A Pressure Reducing Valve is designed to cut back incoming water or steam pressure to a safer constant predetermined downstream level. Looking at the sort of valve, the downstream pressure is established by a pressure adjustment setting on the valve or by an external sensor. Installed directly after the meter in homes, a water pressure reducing valve automatically reduces the pressure from the water main to a lower, more sensible pressure.
There are two styles of water pressure reducing valves– direct acting and pilot operated– which use globe or angle style bodies. Direct acting valves are the more popular water pressure reducing valves, consisting of globe-type bodies with a spring-loaded, heat-resistant diaphragm connected to the outlet of the valve that acts upon a spring. This spring holds a pre-set tension on the valve seat installed with a pressure equalizing mechanism for precise water pressure control.
Why Install a Pressure Reducing Valve?
Water Savings
Twice the maximum amount of water flows through a system at 150psi pressure than at 50psi. Much of this extra water is wasted and not needed for normal usage.
Energy Savings
If less water flows through the system, less energy is required to heat domestic quandary. Calculations show that pressure reducing valves can save the maximum amount as 30% on domestic water heating costs.
Wastewater Savings
When the community’s wastewater treatment load is reduced, cost benefits accrue to both the environment and your bottom line. Many municipalities prorate sewer usage fees based upon the meter reading.
Types of Pressure Reducing Valves
Water Pressure Reducing Valves
Water Pressure Reducing Valves are utilized in residential, commercial, and institutional applications to cut back incoming water pressure to a lower predetermined level, thereby protecting downstream plumbing components and reducing water consumption.
Steam Pressure Reducing Valves
Steam pressure reducing valves are utilized in commercial, industrial, and institutional applications to manage steam pressure. These are utilized in applications like oil lines, testing fixtures, autoclaves, steam tables/irons, single radiators, and vulcanizers.
Pressure Reducing Valve Kits
Pressure reducing valve kits including jumper kits and tailpiece kits to be used with our pressure. This article talks about the 6 best pressure reducing valves available within the market today.
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1. Zurn 114-600XL Lead-Free FNPT Union Pressure Reducing Valve
The 600XL is the most efficient water pressure reducing valve available today. The ergonomic valve has a corrosion-free bronze body and a single cap that can be removed for easy access and cleaning. The 600XL pressure reducing valve is low lead compliant, which makes it easy to reduce high inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure spring range 25 to 75 PSI factory set at 50 PSI pressure rated 300 PSI, max.
The simple bronze threaded bell design of this water pressure regulator drastically cuts down installation and replacement labor time. The solid bronze construction can also easily handle sandy debris-laden water systems to reduce water pressure in both flow and no-flow conditions, saving you from frequent maintenance.
Product Features:
- Designed to reduce high inlet pressure to a lower exit pressure when installed on potable water lines.
- Because of the built-in strainer, the Zum Wilkins water pressure reducing valve is ideal for residential and commercial water systems that require frequent sediment and debris removal.
- The direct-acting integrated by-pass design eliminates thermal expansion from causing excessive system pressure.
- The balance piston design allows the regulator to react to changes in system flow demand in a smooth and responsive manner while also protecting against inlet pressure changes.
- This 1 inch pressure reducing valve meets compliance with the universal plumbing code.
- The stainless steel strainer includes a standard 20 mesh configuration and separate-access cover for simplified cleaning, while the bronze threaded bell provides superior corrosion-resistance and speeds access to the internals – together, cutting labor time up to 50%.
- This Zum Wilkins water pressure regulator valve is used primarily in commercial and residential units.
- The water pressure regulator with gauge is made of the material- Bronze.
- Thickness:1 inch
- Outlet connection type: FNPT
- Item Dimensions: 7.13 x 3.8 x 8 inches
- Has a rating of 4.9/5 on Amazon.
2. Zurn Wilkins 1 NR3XL Pressure Reducing Valve
The Zum Wilkins Pressure Reducing Valve with double union FNPT connection is suited for residential applications where silt and debris are needed to be cleaned often. The stainless steel strainer screen captures material without clogging your pipes, and the cartridge design makes repairs simple. The NR3XL has a corrosion-resistant, threaded bell structure for quick access to internals, and its water-conserving design minimizes lifetime costs. This popular Pressure Reducing Valve is utilized for landscaping, residential single-family, multifamily, public entrances, and more. It meets code and construction standards.
