Water pressure is an important part of keeping a building comfortable, safe, and functional.
Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) are a vital component of managing water pressure in a building, but they need to be maintained and replaced when necessary. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of PRVs and provide a comprehensive guide on how to maintain and replace them. We will cover topics such as identifying when it’s time for maintenance, warning signs of PRV failure, causes of PRV failure, preparing for PRV replacement, and step-by-step instructions for installing a new PRV.
Overview of Pressure Reducing Valves
A pressure reducing valve is a vital component in any plumbing system. It is designed to regulate water pressure throughout the entire facility, making sure it remains at a safe and consistent level. Without a properly functioning PRV, too much pressure can damage your pipes, or you may experience low water flow.
The PRV regulates the incoming water pressure from the municipal supply line to an appropriate level for use within your building. By automatically adjusting the amount of water flowing through your pipes, it prevents the flow from becoming too great and causing damage. It also makes sure that all fixtures throughout your facility are receiving adequate water pressure so they work correctly.
It is important to remember that installing and maintaining a PRV should not be taken lightly as there are safety risks involved if not done correctly. Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced professional assess and install your PRV to ensure it meets all local regulations and functions optimally.
Regular maintenance of your pressure reducing valve is as important as installation, as this will help extend its life span and keep it running efficiently. This includes checking for any leaks or blockages caused by dirt buildup, replacing parts when necessary, changing out gaskets periodically, and testing the valve regularly with a calibrated test gauge.
Suppose your PRV does need replacing due to age or damage. In that case, you should always call a qualified plumber who will have access to approved valves that meet safety standards for both residential and commercial applications. They will also have experience in ensuring the replacement valve is installed correctly to avoid any potential issues with your plumbing system down the road.
Routine Maintenance for PRVs
Routine maintenance of pressure reducing valves is essential in keeping your home’s plumbing system running efficiently. Knowing when it’s time for PRV maintenance and performing the necessary steps can save you from expensive repair bills and potential water damage down the line.
Identifying when it’s time for PRV maintenance can be done by listening to your plumbing system. For example, if you hear a loud banging or thumping sound coming from the pipes, this could indicate that your PRV needs to be checked and possibly replaced. Additionally, if your water pressure is lower than normal, this could also be a sign of a failing PRV.
Regarding performing the maintenance on your PRV, there are several steps you should take. First, turn off the water supply and release any remaining pressure in the pipes by turning on a faucet until no more water comes out. Next, remove any debris or sediment buildup around the valve body before replacing its components with new parts. Finally, make sure to test the valve after installation to ensure proper operation before turning back on the water supply again.
Remember that regular maintenance of your PRV is important in ensuring its long-term durability and performance—so don’t forget to check it regularly!
Warning Signs of PRV Failure:
Regarding identifying a failing pressure reducing valve, there are two key warning signs that building maintenance should be aware of: visual indicators and abnormal water pressure.
Visual Indicators
It’s essential to check your PRV for any visible damage or corrosion, as this can be a sign of impending failure. Check for any dents, leaks, broken pieces, or missing components that could indicate trouble. Additionally, look for signs of rusting around the body of the valve and other parts. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to replace the valve as soon as possible to avoid further damage or costly repairs.
Abnormal Water Pressure
If you experience fluctuations in water pressure or loud banging noises coming from your pipes when running water, this could indicate that your PRV is not functioning properly. Low water pressure can also indicate that something is wrong with your PRV and should not be ignored. It’s best to have a professional inspect your system as soon as possible if this occurs.
Overall, understanding the warning signs associated with failing PRVs can help you identify if it’s time for maintenance or replacement before costly damage occurs. Regularly checking and inspecting valves can save you money and headaches by helping prevent major plumbing issues from occurring in your home.
Causes of Pressure Reducing Valve Failure:
There are several different causes of pressure reducing valve failure, including corrosion, sediment build-up, and leakage. Corrosion is a common cause of PRV failure and can be caused by oxygen or other corrosive elements in the water. This type of corrosion can lead to dents, cracks, or holes in the valve body, which can cause water to leak from the unit and reduce its efficiency.
