Pressure Reducing Valves

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

This is more of a plumbing question:



I've always purchased Watts PRV's when street pressure is over 80 psi - model U5B.  They also make a model 25AUB which is about one-third the price, but I'm told that it does not flow as well as the more expensive valve.  That is, the U5B will provide more GPM.



I'd be interested to hear from those more experienced if the more expensive valve is worth the cost for normal household use.



Thanks.



Alan

Charlie from wmass

depends on the house

If it is a basic one or two bath I have had no issues with the cheaper model. If it is high volume I go for the larger valve. when doing change outs of valves that have failed I do like with like as the time saved is worth it by not having to redo the piping.

plumber_ted

No problems with the 25 aub

We do a lot of work in a gated community with a private water and sewer department.  The water and sewer department is located out the back gate at the bottom of the mountain.  The homes that are across the street have approximately 160 psi incoming before the PRV.  We use the 25AUB there without too many problems.  The biggest problems that we have are the hard water and the main breaks.  Depending on who turns the water back on at the main determines how many PRV's we replace that week (If the water and sewer guys are having a bad day we do pretty good.).

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

PRV's

Thanks, guys!  That helps a lot.