Pressure Reducing Valve Basics and Essential Elements

Pressure reducing valves are an essential element of plumbing systems, as it helps in controlling the pressure to a desirable level for any water-based systems in a home or a commercial office building. By reducing the pressure, it ensures that over pressurization does not occur, resulting in damage or breakage of the components in the system due to the excess force exerted by the increased pressure. In Austin, Texas (78753) property owners, usually find pressure reducing valves to be an incredible life saviour when it comes to managing water systems at home or in commercial places.

A pressure reducing valve generally consists of two main components, a regulator and a diaphragm which assists in controlling the pressure output. The regulator helps in controlling the flow of the water which passes from the incoming water line to the pressure reducing valve and then to the outlet. This regulated flow is then maintained and moderated by the diaphragm which is normally made of brass material or R-PVC for better thermal insulation. The best part about pressure reducing valves is that they can be installed almost anywhere, from homes to commercial places.

When it comes to installation, there are two ways to install a pressure reducing valve – either by threading or by soldering it. Soldered PRVs or pressure reducing valves are usually found in high-pressure systems, while threaded PRVs are more suitable for low-pressure systems. Both require some level of expertise and technical know-how. That's why it's recommended to have an experienced and certified plumber to install a pressure reducing valve in order to get the most out of the system.

When and why to install a pressure reducing valve?

A pressure reducing valve is highly recommended for any water-based system if it has high pressure. It is also beneficial for the system in terms of pressure fluctuation. That is to say that if the water pressure of the incoming line is higher than 75 psi (pounds per square inch), it is important to install a PRV. This is done to ensure that water pressure never exceeds the required levels of the water system, thus avoiding potential damage to the system or the components in it.

Apart from reducing pressure, a pressure reducing valve also helps in saving energy by ensuring that the water pressure does not exceed the necessary levels. In other words, over pressurization leads to higher consumption of energy, as the water pumps must work twice as hard to deliver water at a higher pressure. This, in turn, increases the cost of energy. Installing pressure reducing valves efficiently eliminates this additional expense.

Maintaining your pressure reducing valve

Since pressure reducing valves are an essential element of any water-based system, it's important to ensure that they are regularly inspected and maintained. This is necessary to guarantee that the system is running at optimal pressure. The maintenance procedure will depend on the type and manufacturer of the PRV. That is why it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If it's threaded PRV, the steps usually include cleaning the seat, replacing the O-ring, checking the settings of the regulator, ensuring that the diaphragm is in good condition and properly sealing the PRV.

Overall, an optimized and functioning pressure reducing valve not only enhances the functionalities of the water system but also helps in saving energy. That's why it's important to have a routine inspection and maintenance program in place to maximize the performance and life of the PRV.

Pressure reducing valves are an important element of every water-based system, irrespective of whether it's a residential or a commercial establishment. It is very important to install the PRV under the guidance of certified and experienced plumbers for optimal performance. Furthermore, regular maintenance is essential to make sure that the PRV is functioning at its peak.

Pressure Reducing Valve

Plumbing Systems

Austin