There is a lot of terminology in plumbing, so it can be easy to get lost. To help you understand the language, we plan on defining a few of the more common uses by your neighborhood plumber. Today, we will answer the following: what is a PRV in plumbing?

PRV, which stands for Pressure Release Valve, protects your home if the pressure gets too high. Typically, residences are between 40 and 80 psi. If it gets too high, the PRV releases the excess pressure to protect your home.

Below, we will go through what you need to know about PRVs.

How Does a PRV Help Me?

A PRV can help you in the following ways:

PRVs Save You Money

PRVs help consumers save money on utility bills. Water flowing at lower pressure means the pipes require less work. That means less water flowing through your home, reducing your water bill by extension.

It Helps Your Pipes and Appliances Last Longer

Uncontrolled bouts of water pressure have the potential to destroy your appliances. With a PRV, you won’t need to worry about too much water pressure overwhelming your machines.

Instead, the PRV takes the load for them, enabling you to save money on repair and replacement.

How To Tell Your PRV Isn’t Working Properly

Because your PRV takes the pressure from your appliances, it has to deal with stress. Here are some signs your PRV needs replacing:

High, Low, or No Water Pressure

The lack of a PRV could result in various water pressure issues. With no control for water pressure, any use of water can result in different problems.

Low or no water pressure happens when you use multiple faucets or water-based devices. It is common when there is no regulation in your pipes, meaning you are overwhelming the system.

If you use a single water-based appliance, you might find the opposite issue. The high water pressure causes water from these pipes to come out and uncertain rates.

Water Leaks

Another common issue indicating the need for a PRV replacement comes back to water leaks. This situation is especially prevalent if you have a sprinkler system. You might find a pool of water located underneath or nearby your watering areas.

This situation means that the PRV is old and needs replacing.

Unusual Vibration Noises Coming from Pipes

Listen to your pipes closely to hear any unusual humming noises. These humming noises are signs of additional strain on your lines, causing water to rush or slow down in certain situations.

Overall, noisy pipes can come from many issues, so be sure to act fast if you hear anything unusual.

Wrap Up

Without a PRV, your commercial or residential plumbing setup will not work correctly. It is an essential part of your plumbing setup, so always be sure to keep your eyes and eyes open for anything unusual.

If you find something, our team of plumbers works in both residential and commercial areas. Act fast to be sure any potential plumbing issue doesn’t become a major emergency.