A Watts valve, typically referring to a pressure reducing valve (PRV), works by automatically reducing high incoming water pressure from the city mains to provide a lower, more functional pressure for distribution in the home. They regulate by maintaining a set pressure within the home's plumbing system, often targeting around 50 lbs per square inch (psi).
Understanding Water Pressure Regulation
City water supplies are often delivered at high pressure to ensure adequate flow throughout the entire distribution network, including tall buildings and distant areas. However, this high pressure can be too strong for standard residential plumbing fixtures and pipes, potentially causing damage, leaks, and inefficient water usage. This is where a PRV, like those made by Watts, comes in.
The Mechanism: Inside the Valve
A PRV contains an internal mechanism, often involving a diaphragm, spring, and a valve seat.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
- High Pressure Entry: Water enters the valve from the high-pressure side (city main).
- Sensing Pressure: A diaphragm or piston senses the water pressure on the outlet side of the valve (the home's plumbing).
- Spring Counter-Force: This pressure works against an adjustable spring inside the valve. The spring is pre-set to maintain a desired lower pressure (e.g., 50 psi).
- Valve Adjustment:
- If the outlet pressure is lower than the set point, the spring force is stronger than the water pressure on the diaphragm, which opens the valve further, allowing more high-pressure water in to raise the downstream pressure.
- If the outlet pressure is higher than the set point, the water pressure on the diaphragm overcomes the spring force, which pushes the valve closed slightly, restricting the flow of high-pressure water and lowering the downstream pressure.
- Continuous Regulation: This process happens continuously and automatically, adjusting the valve opening as needed to maintain the desired, consistent pressure in the home.
Key Functions of a Watts PRV
As stated in the reference, these valves perform two primary functions:
- Pressure Reduction: They take the high pressure from the city and step it down to a manageable level for the home.
- Pressure Regulation: They actively maintain this reduced pressure at a consistent level, preventing it from fluctuating significantly even if the incoming city pressure changes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Input | High pressure from city water mains |
| Output | Reduced, stable pressure for home plumbing (often ~50 psi) |
| Mechanism | Internal diaphragm, spring, and valve that adjust flow based on pressure |
| Benefit | Protects plumbing, reduces leaks, ensures consistent flow at fixtures |
Practical Benefits for Homeowners
Installing a Watts PRV offers several advantages:
- Protecting Plumbing & Appliances: Lower pressure reduces stress on pipes, joints, faucets, water heaters, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, extending their lifespan and preventing costly leaks or bursts.
- Reducing Water Hammer: By maintaining stable pressure and flow, PRVs can help minimize the banging noise in pipes known as water hammer.
- Consistent Performance: Fixtures like showers and faucets deliver water at a steady pressure, improving comfort and usability.
- Potential Water Savings: While not the primary function, reducing excessively high pressure can sometimes lead to small water savings by preventing waste from overly forceful flows.
In essence, a Watts PRV acts as a gatekeeper for your home's water system, ensuring that water enters at a safe and functional pressure regardless of how high the pressure is in the main supply line.
