Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, potatohead. This user is located in 9A Desert Southwest. This was originally posted on April 26, 2013.
I am about to hook my system back up so I will see if the replacement regulator from last year will still work. It was working at the time that I took it down right before the cold weather hit and it's been stored for the last 4 months inside, same as last time. I think with our high UV index and hot temperatures in the summer it probably weakens the plastic parts inside, and then the sudden exposure to the water pressure upon hooking it back up again made something inside break. Last year, I bought 2, so I am prepared to use another new one if I need it. Some suggested on here getting a brass pressure regulator from a plumbing supply company, which I did get, but then the problem arises of getting the proper connectors to convert it to use with the AWS (which uses non-standard size hoses). I spent many hours searching for connectors, buying some, trying to hook them up to the system, and failing, so I gave up. I am sure there is a way to do it but I was spending so much time on it I just gave up and bought the plastic part and figured I might have to replace it every year. When I get motivated and have some more time, I might try it again with the brass regulator. I don't care too much about spending the $14.00 for the plastic regulator as having the watering system work is far more valuable to me than $14.00. It's just a pain if you need it right away and you have to wait for it to be shipped to you (which is why I bought the extra one last year).