Pressure Regulator 20 PSI - Pipe Threaded 3/4" FPT x 3/4" MPT

Note:  This regulator has PIPE THREADS (male & female)

Product Description

A pressure regulator reduces household water pressure to a set pressure for use with a drip system. Always install a regulator after a valve and filter. They are not designed to be operated under constant pressure.Learn how to choose a drip regulator.

NOTE: If incoming water pressure is over 80 PSI, we recommend installing a regulator designed for high-pressure domestic water supply to reduce household pressure below 80 PSI. Consult a plumber or Irrigation Contractor.

Product Details

• 20 PSI Pre-set Pressure Regulator (30 PSI pipe-thread regulator also available)
• Drip Irrigation Pressure Regulator
• Inlet: 3/4" FPT (Female Pipe Thread)
• Outlet: 3/4" MPT (Male Pipe Thread)
• Flow Rate Range: .1 - 8 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
• Maximum Operating Inlet Pressure: 80 PSI
• Heavy Duty ABS Plastic with Maximum UV & Oxidizer Protection
• Recommended to be installed after a filter 
• Pipe threads require teflon tape
• Regulator is not designed to be under static (constant) pressure
• Regulator will only reduce pressure under flow

Product Details

• 20 PSI Pre-set Pressure Regulator (30 PSI pipe-thread regulator also available)
• Drip Irrigation Pressure Regulator
• Inlet: 3/4" FPT (Female Pipe Thread)
• Outlet: 3/4" MPT (Male Pipe Thread)
• Flow Rate Range: .1 - 8 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
• Maximum Operating Inlet Pressure: 80 PSI
• Heavy Duty ABS Plastic with Maximum UV & Oxidizer Protection
• Recommended to be installed after a filter 
• Pipe threads require teflon tape
• Regulator is not designed to be under static (constant) pressure
• Regulator will only reduce pressure under flow

Compare Drip Pressure Regulators

Regulator		Uses	Pressure (psi)	Inlet Threads	Outlet  Threads
	PR20LF-75	Use with non-pressure-compensating emitters & pipe threaded fittings	20	3/4" female pipe threads	3/4" male pipe threads
	PR30LF-75	Use with pressure-compensating emitters, hanging baskets, landscapes with changes in elevation, & pipe threaded fittings	30	3/4" female pipe threads	3/4" male pipe threads
	HPR10	Use with Drip Tape systems & hose threaded fittings	10	3/4" female hose threads	3/4" male hose threads
	HPR20	Use with flat landscapes, non-pressure-compensating emitters, & hose threaded fittings. Sold in Drip Kits Only.	20	3/4" female hose threads	3/4" male hose threads
HPR25-HQ		High quality pressure regualtor. Used in both flat and elevated landscapes and with either pressure-compensating and non-pressure-compensating emitters	25	3/4" female hose threads	3/4" male hose threads
	HPR30	Use with pressure-compensating emitters, hanging baskets, landscapes with changes in elevation, & hose threaded fittings. Sold in Drip Kits Only.	30	3/4" female hose threads	3/4" male hose threads
	HPR45	Use with mister-only systems. Creates a finer mist. Not recommended for most drip systems. Use with hose threaded fittings.	45	3/4" female hose threads	3/4" male hose threads

Replacement for

Ag Products PRL20PP Agrifim PRP 20 Aquarius Brands PRL20PP Drip Depot 1018 Dripworks PRSLPH20 Ewing 12000090 Jain Irrigation PRL20PP Pepco PRL20PP Raindrip R462CT R462CB 46200UBSprinkler Warehouse 18-020 The Drip Store A107

Related Tutorials

• How to Choose a Drip Regulator
    Answer these 4 questions
• Home Drip Irrigation System Design and Installation Guide - Micro Irrigation Systems
    Everything you need to know about Drip Irrigation Systems
• Connecting to the Water Source
    Hose Bibb vs. Electric Solenoid Valve

Tips & Tricks

Sloping Property? Use Pressure-Compensating Emitters

Drip emitters with consistent output

When installing a drip system on a slope, non-pressure-compensating emitters will deliver less water at the top of the slope and more at the bottom. Install pressure-compensating emitters to ensure even flow rate even if the elevation changes. Non-PC emitters are best on flat lanscapes.

