Do you need a PRV?

Everything you need to know about Pressure Reducing Valves for your property

Pressure reducing valves (also known as PRVs) are a common type of plumbing/hydronic system component. From homes and households to large commercial properties, hotels, and industrial businesses, pressure reducing valves can be found in plumbing systems in all properties across the UK.

But what are pressure reducing valves, and how can you tell if you need one for your property? If you’re experiencing issues with your central heating or plumbing systems, or are wondering “do I need a PRV for my property?”, you’re in the right place.

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about pressure reducing valves, helping you decide whether you do or don’t need one for your property.

About us: Altecnic are leading manufacturers of plumbing and heating system components, supplying everything from pressure reducing valves, dirt and air separators, and heating vessels to mixing and ball valves, safety relief valves, and expansion vessels. Our components are the first choice for the trade and are used in domestic and commercial properties across the UK, including: new builds, care homes, shopping centres, sports and leisure facilities, industrial factories, commercial properties, homes and more.

What are Pressure Reducing Valves

Whether your plumbing system uses a mains water supply, or inlet from a water pump or reservoir, consistency in water pressure is a common problem for many homeowners, businesses, and facility managers; inlet water pressure is rarely stable or consistent.

Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) or pressure regulators, are a type of mechanical plumbing device used to regulate the flow of system water and water pressure. If water pressure exceeds safe standards, PRVs control the inlet water pressure to prevent damage to pipework, plumbing valves and components, and appliances such as radiators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

If you’ve ever noticed water hammer/banging noises in pipes, or experienced issues with burst pipe work, short lifespan of appliances, or excessive water usage, chances are a PRV might be the answer to your problems.

How do Pressure Reducing Valves work?

While there are a number of different types of pressure reducing valves available, PRVs typically use a spring-loaded or piston-actuated diaphragm (direct-acting), or pilot-operated pilot valve to adjust the inlet valve opening. As a result, PRVs work to control downstream pressure (in simple terms, the water pressure in the rest of the system after the valve). Some pressure regulating valves feature adjustable setpoints to maintain stable or specific pressure.

If inlet water pressure increases, the valve partially closes to reduce downstream pressure from causing damage. If water pressure reduces, the valve opens to allow greater flow for a more stable and consistent water pressure.

How to tell if I need a pressure reducing valve?

Now we’ve established what PRVs are and how they work, let’s figure out if you need one for your system.

Telltale signs you need a PRV in existing properties:

• Repeated leaks in pipes: Unstable water pressure and excessive inlet flow is a common cause for pipe leaks; high pressure forces more water through pipes and fittings than they are designed for. This can increase stress on joins and seals, alongside pipe expansion and contraction that can lead to fractures in system components, leading to leaks. How PRVs help: by controlling inlet pressure, the risk of damage from excessive water pressure can be minimised, extending the life of system components.

• Burst pipes and fittings: Experiencing or experienced unexplained bursts/cracks in your pipework? Excessive inlet pressure can cause damage to connection points, with pipe bursts most common during low-demand periods (such as during the night) when water pressure is often at its peak. How PRVs help: pressure reducing valves can prevent extreme fluctuations in system pressure, helping to protect against the common cause of bursts.

• Water hammer (loud banging noises in pipes): Water hammer is the term used to describe the loud banging noise or knocking sounds heard when taps are closed or appliances stop drawing water. This is caused by sudden stops in high-pressure water flow that results in shockwaves, causing pipes to vibrate or bang walls. How a PRV helps: pressure regulating valves work to maintain steady pressure in systems, preventing surges in water flow that can cause water hammer.

• Fluctuating water pressure: Struggling with consistency in water pressure? Demand can impact inlet water pressure throughout the day which can often result in taps behaving differently throughout the day, shower pressure to fluctuate from strong to weak, and for water to blast out at random times. How PRVs can help: pressure reducing valves can work to stabilise water pressure downstream in your system, so that appliances and fittings are supplied with consistent water flow regardless of mains supply fluctuations.

Excessive water usage & high water bills: Are your water bills unexpectedly high? Increasing water rates  might not be the direct or only cause. Excessive water pressure can force more water through taps and fixtures leading to unnecessary waste of water, and increased costs. How PRVs help: pressure reducing valves reduce excess flow, leading to savings on water bills.

Need pressure reducing valves for your property? We offer a complete range of domestic/residential property PRVs and commercial property PRVs to fit your new or existing system. Our plumbing components are renowned for their durability, reliability and long-lasting performance and are trusted by the trade. Find your nearest Altecnic stockist, retailer or trade merchant to purchase your PRVs here.

Still unsure? Get in touch with our expert team to discuss your challenges and find a solution today.

Considerations for new builds/property development:

• Check mains water pressure before installation/ordering: Water pressure can vary by location in the UK. Some areas may receive excessive water pressure for a domestic/residential property, or may be unstable for commercial properties. By finding your water pressure levels first, the correct PRV can be installed at the point of water entry/inlet from day one.
• Multi-story buildings: From shopping centres and apartment blocks to high rise buildings and offices, water pressure can be problematic in multi-story buildings. Some large developments may need zoned pressure reduction where PRVs are installed at different levels to reduce excessive water pressure on levels where it is too high, and to ensure sufficient levels where it could be too low if a PRV were installed for all levels. If a gravity-fed system is used, PRVs can be used to balance water pressure distribution.
• Building codes and regulations: In the UK, many properties are required to have pressure regulation measures fitted to reduce water wastage and ensure safety. Water Regulations (WRAS) and BS EN 1567 specify PRVs for systems exceeding safe limits.