Product Features:
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: 5.94 x 2.5 x 6.25 inches
- Inlet Connection Type: National Pipe Tapered
- Outlet Connection Type: FNPT
- This home water pressure regulator helps in reducing the water pressure by 33%
- The impressive design of this water pressure reducing valve helps to prevent debris buildup thereby reducing both time and labor.
- Designed for installation on potable water lines to reduce high inlet pressure to a lower outlet pressure
- Integral strainer makes this device most suitable for residential and commercial water systems that require frequent cleaning of sediment and debris
- Direct-acting integral by-pass design prevents buildup of excessive system pressure caused by thermal expansion. Maximum Working Temperature (F):180
- Balance piston design enables the regulator to react in a smooth and responsive manner to changes in system flow demand
- Provides protection from inlet pressure changes
- The Zum Wilkins water pressure regulator is available in 2 sizes: 1 inch and 0.75 inch
- This Zum Wilkins water pressure regulator valve has a rating of 4.7/5 on Amazon.
Cons:
- Few users of this product complained of the noise produced by this water pressure reducing valve especially at slow water flow which had caused them to switch brands.
- The product was found to have a short life- as low as 45 days to 60 days.
- The Zum Wilkins pressure regulator valve does not come with unions, which was a cause of concern to many.
- The water pressure reducing valve causes too much resistance with excessive pressure drop as flow increases.
3. 3/4 in Lead Free Water Pressure Reducing Valve
The 3/4 in Lead Free Watts Water Pressure Regulator Valve ensures rapid response to pressure changes and maximum flow with minimal pressure drop. This easily adjusted water pressure regulator complies with all lead-free installation requirements. From the manufacturer: Calculations show pressure-reducing valves can save as much as 30% on domestic water heating costs, prevent water waste and perhaps even lower municipal sewer usage fees.
Product Features:
- Material: Lead
- Inlet Connection Type: National Pipe Tapered
- Outlet Connection Type: FNPT
- Item Dimensions: 7.38 x 5.63 x 2.44 inches
- The Watts regulator may be installed at or near meters in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to adjust water pressure flowing to appliances and outlets.
- An NPT threaded union female input by NPT female outlet connection; an inbuilt stainless steel strainer (removed for cleaning); a thermoplastic seat; a bronze-sealed spring cage for accessible outdoor waterworks or pit installations; and a thermal expansion bypass
- Easy to maintain for a long life
- This pressure reducing valve adjustment has a temperature range of 33 to 180 degrees F or 0. 5 to 82 degrees C.
- The water pressure regulator with gauge is suitable for accessible outdoor waterworks or pit installations.
- Has a rating of 5/5 on Amazon.
Cons:
- None, this water pressure regulator valve got everything correct according to its customers.
4. Bell & Gossett Bell and Gossett Pressure Reducing Valve
The Bell & Gossett water pressure regulator with gauge is made of brass and has a brass exterior finish. This adjusting water pressure regulator valve is the standard valve type and it also has a strainer.
Product Features:
- Material: Brass
- Inlet Connection Type: National Pipe Tapered
- Outlet Connection Type: FNPT
- Item Dimensions: 3 x 5 x 1 inches
- Package Weight : 1.021 kg
- Made in China
- Package Dimensions : 6.0 L x 3.75 H x 4.0 W (“)
- Pipe Size:1/2 Inch
- Preset Pressure Settings: 12 psi
- Pressure Adjustment Range: 10 to 25 psi,
- Connection Type: NPT,
- Height: 4-13/16 In.,
- Length: 3-1/16 In.,
- Maximum Temperature: 225 Degrees F,
- Maximum Pressure: 125 psi ‘
- Has a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Cons:
- None, according to its clients, this water pressure regulator valve has got everything right.
