Pressure Regulating Valve

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Recently inspected a 1920s house that had water service supply lines updated. I noticed 2 PVC "clean-outs" protruding from the ground adjacent to the water meter. In one I found the main cut-off valve for the house. In the second I found the PRV. I usually see the PRV in the house (crawlspace or basement). This house was on a slab but has anyone else found PRVs in the ground? Just a first for me.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Yes, 99% of them (valve & PRV) around here are near the meter and accessed via a ~6" pvc pipe, usually with a small cast iron cover on them. SOP for SOG

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by mboyett

Yes, 99% of them (valve & PRV) around here are near the meter and accessed via a ~6" pvc pipe, usually with a small cast iron cover on them. SOP for SOG

That's good to know. I have a client that is going to change over from a well to county water. May be a good setup for them since their house is on a slab.

[Michael R. Boyett]

The issue that I see here with that arrangement is that over time, maybe 5 years or more, then the pvc gets filled up with dirt and debris and obstructs the access to the valve or the prv. I have a standard comment that says:

The water meter vault and/or shut-off valve access is full of dirt and other debris and should be cleaned to provide quick, easy access in case the water needs to be turned off in an emergency.