Use Teflon tape on pipe threads

For a water-tight seal

Always use Teflon tape with pipe-threaded fittings. Wrap Teflon tape clockwise 4 - 5 times around pipe threads. Hose-thread fittings use a hose washer to make a water-tight seal.

FAQ

How do I determine my household water pressure?

Please read our tutorial on Determining Your Household Water Pressure.

How do I determine my water flow rate?

The flow rate is the amount of water flowing through your water supply line. Since drip emitters and micro sprays consume x gallons per hour, it is important to know the flow rate available to feed your emitters. It is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). To determine the flow rate out of your faucet (hose bibb, spigot, hydrant), read our tutorial on Determing Your Flow Rate.

How do I hook a drip system up to the water supply?

Our Connecting to the Water Source tutorial will outline all the components needed to set up a hose bibb connection or connect to the main water supply.

How do I choose a pressure regulator?

Drip irrigation systems are designed to operate between 20 and 30 psi. Most household water systems are set between 50-70 psi (or higher). A pressure regulator is required to reduce the household water pressure down to the proper range for drip systems. When choosing between a 20 psi and 30 psi regulator, here are some guidelines:

• Non pressure-compensating emitters:  Use 20 psi regulator.
• Fogger mister bubblers: Use a 45 psi regulator.
• Hanging Baskets: Use a 30 psi regulator
• Drip Tape: Use a 10 psi regulator

When using micro sprays and bubblers be sure to consult the water output charts for each product as flow rates very with pressure. For more details, read our tutorial: How to Choose a Drip Regulator. 

Is a filter required?

While a filter is not required, it is highly recommended. Even the cleanest water has small particles in it that can clog drip emitters. Micro sprays are especially susceptible to clogging as the orifices in micro spray components are especially small. Debris can enter a municipal water supply if a mainline breaks or when there is new construction in the area. Well or lake water should always be filtered. Without a filter, you may need to manually take apart emitters to clean them and remove debris that would have been caught by an inexpensive filter. Compare and buy filters.

Back Flow

An unintended reverse flow of water from an irrigation system into the main water supply. It is caused by backpressure or a back siphon. Irrigation systems come in contact with many potentially harmful materials including fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, insects, and animal waste. These contaminates will pollute household water supplies if sucked back in via backflow. 

 

Backpressure can be created by a pump in the system or when pipe/sprinklers in the zone are at a higher elevation than the point of connection to the water source. 

 

Back siphoning can occur if there is a break in the supply pipe and/or a drop in pressure of the supply line. Backflow most commonly occurs when there is a temporary sudden loss of pressure from the main water supply. 

 

A properly installed backflow preventer will prevent backpressure or back siphonage from impacting the main water supply. 

Backflow Preventer

A device installed on an irrigation system to prevent water in the irrigation pipes from flowing back into the main (household) water supply. Irrigation systems come in contact with many potentially harmful materials including fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, insects, and animal waste. These contaminates will pollute household water supplies if sucked back in via backflow.

Types of Backflow Preventers

Air Gap

An Air Gap is a backflow prevention system that prevents water from being sucked, or siphoned, back into the water supply. There is a physical space (vertically) between a discharge pipe and the flood-level rim of receiving vessel. The receiving vessel is open and not under pressure.

The air gap must be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow rim of the receiving vessel. The Air Gap must be 1 inch or greater.

While not always practical, an Air Gap provides the maximum protection available against backflow (and potential contamination of water supply).

Atomospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

An Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker is a backflow preventer that is installed above the highest point in an irrigation system. It contains a float (air inlet valve) which closes when water is moving in the normal direction, keeping air out of the system. If a siphon begins to form, the float drops to allow air into the system, breaking any potential backflow into the main water supply. Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers should be installed at a minimum of 6" above the highest pipe or outlet in the system.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)

A Double Check Valve (or double check assembly) is a backflow preventer containing two positive-seating check valves assembled in series.  A ball valve or gate valve is installed at each end for isolation and testing of each check valve. Small ball valves, called testcocks, provide locations for attatchment of testing equipment.

The benefit of the double check valve is that it does not need to be installed abouvr the highets head or pipe in the irrigation system. It can be installed underground in a valve box.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

A Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) is a backflow device containing a spring loaded check valve and an independently operating air inlet valve. Since the PVB is not designed to protect aginast backpressure, it must be installed at least 12" above the highest head or pipe in the irrigation system. It provides a better solution against backsiphonage than an atmospheric vacuum breaker as the spring-loaded valve dows not rely on gravity as does the AVB. 

Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP, RPA, RPZ)

A Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly is a backflow device consisting of of two two independently acting check valves and a mechanically independent, hydraulically dependent automatic pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves. The relief valve maintains a reduced pressure zone between the two check valves that is lower than the supply pressure. A ball valve or gate valve is installed at each end for isolation and testing of each check valve. Four small ball valves, called testcocks, provide locations for attatchment of testing equipment. The RP must be installed 12" above the highest head or pipe in the irrigation system.

Operating Pressure

See Dynamic Water Pressure.

Pressure Regulator

A device that lowers water pressure on the downstream side and maintains a constant operating pressure. Regulators are commonly used in drip irrigation applications as drip tubing and fittings are usually rated to operate at pressures lower than most household water systems. Always install a regulator after a valve and filter. They are not designed to be operated under constant pressure.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker

See Backflow Preventer

Filter

A filter contains a screen that is designed to remove particles from irrigation systems. Filters are critical components in a drip irrigation system. Drip emitters may clog if proper filtration is not provided. Typical screen mesh is 120, 150, and 200 mesh. The greater the number, the smaller the openings in the screen. 200 mesh is recommended for foggers (misters).

Hose Thread

Officially called "Garden Hose Thread" (GHT), hose threads are found on garden hoses and many irrigation parts and adapter fittings. Generally referred to as "3/4" hose threads" the outer diameter is 1.0625 inches and has a pitch of 11.5 tpi (threads per inch). Hose threads are NOT the same as pipe threads and should never be screwed into pipe threaded fittings.   

Male hose threads are found on the outside of a fitting and thread into female hose threads.

Female hose threads are found on the inside of a fitting and accept male hose threads.

Hose threads do not require Teflon tape or pipe dope (like pipe threads), just a hose washer. If you find a water leak with hose threads, it is most likely a worn hose washer. It may be time to replace it. Hose washers are found inside fittings with female hose threads. See also Pipe Thread, Adapter, Swivel, Hose Washer, Teflon Tape

Pipe Thread

The common term for National Pipe Thread (NPT). Pipe threads require Teflon tape or pipe dope to create a water-tight seal. Do not thread together pipe threads and hose threads. See also Teflon Tape, Pipe Dope, Hose Thread.

Teflon Tape

A non-adhesive tape (made of Teflon non-stick material) that is used to create a water-tight seal with pipe threaded fittings. It is tightly wrapped in a clockwise motion 3-4 times around the male pipe threads. Male and female fittings are then threaded together.

Hose Washer

Rubber gasket found inside fittings with female hose threads that makes a water-tight seal. See also Hose Thread.

Pressure Compensating

Pressure Compensating Emitters. The output will not vary with changes in elevation and pressure. They deliver the stated gph (gallons per hour) even if pressures range from 10-50 psi. These emitters are best used with elevation changes. They are self-flushing to reduce clogging. See also Emitter, Non-Pressure-Compensating.

View our complete glossary of irrigation terms.