines get blown out. Thanks

04-17-2005, 05:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	pressure reducer --> pipes hum---> I HATE IT! My lovely wife installed a drip irritation...irrigation system. To keep the whole thing from blowing up, she installed a pressure reducer where the system ties into the hose bib. When it runs, the pipes turn my home into a humming, resonating Hell on Earth. Is there a way to keep the pipes from humming without removing the pressure reducer? __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

04-18-2005, 02:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	Hmmm...I shall try installing the second reducer ahead of the first. I know for a fact that without a reducer, the lines get blown out. Thanks __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

04-18-2005, 02:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
scout Psycho	Dig a trench and tie it into the water line before it enters the house......

04-18-2005, 08:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	Not that this is the most likely problem, but it could just be a cheap, barely functional pressure reducing valve which vibrates when it works ...errr sort of works. There is a spring inside these devices and if the valve is not properly designed, the spring can allow the internals to vibrate at certain flow rates. Even if it is a good design, if it is not sized properly for the flowrate, it could vibrate. It could be too big for your flowrate and since the valve plug is then too close to the valve seat, it is much more likely to vibrate. If possible, while it is vibrating try to substantially increase the flow of water, if not from the drip nozzles themselves then create additional flow somehow after the regulator. If the vibration stops, that's an indication that it could be too large for the drip flow. If the reducer is adjustable, try different pressure settings and quite likely a higher or lower pressure will stop the vibration.

04-18-2005, 12:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
the_tyipist Upright Location: saskatchewan	I sell irrigation and have encountered this problem from time to time. You may have a pressure reducer that is rated for a lower flow than you have, or you might just have amazingly high pressure. Either way you should buy another reducer. If you need a higher flow, just replace the one you have now. If you have very high pressure, buy a reducer that reduces it a little less than the one that is installed, and install it before the existing one. The third possiblity is removing the reducer altogether. Don't do this unless you have an idea what your pressure is. I have customers who don't buy them at all.