Pressure reducing valve problem?
 

I believe I may have a pressure reducing valve problem. I have attached a picture.

Symptoms: About 4-5 months ago I noticed increased pressure and force out of the shower heads. Also about 4 weeks ago I noticed some water hammering in the upstairs bathroom fixtures which is not present on the lower level.
My home (and hence this valve) is approximately 10 years old on city water.
Water supply comes from below and travels up, the main shut off is just below this picture.

1) Is the attached picture one of a pressure reducing valve?
2) Is the valve in my picture sweated in, or can I remove and replace it by using those brass nuts?
3) Assuming no sweat, is this a DIY quick fix for the uneducated?
4) Will replacing this address the water hammer?
5) There are no markings visible on this valve, something I would find at Lowes or a local hardware store? There looks to be an adjustment screw, is that something I play with first?

A colleague at work mentioned these things need to be replaced every 7-12 years.

Thanks!
Matt

Check the pressure first. I would check it at the washer as the outside taps may bi-pass that valve

I dont have a pressure reader like you have, but can go to a hardware store tomorrow and get one put together. What should my pressure read normally given city water.

Not sure but I think somewhere around 65 is ok. Some one will come a long and correct me I'm sure.

The nuts above and below the valve are for removing the valve. I agree with Neal that 65 PSI should be adequate. I am on a pump from a well and my pump cycles on at 30 and off at 50. Sometimes it would be nice to have a little more pressure.

well
 

Domestic water pressure should not be over 85 psi.

If you have a submersible pump, you should be able to get 40 - 60 or 50 - 70 with no trouble. Just bump up the pressure switch. If you have a bladder tank, be sure to air it up accordingly.

I am using a 1/2 HP shallow well jet pump. I have other issues I need to get fixed before trying to bump pressure. The old 3/4" galvanized suction line to the well must have rusted through. Someone pushed a 1/2" copper line through it and that is my suction side pickup. :eek: I need to get that replaced before changing the pump press sw. Just another project to get to.

Remind me, 2 PSI above minimum press for bladder?

Wow... 1/2" suction line. That's not good. Your poor pump is being starved to death.

On the bladder tank. Two pounds less than where the pump turns on. Like 30 - 50 set the tank at 20 psi.

Okay back to the OP.

My pressure reads about 65 psi, maybe a couple psi more.
I went upstairs to check the water hammer and it is still there, but not quite as loud right now.

I assume municipal water can fluctuate pressure, right?

I looked at a couple of pressure valves at the hardware store, they all said 30-70 psi adjustable preset at 45psi.

Is 65psi good or a bit too high? Could that be the source of the water hammer, which is a relatively new problem? Does a bad pressure regulator work sometimes and sometimes not?