Pressure Reduction Valve advice needed

davewilliams000 · 13 Jan 2016

Can anyone recommend a good prv as I don't know anything about them?

I want to fit a new shower in the bathroom as part of a re-model. I want to change from our existing electric shower to a thermostatic mixer one run off the boiler. I know our combi boiler (Worcester Bosch Greenstar 28Cdi) is more than capable of handling this, and we don't have any appliances that run off the hot water from the boiler (i.e. the washer & dishwasher are cold feed only).

However, I was concerned that we have quite high water pressure. I bought a gauge and measured it last night and found it was 6Bar/90PSI. The specs for the shower valve that I want to install (which I haven't bought yet) state a max pressure of 5Bar so I will need a PRV. I also checked the pressure for the hot feed as well and it is also 6Bar (not really a surprise as it's running from the combi boiler).

So I will either need 2x PRVs for the shower or I thought that I could just put 1 valve in right after the main stopcock for the house, thereby reducing the pressure for the whole house in one go - this would also be beneficial in other areas as we have some quite noisy taps when running due to the high pressure as well.

So the question is, does that sound sensible, and also looking for recommendations on a make/model of PRV and what sort of maintenance is required on them.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

leakydave · 13 Jan 2016

Put PRV on the whole house after mains stopcock. Then you will have balanced pressures throughout the house.

davewilliams000 · 13 Jan 2016

thanks for quick reply. Any recommendations on a make/model/required maintenance?

oldbuffer · 13 Jan 2016

Honeywell D04FM - correct one for incoming pipe size. If possible fit a full bore isolation valve either side (or at least on the outlet if your main stop valve works properly) so that you can change it with little fuss should it be necessary. I find they (all makes) sometimes leak from the pressure gauge after a few years service. You can turn off the valves, fit a new pressure gauge, re-adjust if necessary and restore service with valves fitted.

davewilliams000 · 13 Jan 2016

oldbuffer said:
Honeywell D04FM - correct one for incoming pipe size. If possible fit a full bore isolation valve either side (or at least on the outlet if your main stop valve works properly) so that you can change it with little fuss should it be necessary. I find they (all makes) sometimes leak from the pressure gauge after a few years service. You can turn off the valves, fit a new pressure gauge, re-adjust if necessary and restore service with valves fitted.

Brilliant thanks... I was just about to post saying I am looking at that exact one.

Any advice on installation?... Says in the instructions you can install vertically but says "In vertical installation position spring bonnet with adjustment knob facing upwards".. slightly confused by this as looking at a picture of it, it looks to me if the knob was pointing upwards, then the flow direction arrow would be pointing downwards? I must be being a bit thick here, but the instructions aren't worded very well!

Or, am I best putting in a bend after stopcock and putting on a horizontal pipe to make it easier?

I'll put a full bore isolation valve on either side as you suggest. Looking at iso valves on screwfix but they have some bad reviews, so will get from plumbcenter instead. Would you recommend ones that you use a screwdriver on or the ones with a lever?

Jacek · 23 Dec 2016

davewilliams000 said:
Brilliant thanks... I was just about to post saying I am looking at that exact one.

Any advice on installation?... Says in the instructions you can install vertically but says "In vertical installation position spring bonnet with adjustment knob facing upwards".. slightly confused by this as looking at a picture of it, it looks to me if the knob was pointing upwards, then the flow direction arrow would be pointing downwards? I must be being a bit thick here, but the instructions aren't worded very well!

Just same question regarding vertical installation with spring bonnet with adjustment knob facing downwards?
If i will put verticall like instruction will be against the flow direction?

What to do best in this situation?
Has anyone installed with spring bonnet with adjustment knob facing downwards?

Agile · 23 Dec 2016

May be too late but I would advise that you fit a 22 mm PRV even if the supply pipe is 15 mm.

They have a better pressure loss characteristic and may be quieter in use.

Tony

Jacek · 23 Dec 2016

Agile said:
May be too late but I would advise that you fit a 22 mm PRV even if the supply pipe is 15 mm.

They have a better pressure loss characteristic and may be quieter in use.

Tony

Perhaps I could exchange it in Screwfix for 22mm but already opened the box and taken out olives from plastic sealed bag.
Do You have any idea if that PRV could be faced downwards? I was thinking to add few compression elbows and fit it horizontal but a bit worried about to many turns will make to much noise in pipes? I'm DIY user and don't much experience . Are these PRV loud in operation? The pipes seen on photo are in my Living room.

Nige F · 24 Dec 2016

If you put the olives in the connections and hand tighten the nuts just to hold them Screwfix will be none the wiser. I have no idea why it should be installed as the instructions say,

xr4x4 · 24 Dec 2016

This is ours, our pressure is 9 bar, keep blowing water softners.

This a new main I run because the stop cock is now under the bath.

Agile · 24 Dec 2016

I have no idea either why they are asking you to fit any particular way up.

Nor do I remember ever reading that instruction on any that I have bought!

Tony

Roger928 · 24 Dec 2016

Always install as per the installation manual. Adjustment knob facing up in this case.
Filter cup inside and debris is collected in the cup.
The outlet to the diaphragm will be at the top, dirt and debris collected at the bottom.
Upside down its not going to perform very well I would think.

Jacek · 24 Dec 2016

Roger928 said:
Always install as per the installation manual. Adjustment knob facing up in this case.
Filter cup inside and debris is collected in the cup.
The outlet to the diaphragm will be at the top, dirt and debris collected at the bottom.
Upside down its not going to perform very well I would think.

It make sense with debris. Would be good idea to put it horizontall with couple bends ?
I could add 4x compression elbows and some 15mm cooper pipe. Just worried about strange look

Will it be not good "practise"? Or will be better to install different brand PRV where it doesn't matter which way is installed?

Roger928 · 24 Dec 2016

Jacek said:
Will it be not good "practise"?

Its always good practise to install the valve the correct way. Horizontal or vertical.
Modify the pipe work and keep the valve.
I'd fit it horizontal if space permits.

Jacek · 24 Dec 2016

Roger928 said:
Its always good practise to install the valve the correct way. Horizontal or vertical.
Modify the pipe work and keep the valve.
I'd fit it horizontal if space permits.

I think i will do like that. Thank You for all help.
I see second pipe coming from the flor 22mm. Will it be gas pipe?

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Pressure Reduction Valve advice needed

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