Thanks hobbie. I have a

[Coronita]

Thanks hobbie. I have a propane torch, but maybe this is a good excuse for me to go get a mapp one.

So if I understand you correctly,

1. I need to remove both the valve the regulator together, by desoldering the elbows from both ends…..

2. Since I end up desoldering the both the valve and the regulator, I might as well replace the regulator too since it’s 20 years old too

My concern is that I don’t know if the regulators built today are going to last as well as things built 20 years ago, that’s why I was hoping to keep the old one. I’m finding a lot of the new plumbing hardware just isn’t as reliable.

Do you have a recommendation on a brand of valve and regulator? I think the diameter of my pipes are 1″….Given that the valve as a “1” on it 🙂

For example, what is the difference between

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-1-in-Lead-Free-Brass-FPT-x-FPT-Water-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-1-LF25AUB-Z3/203804614

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-1-in-Lead-Free-Brass-FPT-x-FPT-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-LFN45BU1-M1-1/203473943?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-203804614-_-203473943-_-N

besides the $70-$130 price difference. I’ll gladly pay for the one that costs more, if it means it’s of higher quality. But are you really getting more?