Is my pressure regulator working?

#1: Post by **Mark_in_NYC** » February 19th, 2023, 2:58 pm

Hello experts...

I've just plumbed-in my linea mini. I'm using the pressure regulator that Voltage Coffee sells. The pressure regulator sits at 60psi, and when I turn the brew group on the needle on the gauge violently vibrates around 20-30psi whilst brewing. Then, back to 60psi when at rest.

Is this functioning normally?

Also, the machine seems a bit louder when pulling a shot than it did when the reservoir was in use. Could be my imagination, but I don't think so.

I'd hate to screw up my new machine, any knowledge is appreciated!

#2: Post by **JohnB.** » February 19th, 2023, 4:20 pm

That isn't normal behavior. I keep my pressure regulator set to 3 bar/43 psi and it only drops 4-5 psi when the pump runs. Needle stays steady, no waving around. Sounds like you may have an issue in the line feeding the regulator/machine.

#3: Post by **JRising** » February 19th, 2023, 5:17 pm

Mark_in_NYC wrote:the needle on the gauge violently vibrates around 20-30psi whilst brewing. Then, back to 60psi when at rest.

I've got to agree with JohnB... Something is obstructing flow to the machine. Either the regulator isn't capable of what the machine is drawing, or the plumbing and fittings are overly restrictive and preventing the machine from drawing what it is trying to take in.

February 19th, 2023, 5:26 pm

Ah, crap.

I suppose I'll install another pressure regulator/reducer?

Currently:
Water source under sink goes to carbon filter.
After carbon filter, drinking water line splits off, and machine-bound water continues to softener.
After softener, the regulator/reducer, then on to the machine.

Maybe another regulator/reducer added before the carbon filter would help???

I'm flummoxed and frustrated. :/

PS: The filter and softener are the ones Chris' coffee sells.

#5: Post by **Jake_G** » February 19th, 2023, 5:30 pm

Sounds like you need an accumulator after the softener, and before the regulator.

Your machine is likely pulling faster the softener can supply. This means the regulator's inlet pressure is dropping whenever the machine is drawing water, which causes the regulator output to spaz out like you're seeing.

February 19th, 2023, 5:32 pm

JRising wrote:I've got to agree with JohnB... Something is obstructing flow to the machine. Either the regulator isn't capable of what the machine is drawing, or the plumbing and fittings are overly restrictive and preventing the machine from drawing what it is trying to take in.

Hmm. But the pressure in the system seems real high. Like, the filtered drinking water blasts out like a firehouse if you open the spigot all the way. Wouldn't that suggest that there's plenty for the machine to drink?

February 19th, 2023, 5:39 pm

If the gauge is showing that the regulator (or the plumbing to it) isn't allowing the regulator to maintain the 60 PSI that it is set to, then I would have to say that the pressure isn't high. It sounds like the pressure is lost because the flow into the machine is exceeding what some components upstream of the machine can provide. The regulator should be allowing enough flow to keep the gauge reading something near the set-point.

February 19th, 2023, 5:44 pm

That makes sense.
Thank you!!!

It seems maybe an accumulator tank is the way to go.

February 19th, 2023, 5:46 pm

What diameter water line pipe was installed?

February 19th, 2023, 5:52 pm