Pressure Reducing Valve
A pressure reducing valve (PRV) functions, as the name suggests, by reducing a high inlet pressure at the inlet to a safer, lower water pressure at the outlet. The benefits of PRVs are multiple, as lower water pressures can decrease the amount of damage to heating systems, appliances, and buildings. Considering water pressure in the UK can vary from 1 bar to 20 bar, it is important that any risk to plumbing and heating systems is minimised to keep buildings and people safe.
As there are no regulations on water pressure in the UK there are no regulations for specifying PRVs, however, to reduce risk of unsafe water pressure it is highly recommended to specify them not only for domestic buildings, but especially for commercial buildings, where it is not uncommon to have sudden jumps in water pressure. PRVs ensure that the flow rate of water is not only correct for its intended purpose but that there is a safe water pressure that will allow other valves, such as thermostatic mixing valves, to function correctly as well. The individual valve that should be specified will depend heavily on the type of building, the water flow rate, and whether or not it is being used on a hot or cold-water supply.
The above article is an extract of "Do not get your ABCs confused – all you need to know about TMVs, PRVs and the Tenant Valve" published in the AT journal, issue 144, Winter and written by Richard Bateman, Product Marketing Manager, RWC.
--CIAT
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A guide to installing thermostatic mixing valves: what, why and how.
- All you need to know about TMVs, PRVs and the Tenant Valve.
- Domestic hot water.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing MEP.
- Ofwat.
- Pipework defects, ventilation and airflow rates.
- Pipework.
- Pressure independent control valves.
- Pressure-relief valve.
- Pumps and dewatering equipment.
- Radiator.
- Tap.
- Thermostatic mixing valve.
- Types of valve.
- Types of water.
- Valve.
- Water safety plan WSP
- Water.
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.