Watts LF25AUB-Z3 Water Pressure Reducing Valve NPT Female Union x NPT Female, Polymer Seat, 3/4 Inch

My house was built in 1966 and had a Watts 3/4" U5B series pressure reducing valve. According to the Watts website, the U5B is a higher performance/capacity model than this LF25AUB-Z3 3/4", and comparing the charts on the volume @pressure, there does appear to be a difference, but it looked small at the pressures that represent my operating environment. My old U5B was no longer regulating pressure, and so everything in my house was being subjected to 120psi that comes off my street. This is relatively close to the 150psi safety release on the hotwater tank and it was wreaking havoc with anything less than contractor grade garden hoses (blowing them apart after a few months in service). I became concerned that the high pressure might also destroy a toilet/sink supply line and in the worst case, flood the house while we were gone. I tried to get a repair kit for my U5B and by all accounts I ordered the right kit, but none of the parts fit. Maybe someone accidentally swapped the parts bags between two kits while comparing, or maybe the U5B I had was so old that the design had changed a bit. For whatever reason, the bell housing dimensions on my U5B did not match the dimensions specs noted by Watts. Even though "3/4" was clearly forged in the side of the valve and the sticker on it clearly read U5B. Anyway, I don't know if the old valve was Lead-Free or not. So I decided it was worth it to just order a new valve. The direct modern replacement for the U5B is going for around $300 +/-, depending on your source, and Amazon didn't have any sources. But the LF25AUB-Z3 3/4" was $80 shipped to my door. So I took a chance and ordered it. Installation was a breeze, turned off the main supply, opened a sink to bleed the pressure off the system, shut off the hot water heater, then just backed off the old unit and put the new one in. The new one is maybe 3/16" shorter in overall length, but there is plenty of slack/give in the copper pipes I have to allow for some differences in size. It's amazing the difference this has made for my appliances and what not. We used to get pretty bad water-hammer, installing arresters helped, but did not eliminate. With the new pressure reducing valve in place there is no more water hammer, my automatic icemaker is working clog-free, and the refrigerator door water dispenser works much better. I may miss the 120psi when it comes to working outside, but so far I love the new pressure and there is room to turn it up a bit. The valve comes factory preset to 50psi and can be adjusted up to 75psi. I don't recall the lower limit. Oh, and I took the old valve apart. To my surprise the diaphragm was perfectly intact. What had failed was the bypass valve. It appears to have rotted/worn away small enough to come apart and it got trapped by the screen. And another interesting fact was that I'm quite sure that screen had never been checked in the 49ish years it had been in service and it was perfectly clean, pretty cool.

I recently purchased the Watts Water Pressure Reducing Valve as a replacement for my old valve, which was causing my water heater to leak. Since installing it in mid-March 2024, I have been thoroughly impressed with its performance and reliability. Installation Experience The installation process was straightforward and hassle-free. The valve came with clear instructions, and I had it installed within an hour. Even for someone who isn’t a professional plumber, the process was manageable, and all the necessary components were included. Performance Since installing the Watts valve, I haven’t experienced any issues. The water pressure in my home has been consistently regulated, preventing any undue stress on my plumbing system. This has been especially important for protecting my new water heater, ensuring it operates efficiently without any risk of damage from high water pressure. It feels robust and well-made, indicating that it will last for many years.

Update: 6 years later and this thing is still going strong! Had two instance of faucet exploded before pressure valve replacement. Not a single appliances or faucet leaks since replacement! Update: 18 months later this thing pay for itself. I have been consistently saving between 15-30% on my water bills. No change in water use habits. Even with guests staying over, water bill is still lower compare to same season the year before. This product is probably one of the best single product anyone can buy for their home. It does what it is design to do AND MORE. First, I live up the cliff on the Hudson River side (500+fts above sea level). Water company pump up the water pressure to get the water to us in utility lines. My home pressure reading was 115psi at any giving point. I have an old home and a lot of leaking pipe joints. The house already have the older model Watts 25AUB-Z3 installed. However, I tried many time to adjust the pressure with no luck. I come to the conclusion that the valve original to the 50+ years old home is not working. I then did some home work online and take on the task of replacing the value. Took care of it after some major error (PLEASE make sure you install it on the right direction! I screw that up and end up breaking my water meter and have to call the utility company!). The pressure of all the water lines including my hot water lines drop to 50psi instantly. This save all my pipes, appliances, and stop all the water hammering.

This is a good product. Has worked well and as advertised.

Easy installation and Watts products are the best with replacement parts easily found.

Works great to keep your pressures safe do not let the water pressure get too high and cause damage. Street pressure can surge or be set too high so you small lines like the ice maker. dish washer may start to seep that can cause a lot of hidden damage that you do not know about until its too late. This is very well made tp last and easy to adjust.

Was nearly an exact replacement for the one that finally wore out after 20 years of service. I probably could have done the replacement myself but decided to hire a plumber. It was easy work for him and took about an hour to remove the old one and solder in the new one. Set the pressure to my specifications and back up and running with consistent water pressure.

All brass for just a bit more than the p.o.s. plastic belled PRVs. Arrived super fast. Works great

Muy buena válvula, fácil de instalar, de material muy resistente, se ajusta fácilmente. Mantiene la presión a la salida constante, sin variaciones. Excelente válvula.

This was a "drop in" replacement for the original water pressure regulator in my house. The original was 28 years old, and had a pinhole leak in the diaphragm, so could have been repaired. But the new one went in as a replacement in less than 10 minutes, so water was up and working again very quickly. No one actually noticed the water was off , as it was so quick. And the new replacement works perfectly.

Good fit, easy to install.

La mejor marca de válvulas de control, funciona a la perfeccion

Does what it's supposed to do