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
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.