We offer a complete range of pressure reducing valves and plumbing components for new builds and property developments. Whether designing a plumbing system for a commercial, industrial or residential building, Altecnic are your trusted suppliers of quality and reliable plumbing fittings.

Find your nearest Altecnic stockist, retailer or merchant, or contact us today for more information.

I have issues with my current PRV: what is wrong?

Already have a PRV installed and facing issues with your system? We’ve put together a diagnostic list to solve common problems in water systems:

• Water pressure is too high even with a PRV: Common symptoms include water blasting out of taps and showers, toilets filling aggressively, and appliances/pipe joints leaking despite a PRV being installed. Causes can include: PRV stuck open, not reducing pressure (may need repair or replacement); mains pressure increased beyond PRV limits (may require a PRV designed for higher pressures or a second-stage PRV installed); PRV diaphragm/internal components damaged (replacement parts or PRV may be required)
• Water hammer is still occurring even with a PRV installed: Causes can include: A worn-out PRV can cause sudden pressure surges; fast closing valves on system appliances can cause water hammer even with a PRV installed (a water hammer arrestor or shock arrestor may be required).
• PRV is leaking water: Common symptoms include water dripping from a PRV or visible damp/corrosion of a PRV. Causes can include: Seals or O-rings worn; excessive pressure can cause cracking/damage to PRV bodies (a higher rated PRV may be required).

• PRV is making a whistling noise: This can include a high-pitched hissing or whistling sound, which may get louder as water is used. This can be caused by: excessive water flow through PRV; air trapped in systems (an air separator can be installed as a permanent measure).

If a PRV is over 5-10 years old and experiencing multiple issues, including those above, it may be time for a full replacement rather than repairs. If system reliability matters to you, starting with a quality PRV is ideal to protect your system for longer.

At Altecnic, we offer a full range of pressure reducing valves for all types of properties and plumbing systems, providing high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting plumbing solutions that you can depend on.

Explore our range of domestic PRVs and commercial PRVs, and find your nearest Altecnic stockist here.

Unsure on where to start? Our experts are on hand to provide you with the advice and guidance you need, whether you are a seasoned plumber needing to source hard-to-find parts or irregular sized fittings, or a building owner who wants to improve/diagnose system performance. Get in touch with our friendly experts today.

Where are PRVs used?

Pressure reducing valves are used in a wide range of properties and water systems, including:

Residential properties: new builds, detached houses, terrace houses, building apartments, care homes and more.

Commercial properties: shopping centres, leisure centres, offices, restaurants, cafes, educational facilities, hotels, supermarkets, small and large retail stores and more.

Industrial properties: manufacturing plants, warehouses, factories, farms, agricultural businesses and more.

Healthcare properties: hospitals, clinics, GPs, dental practices and more.

Public buildings: libraries, museums, town halls, government offices, train stations, bus stations, airports, and more.

Leisure properties: conference centres, gyms, spas, wellness centres, casinos, event arenas, and more.

5 scenarios where PRVs can be used:

• Residential home with excessive water inlet water pressure: A home with an excessive inlet water pressure (e.g. 8 bar) beyond recommended levels may significantly increase risks of appliance damage, leaks and pipework bursts. A PRV can be used to control water pressure at the source to prevent damage.

• Multi-story building with uneven water pressure: Multi-story buildings such as offices, apartments and hotels can experience challenges with water pressure; in some cases top floors may have low water pressure while lower levels have too high water pressure. Zoned PRVs can be installed at different levels to regulate pressure across floor levels, preventing damage where pressure is high and to ensure appropriate function where pressure is low.

• Hospital with inconsistent water pressure: Water systems may require varied levels of water pressure for different appliances and equipment. From radiators and taps in wards, to autoclaves and sterilization units, inconsistent water pressure can risk damage to sensitive equipment or lead to improper performance that can cause discomfort for patients and employees. PRVs installed in water lines can help to regulate system pressure for even and reliable performance.

• Industrial businesses and factories: Water systems can be used to feed machines and cleaning equipment throughout various machines and cleaning systems. If inlet water pressure is too high this can cause damage to pipework, fittings and water-based equipment. This can cause issues for businesses including unplanned shutdowns and paused production. PRVs can ensure factories and plants receive optimal levels of water pressure, reducing the risk of damage.

Garden or agricultural irrigation systems with excessive inlet pressure: Excessive water pressure can cause damage to sprinkler systems including to sprinkler heads and irrigation lines. PRVs can be installed before irrigation systems to ensure equipment receives an optimal and stable water pressure level.

Where to purchase pressure reducing valves?

If you are looking to purchase pressure reducing valves (PRVs) for a new build, or to modify or replace existing plumbing components, we are here to help. At Altencic, we offer a complete range of pressure reducing valves and pressure control assemblies for residential, commercial and industrial properties. Our PRVs are available in a complete range of sizes and connections, with fittings available with maximum inlet pressure of up to 25 bar.

As the UK’s leading supplier of plumbing components, our plumbing components are stocked in a complete range of building and plumbing merchants, retailers and stockists to purchase by the trade and public. Explore our range of domestic PRVs and commercial PRVs, and find your nearest Altecnic stockist in the UK.

Need a large volume order of plumbing supplies? Or work in the plumbing trade? We can help you. Altecnic supply to care homes, commercial properties, industrial facilities, hospitals, shopping centres and more. For bulk or large volume orders, get in touch with our team to discover how we can help.