Q. Do I need a pressure regulator?
A. The answer is most likely yes. Our drip irrigation systems are designed to run under low pressure. Too high of pressure in your system may cause leaking, or popping off of drippers or fittings and even irregular flow from your emitters.
Q. How do I choose the right pressure regulator?
A. Each type of emitter has an optimal operating pressure range. We recommend 25 PSI regulators in most drip systems (except when using Drip Tape) as most of our parts are designed to work optimally at 25 PSI. When using the thin walled Drip Tape in your system we recommend maximum 15 PSI regulator to prolong the life of your drip tape. Manufacturer's recommendations may vary by the mil thickness of the drip tape.
Q. Where is the pressure regulator installed?
A. Drip irrigation pressure regulators are not rated for constant pressure so must be placed on the outflow side of any timers or valves in your system. In our common hose thread head assemblies we recommend the pressure regulator follow the backflow preventer and filter.
Q. The pressure regulator is not working it is not reducing my water pressure.
A. Drip irrigation pressure regulators will not reduce the incoming pressure of your water source, they only regulate or maintain the stated pressure within your irrigation system when water is flowing. Pressure regulators need outflow and back pressure to regulate the system. If you connect your gauge to the end of the regulator then you are only measuring the static pressure of the water source. If you want to verify the pressure maintained in your system, then you would need to place the pressure gauge at the end of one of zones, turn the zone on, let it pressurize and once the lines have filled and emitters begin to flow then take the reading. This will give you your working (dynamic) pressure not your static pressure of the water source.
To learn more on testing pressure regulators, see this short video: How to Test a Pressure Regulator
Q. My pressure regulator is leaking/dripping, is it defective? 
A. Some pressure regulators have a small hole in the side of the preset regulators that acts as a relief valve. A little water dripping out is normal. If you get a steady stream out of this hole, seal it with your finger and then let go. Repeat a few times and see if it stops leaking. This helps the new diaphragm seat itself. Please note the Senninger brand does not have this small relief port. Also try turning the system on and off a few times. If it is still leaking, check the water flow direction. If the water is flowing in the right direction and the above steps didn’t work, then the device is most likely defective. Another cause for leaking could be the placement of the pressure regulator within the head assembly. If you are using a timer, timer must be installed first, followed by the backflow preventer, the filter, and then the pressure regulator. Also, remember to hand tighten these parts. If you over tighten hose threaded parts, it can deform the rubber washer seal and cause leaking, plus over tightening of plastic parts may cause cracks that may leak as well.
Should you want additional assistance with pressure regulators and selecting one to fit your system, see our Pressure Regulator Buying Guide or Pressure Regulator Flow Chart.