Water pressure reducing valves

Water and energy conservation are so intimately intertwined that they are practically synonymous. Any reduction in the usage of water will automatically result in a reduction of the use of energy. What this means, therefore, is that our whole philosophy on the use of water is changing and we are finally recognizing that we have been water rich over the years and it is now time to get back to reality by adjusting to our actual needs and to practice good conservation principles.

In the UK mains water pressure varies considerably; older properties that have, not had, their mains supply upgraded may have less than 1bar of pressure. This is insufficient for most modern appliances such as the combination central heating boiler, which requires water pressures of above 1 bar to operate and receive an acceptable flow rate of water.

At the other extreme, where for example a new water main has been laid to service a new development such as a new Hospital or commercial estate, water pressures could rise to above 10 bar, this may cause damage to older existing installations due to the stress caused by increased water pressure on pipework and joints.

The average mains water pressure tends to be around 3 bar during the day and slightly lower at peak usage times. However as usage drops during the late evening and early hours the pressure rises, and has been known to exceed 10 bar.

A pressure-reducing valve acts as a buffer between the high water pressure supply and the system or appliance. The mains water pressure is reduced to the safe required level during flow or non flow conditions.

Also called water pressure reducing valves they are compact, inexpensive regulators that perform two functions: (1) they automatically reduce the high incoming water pressure from the water mains to provide a lower, more functional pressure for distribution in the home; (2) they "regulate" by maintaining a set pressure in the home usually 50 Ibs. thereby insuring that the home piping and appliances operate under a safe, more moderate, but satisfactory pressure.

• Max. supply pressure: 375psi (25bars).
• Max. outlet pressure: 90psi (6bars)*
• Min. outlet pressure: 23psi (1.5bars)
• Operating temperature range: min. 1°C - max. 80°C
• Suitable for water, air, neutral gases and non corrosive liquids.F1/4" pressure gauge connection point.

* adjustable.

When a fixture i.e. a tap, shower etc in a home is opened and water flows from it, it is because the water is "pushed." This "push" is pressure. The speed at which water flows from the opened outlet depends on the amount of "push" or pressure which exists at that time in the system. In short, the higher the pressure, the stronger the "push" behind the water.

High water pressure, which is generally considered anything above 60 Ibs., has some advantage, such as in firefighting systems. However, in the home plumbing system, it can be damaging because water, with a strong "push" behind it, can erode or wear away many materials and cause leaking water heaters, banging water pipes, dripping taps, dishwasher and washing machine noise and breakdown, and leaking water pipes.

Therefore, water flowing at a rate in excess of that necessary to satisfy normal fixture or appliance demands becomes damaging, wasteful and reduces the life expectancy of equipment in the system. But, probably most important to the average homeowner is that it can add to the cost of water, energy and waste water bills.