Watts LFU5B-Z3, LFU5B-QC-Z3 - Water Pressure Reducing Valve Manual

Installation Guidelines

You are required to consult the local building and plumbing codes prior to installation. If the information in this manual is not consistent with local building or plumbing codes, the local codes should be followed. Inquire with governing authorities for additional local requirements.

1. The valve should be installed by a licensed contractor in accordance with local codes and ordinances.
2. This valve should be installed where it is accessible with sufficient clearance for cleaning, service, or adjustment.
3. Before installing the valve, be sure that the pipe ends are reamed and threads are cut to size. For valves with Quick-Connect tailpieces refer to "Quick-Connect Installation" instructions below.
4. Flush the lines to remove all loose scale, dirt and other foreign matter that can damage or clog the valve.
5. Install the regulator with the arrow on the body pointing in the direction of the flow.
6. Regulator may be installed vertically or horizontally (upright or inverted).
7. Start Up — Open cold water supply then hot water supply. Inspect for leaks.

NOTICE
To tighten tailpiece, first hand tighten followed by ¹⁄₄-1 turn using a wrench.

NOTICE
Product is for interior or exterior applications. Product should not be buried directly in the ground. For exterior applications where the valve will be situated in a vault or pit or be in contact with the ground, the valve should be installed in a meter box/vault, accessible for repair and adjustment, per local code.

Need for Periodic Inspection/Maintenance: This product must be tested periodically in compliance with local codes, but at least once per year or more as service conditions warrant. Corrosive water conditions, and/or unauthorized adjustments or repair could render the product ineffective for the service intended. Regular checking and cleaning of the product's internal components helps assure maximum life and proper product function.
Maintenance may be required when the water downstream of the product exhibits one or more of the following: excessive water pressure, insufficient water pressure or flow, or inconsistent water pressure.

Maintenance Instructions

Depressurize valve before servicing.

• To clean strainer remove the bottom plug and pull out strainer.

Adjustment

Regulator is factory preset to 50psi (344 kPa) in a static condition. To adjust pressure setting, loosen the lock nut and turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to increase pressure, counterclockwise to decrease pressure.

Any time a reducing valve is adjusted, the use of a pressure gauge is recommended to verify correct pressure setting. Do not bottom out adjusting screw on spring cage.

Bypass Feature

This regulator has a built-in thermal expansion bypass feature. This feature prevents downstream pressure from rising to more than 10psi above the supply pressure.

NOTICE
The Bypass feature will not prevent the pressure relief valve from opening on the hot water supply system with pressures above 150psi (10.3 bar).

Low Pressure Service

Recommended installation when regulator is used to control flow through the booster heater to dishwasher.

For repair kits and parts, refer to our price list PL-RP-GP found on www.watts.com.

Typical Installation

Series Installation

Series installations are recommended where very high supply pressure must be reduced to a very low downstream pressure. Reducing the pressure in stages eliminates whistling and noise.

Parallel Installation

Parallel installations are recommended where high flow or low flow demand is intermittent/occasional. They are also used for installations where service cannot be interrupted.

For valves with CPVC or PEX end connections, do not exceed the tubing manufacturers pressure and temperature ratings Refer to the tubing manufacturers product specifications for that information.

Quick-Connect Installation

To Connect:

1. Mark pipe as shown.
   This is pipe insertion depth.
   
2. Clean pipe end.
3. If using PEX tubing, insert pipe stiffener (provided) into end of pipe.
   
4. Push tubing into tailpiece up to mark.
5. Insert collet clip.

To Disconnect:

1. Remove collet clip.
2. Depress collet.
3. Pull tubing from tailpiece.

Troubleshooting

High System Pressure

If the downstream system pressure is higher than the set pressure under no flow conditions, the cause could be thermal expansion, pressure creep or dirt/debris on the seat.

Thermal expansion occurs whenever water is heated in a closed system. The system is closed when supply pressure exceeds 150psi, or a check valve or backflow preventer is installed in the supply piping.

You must make provisions for pressure relief protection of your plumbing system and components. The use of a relief valve such as the Watts 530C, BRV, Governor 80, or 3L or potable water expansion tank such as the Watts DET, PLT or DETA may be required.

To determine if this is the result of thermal expansion, try briefly opening the cold water tap. If the increased pressure is caused by thermal expansion, the pressure will immediately be relieved and the system will return to the set pressure.

Watts offers a pressure test gauge, model LF276H300 to assist you in determining if you have high water pressure. The LF276H300 when attached to a hose bibb registers the highest pressure reading over the period of time it is left on the system.

Documents / Resources

References

• Watts | Plumbing, Heating and Water Quality Solutions

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