Sediment build-up is another major contributor to PRV failure. Sediment buildup can occur if water enters through small openings in the valve body or if there is a breakage in the pipes. The sediment accumulates over time, clogging up parts of the valve and restricting its operation. If left unchecked, this build-up can eventually lead to complete blockage of the PRV and stop it from functioning entirely.
Lastly, leakage can also contribute to PRV failure. Worn seals or broken components inside the valve body typically cause leaks that allow water to escape. Over time, small leaks will increase in size until, eventually they become large enough for significant amounts of water to escape and cause damage throughout your building’s plumbing system. Paying attention to signs such as reduced water pressure or wet spots around your PRV should help you identify potential problems before they become too serious and costly.
By understanding what causes PRV failures and regularly inspecting your valves for any signs of trouble, you can avoid any potentially expensive repairs while keeping your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
Preparing for PRV Replacement:
When preparing for a pressure reducing valve replacement, it is important to find the right model for your building’s plumbing system. You also want to determine if it’s something you can replace or if it’s time to hire a professional plumber.
Finding the right replacement PRV requires researching the different models available. It is important to consider factors such as material construction, size, temperature range, and pressure rating when determining which type of valve will work best in your home’s plumbing system. Additionally, ensure the new PRV is compatible with any existing components and can handle higher water pressure if needed.
Replacing a pressure reducing valve can be a complex task requiring specialized tools and knowledge of local building codes. While some building maintenance employees might feel comfortable replacing a PRV themselves, it is usually recommended to hire a professional plumber who has experience. Professional plumbers are knowledgeable about building codes and safety regulations. They also have access to specialty tools needed for installation or repair and can guarantee that the job will be done correctly per local regulations. Additionally, hiring a professional plumber offers peace of mind knowing that all necessary repairs have been completed accurately and safely.
Whether you choose to replace your PRV yourself or hire a professional plumber, it is always important to research your options beforehand and ensure that you are getting the most appropriate model for your home’s plumbing system. Doing regular maintenance checks on all valves throughout the year can also help homeowners identify potential issues before they become costly problems down the line.
Installing the New PRV:
Installing a new pressure reducing valve is an important task that requires knowledge of building codes and safety regulations. To make sure the job is done correctly, it is best to hire a professional plumber who has access to specialty tools. If installing a new PRV yourself, follow these step-by-step instructions and safety tips.
- Step One: Turn off the water supply and release any pressure in the pipes. Make sure all valves are completely closed before disconnecting the old pressure reducing valve from the piping system.
- Step Two: Carefully remove any debris or sediment buildup around the area of the old valve body and clean up any remaining residue with a brush or cloth.
- Step Three: Install the new PRV by aligning it to match up with existing pipes, making sure not to over-tighten any fittings as this may cause damage. Use Teflon tape on threaded connections for extra protection against leaks.
- Step Four: Test the valve after installation by turning on the water supply slowly and checking for leaks or other malfunctions that could occur if something was installed incorrectly. If everything looks good, turn on the water supply fully and check for the correct operation of pressure reducing valve.
Safety Tips: Wear protective gloves when handling old parts or installing new components to avoid cuts or scrapes from sharp edges or protruding objects. Make sure all valves are turned off before trying to disassemble any pieces of equipment, as this can help prevent water damage caused by accidental flooding due to improper shut-off procedures.
Additionally, always use Teflon tape when connecting threaded pipes together to prevent future leaks from occurring at those joints. Finally, never try repairs without knowing what you’re doing, as this can lead to serious injury or property damage if done incorrectly.
About MGI ConTrols Valves
MGI ConTrols valves are designed for the most challenging demands of all commercial, multi-family residential and industrial facilities. You can learn more about all MGI ConTrols products here. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—someone will be on hand to help you. You can also reach out directly to your local rep.