Pressure reducing valves or PRVs are one of the most important and useful types of valves in the world. They are instrumental when it comes to maintaining safe water pressure for residential and commercial properties. Without them, entire plumbing systems would be at risk of burst pipes, leaks, and other issues.
Pressure reducing valves, not to be confused with pressure relief valves, have the job of lowering a water system's pressure. This is important because when water enters your home or business, the pressure may be too high, increasing the risk of a burst pipe or damaged plumbing fixtures. The pressure reducing valve slows the flow of water to a manageable rate.
If you're curious and want to know more about pressure reducing valves, you've come to the right place. This article will delve into everything there is to know about the pressure reducing valve, from how it works to important maintenance tips.
How Do Pressure Reducing Valves Work?
As the name implies, pressure reducing valves reduce the overall water pressure in a water line. They are often placed in the front of a plumbing system so that they can reduce pressure for the entire system. Here's how it works:
1. Pressure reducing valves, or pressure regulating valves, have a knob or handle on top of them.
2. By turning the handle, you can increase or decrease the pressure.
3. Pressure changes happen because, as you turn the handle, it applies or reduces pressure on a compression spring inside the valve.
4. Reduced spring pressure then constricts a diaphragm inside the valve to make the inlet smaller.
5. Because less water can enter the valve, the outlet pressure drops, resulting in lower pressure.
You can use the same mechanism to increase water pressure if it's too low. You simply turn the knob the other way, which releases the spring pressure to open the diaphragm and increase the valve opening. This, in turn, leads to increased water pressure.
Because of how important it is to know exact water pressures at any given time, many pressure reducing valves come with an easy to read pressure gauge. Once you know what the downstream pressure should be in your home or business, you can easily adjust the valve accordingly.
Different Types of Pressure Reducing Valves
While there are several different types of PRVs on the market, they all work in a similar manner. However, here are some of the different options:
Compression Pressure Reducing Valve
A compression pressure reducing valve is a type of reducer that requires a compression or PEX tool to fasten.
Sweat Valve
A sweat pressure reducing valve is one that must be soldered in place. These are some of the most permanent pressure reducing valves, but they're also tougher to install.
Threaded Pressure Reducing Valves
Threaded pressure reducing valves are the most traditional type of pressure reducing valve. They twist or turn onto a water pipe using threaded ends that you manually tighten.
Manual vs. Automatic Valves
In addition to the different types of valves according to how you fasten them, there are also manual and automatic valves. Manual valves, like the ones we described above, are pressure reducing valves where you manually turn a screw or knob to increase or decrease the pressure.
Automatic valves, on the other hand, automatically adjust the water pressure for you. If the valve senses the pressure is too high, it will automatically lower. It does the same thing when it senses the pressure is too low, but increases the pressure instead.
Hydraulic Pressure Reducing Valve
Hydraulic systems have their own type of pressure reducing valves known as hydraulic pressure reducing valves. These are made specifically for hydraulic systems and are not interchangeable with pressure reducing valves in the plumbing industry.
Appliance Pressure Reducing Valves
In addition to larger pressure reducing valves used in plumbing systems, most plumbing fixtures and appliances will also have an internal pressure reducing valve. These valves ensure that the water pressure inside the appliance or fixture is never too high to cause damage. Washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, toilets, and faucets are all examples of components with a pressure reducing valve.
It's important to note that a pressure relief valve is not a type of pressure regulating valve. Pressure relief valves activate when there is excess pressure on a specific appliance or fixture. Reducing valves, on the other hand, are tasked with preventing high pressure in the first place.
Selecting the Right Pressure Reducing Valve: Things to Consider
In general, there are two main things to consider when choosing your pressure reducing valve.
Type of Pipe
The type of pipe to which you're attaching the valve is the first thing to consider. Whether or not the pipe has threads, is made of copper, or is neither threaded nor copper will determine if you need a sweat, threaded, or compression valve.
Accessibility
If you can easily access the pressure reducing valve, there's really no need for an automatic valve. If the valve is tough to access and adjust, however, automatic valves are the way to go.
Installation Guidelines for Pressure Reducing Valves
Installing a PRV is fairly straightforward once you have the correct valve on hand. Here are some considerations:
1. Install the valve soon after the water meter.
2. Install a shut-off valve immediately in front of the pressure reducing valve.
3. Install the pressure reducing valve before the water main branches off to individual runs, appliances, or fixtures.
Pressure Reducing Valve Maintenance
The beauty of pressure reducing valves is that they require very little ongoing maintenance. In general, as long as you inspect and clean them every two to three years, your valve should last up to 20 years, if not longer.
Benefits of Using Pressure Reducing Valves
PRVs have become the industry standard in residential and commercial plumbing systems, and here's why:
- Lowering water pressure reduces strain and pressure on your plumbing system and helps it last longer.
- Lower water pressure also results in fewer leaks, cracked pipes, and other plumbing issues.
- Appliances and plumbing fixtures with pressure reducing valves last longer and work better than those that don't.
- Reducing water pressure reduces wasted water, which is better for the environment and your wallet.
- Allow you to increase or decrease pressure at a moment's notice.
If you're worried about the state of your current pressure reducing valve and think you need a new one, Commercial Industrial Supply is here to help. We offer a wide range of sweat and compression valves so that you can reap the benefits of a durable, long-lasting, and functioning pressure reducing valve.