6 bar pressure daytime to my house - do I need a PRV?

[Question]

I measured the water pressure to my house during the daytime and it was 6 bar.  I have read such a high pressure can damage appliances and cause leaks.

 

I am planning to get a PRV for my water softener. 

 

Should I also ensure that the PRV reduces the hard (cold) water pressure to my kitchen sink and dishwasher?  

 

 

[Mr Punter]

I had similar high pressure up to 10 bar and had a prv fitted just after the stopcock indoors.

[Onoff]

8bar here. PRV fitted.

 

You do have to occasionally clean the mesh filter in the PRV.

 

I think too, MIs say to fit the PRV in a horizontal section of pipework. I didn't...as I didn't really read the manufacturer's instructions properly...

[Russdl]

12 hours ago, Onoff said:

fit the PRV in a horizontal section of pipework.

Interesting. Any idea why that would be?

[Gus Potter]

16 hours ago, Question said:

I measured the water pressure to my house during the daytime and it was 6 bar.  I have read such a high pressure can damage appliances and cause leaks.

 

I am planning to get a PRV for my water softener. 

 

Should I also ensure that the PRV reduces the hard (cold) water pressure to my kitchen sink and dishwasher?  

 

 

Lucky you!

 

I can see where you are coming from in that 6 bar is 90 PSI. 

 

3 bar ~45 PSI is a good bit of poke but you need flow "delivery" and it needs to be fairly stable.

 

If you have a direct cylinder the pressure relief valve is usually set at 3 bar as are say combie boilers.

 

I wonder what pipe diameter your incoming supply is. Old 3/4 inch or less.

 

If less than 3./4 inch ~ 22 mm) then I would increase the incoming pipe diameter for say 1.0m up to 22mm or more then fit a 22 mm PRV with a double check valve and mains stop cock.

 

The 1.0m before all the gubbins stabalises the flow. After that you can work out the in's and outs.

 

 

 

[Onoff]

7 hours ago, Russdl said:

Interesting. Any idea why that would be?

 

Looking at my gauge I have to read it on the side. If it was horizontal I could read it the right way up is all I can think. 

[Temp]

I think most fittings are designed for 5.5 bar max.

 

We have several small PRV in out house to stop splashing from wash basins. I find they need to be cleaned or adjusted every few years to restore the original flow rate so make sure its accessible.

[CAdam]

Wraps approved fittings are rated to 10 bar, but pressure fluctuates during the day, I did some work, a lot of work down in Worthing a while back. Close to 10 bar thanks to a new pumping station, the pressure was monstrous. Forever replacing valves, taps, toilet innards, many started to have prvs fitted but hated as some made a rattling sound. 

 

In short, excess pressure can cause premature wear, especially 1/4 turn ceramic taps.

Edited July 21, 2022 by CAdam

[Marvin]

I always fit a PRV now adays. Why do you need more than 3 bar in your home? 

 

The pressure changed when the water companies needed to supply more water down the mains pipes leading to new houses. Faster flow = more water per minute at the end.

 

And as @CAdam says more wear on parts with high pressure.