High water pressure might sound like a good thing — but in reality, too much pressure can damage your entire pipeline system. From burst pipes to damaged valves and leaking joints, uncontrolled pressure leads to waste, cost, and safety hazards.
To prevent this, engineers use a smart device called a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV).
In this blog, we’ll explain in simple language:
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What a PRV is
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How it works
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Where it’s used
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And why it’s essential in high-pressure water systems
🔧 What is a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)?
A Pressure Reducing Valve is a control valve that automatically lowers the incoming high pressure of water to a safer, constant pressure suitable for your system.
It keeps the outlet pressure stable, even when the inlet pressure varies.
📌 Other names:
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PRV
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Pressure Control Valve
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Water Pressure Regulator
⚙️ How Does a PRV Work?
Imagine water entering a pipeline at 10 bar pressure, but your system only needs 4 bar to work safely. The PRV steps in to reduce and control that pressure — without needing electricity or manual operation.
🔄 PRV Operation (in simple steps):
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Inlet Water Comes In (High Pressure)
Water enters the valve body under high pressure. -
Spring-Loaded Diaphragm Senses Pressure
Inside the valve, a diaphragm and spring are set to the desired outlet pressure. -
Valve Adjusts Itself
If the downstream pressure is too low, the valve opens more.
If the downstream pressure is too high, the valve closes slightly. -
Result: Stable Outlet Pressure
The water leaving the valve is now at a safe and stable pressure, no matter how high the inlet pressure was.
🏭 Where Are PRVs Used?
PRVs are used in any water system where pressure needs to be controlled. Common applications include:
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🏙️ Municipal Water Supply Lines
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🏢 High-Rise Buildings
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🚿 Domestic Plumbing Systems
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🚜 Agricultural Irrigation
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🏭 Industrial Water Systems
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🔥 Fire Fighting Lines
✅ Benefits of Using Pressure Reducing Valves
1. 🛡️ Protects Pipelines and Equipment
High water pressure can damage pipelines, joints, and meters. PRVs protect your entire system from bursting, leakage, or early failure.
2. 💰 Saves Water and Money
When pressure is controlled, there is less leakage and waste. That means lower water bills and reduced maintenance costs.
3. ⚙️ Increases Equipment Lifespan
Valves, faucets, pumps, and even appliances last longer when not exposed to high pressure.
4. 🌊 Maintains Consistent Flow
PRVs help keep stable pressure for all end-users, even during peak hours. Especially useful in multi-storey buildings and large farms.
5. 🌍 Energy Efficiency
In industrial systems, PRVs reduce the load on pumps, saving energy and operational cost.
🧪 Types of Pressure Reducing Valves
At resilientgatevalve, we offer a variety of PRVs based on usage:
🔹 Direct-Acting PRV
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Simple, compact
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Best for small pipelines or residential use
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Works purely on spring-diaphragm action
🔹 Pilot-Operated PRV
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More accurate and sensitive
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Ideal for municipal and industrial systems
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Can handle fluctuating inlet pressures
🛠️ Installation Tips for PRVs
To get the best performance from your PRV, follow these guidelines:
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Always install PRV horizontally
Most models are designed for horizontal lines. -
Use with a pressure gauge
So you can monitor and adjust if needed. -
Clean pipeline before installation
Dirt or debris can affect valve performance. -
Install an isolation valve nearby
Makes it easy to service the PRV without shutting down the full line. -
Follow flow direction arrow
Installing PRV in reverse can damage the valve.
🏭 Why Choose PRVs from resilientgatevalve?
At resilientgatevalve, we manufacture and supply high-quality Pressure Reducing Valves for all applications — from residential homes to heavy-duty water networks.
🔹 Our PRVs offer:
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✅ AWWA standard compliance
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✅ Ductile iron body with epoxy coating
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✅ Corrosion-resistant internal parts
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✅ Sizes from 25mm to 300mm
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✅ Long life, low maintenance
We also supply:
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Resilient Seated Sluice Valves
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Metal Seated Sluice Valves
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Non Return Valves
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Air Valves (Single & Double)
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AWWA Butterfly Valves
🧠 Real-World Example
In a Gujarat-based industrial park, pressure at inlet was reaching 12 bar, damaging plumbing and valves. After installing pilot-operated PRVs from resilientgatevalve, the outlet pressure stabilized at 5 bar, reducing maintenance cost by 40% and improving system performance.
📝 Conclusion
Pressure Reducing Valves play a crucial role in keeping pumping systems safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Whether it’s a city water supply or a farm irrigation system — if there’s high pressure involved, a PRV is absolutely essential.
Invest in a high-quality PRV from resilientgatevalve and protect your water network with confidence.
