Question on our CSV1A

[sarg]

Mr. Austin.... We did our semi-annual maintenance on our water heater & while the tank was refilling I noted that the operating PSI was at about 35. Today I adjusted the valve up to the original setting of 45 psi.
My question is does this variance in the set pressure demonstrate the unit may be due for a rebuild kit ? The CSV was installed November of 2020.

[Cary Austin]

Valve set pressure should never change.  Check the pressure gauge.

[sarg]

The system starts the pump at 30 on the gauge and off at 50 as usual indicating to me the gauge is still accurate.
I did note the locking 9/16  nut was not tight. Would it be possible the adjustment screw "backed off"  through vibration ?
What malady does the rebuild kits repair ?

[Cary Austin]

Sounds like the gauge is accurate. Bolt should not loosen on its own. But not having jam nut tight makes it easy for someone to mess with. If that is not the case the pump performance may have decreased a little. Spring would be only thing affecting set pressure as guts of valve either close or not If valve fails.  CSV fails,; pump cycles on/off not low pressure

[sarg]

So ... if I'm understanding ... the CSV "setting" may reduce itself as the spring becomes "weaker" over time ? And that would necessitate an adjustment on the tension ?

OR .... The pump installed 4 years ago is not providing the same flow ?

[Cary Austin]

never seen a spring lose tension over time unless they get rusty or break.  At least for 30 years as the ones I set 30 years ago have never needed readjustment.  However, if the diaphragm tears or leaks and the spring gets wet, it can lose tension and/or break.  But normally you would notice water leaking from around the adjustment bolt and the CSV no longer functioning long before the spring got rusty or broke. 

Even a slight change in pump performance should have no effect on the CSV setting.  It is just not normal for the setting of the CSV to change unless someone messes with the bolt.  Without the jam nut tight, just a slight bump on the adjustment bolt can make a big change as one full turn is like 14 PSI difference.

Sorry for your problem, but I don't think there is anything to fix.  If it changes again let me know and we will do whatever we can to remedy the issue.

[sarg]

Appreciate your time.
I'll now monitor how the CSV functions while the shower is being used and see if my adjustment holds.
I'm positive that I'm the only one messing up the plumbing here.

 

[Cary Austin]

 

[sarg]

Just a quick follow-up. The CSV held properly today at 44 psi as set.
Only guess I have is I did not tighten the lock nut.
Thanks again.

[Cary Austin]

Glad you are happy again.  Didn't think the bolt would work loose on its own, but will recommend tightening the jam nut from now on.  Thanks.