Installing a water pressure reducer and why it matters.

Time marches relentlessly forward. And sometimes it's very hard to keep track of the new developments, which keep multiplying by the day. Neither designers, nor engineers, nor builders stand still — each of them is trying to create something new and unique that considerably outdoes what came before in quality, functionality and service life.

Naturally, people's needs change along with all this. It's no longer enough just to go and buy a washing machine or a vacuum cleaner. When choosing a washing machine, you want it not only to wash effectively but to dry too, and a vacuum cleaner not only to vacuum but to wash floors at the same time. Naturally, once you've put money into expensive appliances, it's worth also thinking about protecting them.

These days, a water pressure reducer is what guarantees the reliable operation of all your household appliances. It should be noted that in the event of major water pressure spikes, appliances such as a boiler can be put at serious risk. To prevent this, you should fit a reducer, whose main job is to even out the pressure.

But water pressure reducers can't be fitted in every building — in low-rise buildings and Khrushchev-era blocks, for instance, fitting one isn't recommended. But in buildings of at least 7 storeys, you can't do without a reducer, especially for residents of the first two floors. Fitting reducers is especially important in 16- and 18-storey buildings, where daytime water pressure in the pipes can reach 7 atmospheres or more, not to mention at night, when water is barely used at all.

Although fitting a water pressure reducer is much simpler than, say, a worm gear reducer, the tricky specifics of installation still mean you can't do without a specialist's help here either.

The installation process consists of several sequential steps, with a few nuances to observe. First, the reducer is only fitted after a mechanical filter has been installed. Second, it must be installed vertically only, with the pressure gauge facing up. Installing the pressure gauge horizontally, at any arbitrary angle, is strictly forbidden. And lastly, a water pressure reducer should never be installed on your own, as this can impair how it works and create a hazardous situation.

If you live in a high-rise building and don't yet have a water reducer, we'd advise giving this question serious thought and trying to sort it out soon, since the safety of your household appliances depends on it. What's more, thanks to their small size and quiet operation, adding one won't bring any noticeable change to your interior or the look of your home.