5. Cash Acme SharkBite 23894-0045 Pressure Regulator Valve, 3/4 in, Bronze
Cash Acme has been a trusted manufacturer of pressure regulator valves (PRV) for more than a century. We offer an extensive range of pressure regulator valves that are perfect for a number of heating and plumbing applications. Cash Acme offers an extensive line of temperature and pressure relief valve products, including robust high capacity commercial products, compact residential models, and agricultural products.
Product Features:
- This PRV features a half cartridge design that offers the performance of a high-end, cartridge-based valve
- The water pressure regulator adjustment is designed to effectively double a household’s usable hot water heater capacity while delivering water at safe temperatures in both residential and commercial applications.
- Designed for the protection of water heaters and storage tanks and are ideal for all domestic water heater applications
- The Temperature & Relief (T&P) Valves in these domestic water pressure reducing valves aids in the protection of water heaters and storage tanks and are ideal for all domestic water heater applications
- This 3/4 pressure reducing valve has a backflow preventer which prevents polluted water from entering the potable water supply system by preventing the reverse flow of water into supply lines
- Tankless water heater install kit features water heater valves with hot and cold color-coded values for easy identification and innovative push-to-connect inputs.
- Designed to mix hot and cold water at safe controlled temperatures to showers, sinks, lavatories & bathtubs. Thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) work with residential, commercial, industrial and hydronic heating applications
- The water pressure regulator with gauge is made of the material- Bronze
- Certifications: CSA
- Item Dimensions: 1.7 x 5 x 4.5 inches
- Rating of 4.2/5 on Amazon.
Cons:
- There were complaints of heavy leaking by a few customers.
- There were a few design related complaints raised by the customers.
- The product requires modifications before use
- The product was found to be extremely loud by a few customers of the same.
6. Watts LFN45BM1-U Water Technologies Standard Capacity
This 1 inch water pressure reducing valve is designed to reduce incoming water pressure to protect plumbing systems and reduce water consumption for commercial, industrial and residential applications. The easy maintenance assembly consists of a lead free brass body construction, NPT threaded union inlet and NPT female outlet connection, stainless steel integral strainer, thermoplastic seat module, thermal expansion bypass and a sealed spring cage for waterworks pit installations. The temperature range is 33 to 180 degrees F (0.5 to 82 degrees C). Suitable for up to 400 psi (27.6 bar), the pressure range can be adjusted from 25 to 75 psi (172 to 517 kPa) with the standard setting at 50 psi (345 kPa).
Product Features:
- Reduces incoming water pressure to protect plumbing systems and reduce water consumption in commercial industrial and residential application
- Water supply pressures range is 25 to 75 psi (172 to 517 kPa) with the standard setting at 50 psi (345 kPa)
- Features a lead-free brass body; NPT threaded union inlet x NPT female outlet connection; integral stainless-steel strainer (removable for cleaning); thermoplastic seat module; bypass feature that controls thermal expansion pressure; and a sealed spring cage for waterworks pit installations
- Offers easy installation, easy handling and in-line serviceability
- This adjusting pressure reducing valve has a standard bypass feature that permits the flow of water back through the valve into the main when pressures occur, due to thermal expansion on the outlet side of the valve exceeding the pressure in the main supply.
- The water pressure regulator with gauge is made of the material- Bronze
- Exterior Finish: Stainless Steel
- Item Dimensions: 7.38 x 5.62 x 2.44 inches
- Has a rating of 4.7/5 on Amazon.
Cons:
- Quality of the pressure reducing valve was found to be questionable.
- The product was found to be not as described.
- The O-ring was found to be missing.
- While pressure regulation is good, there is a problem of leaking.
- It is partly plastic. The tools needed for installation are large and heavy so one must be very careful not to damage the plastic part.
7. Opinion:
And there you have it the top 6 pressure reducing valves to prevent you from both accidents and possible mishaps. The water pressure while showering can make or break your day. Hope this article has helped you make an informed choice about choosing the right pressure reducing valve with a gauge that will get you the right shower or the right force of water for doing your daily activities. The products listed above have been from trusted brands which are known to perform well so you may trust them as blindly as you will begin to trust these water pressure reducing valves.