Importance of Pressure Reducing Valves for Electric Storage Hot Water Heaters

Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Longevity

In the realm of household appliances, electric storage hot water heaters play a pivotal role in ensuring that you have a consistent supply of hot water. However, to keep these systems functioning optimally and safely, it’s crucial to understand the significance of a key component: the pressure reducing valve (PRDV). This article aims to debunk the myths surrounding PRDVs and underscore why every electric storage hot water heater needs one.

What is a Pressure Reducing Valve?

A pressure reducing valve is a device designed to regulate the pressure within a plumbing system. It automatically reduces the high pressure of the incoming water supply to a safer, lower pressure. This regulation is essential for preventing damage to your plumbing and appliances, including hot water heaters.

Functionality

The PRDV operates by sensing the incoming water pressure and adjusting its internal mechanisms to maintain a consistent, pre-set outlet pressure. This ensures that no matter how high the water pressure is from the mains supply, the pressure within your home remains stable and safe.

So Why Install a Pressure Reducing Valve at my Electric Storage Hot Water Heaters?

Preventing Damage

One of the primary reasons for installing a PRDV is to prevent damage to your hot water heater. High water pressure can cause stress on the heater’s internal components, leading to leaks, ruptures, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan. By maintaining a controlled pressure, the PRDV protects your heater from these potential issues.

Improving Efficiency

When the pressure is regulated correctly, your hot water heater operates more efficiently. High pressure forces the heater to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing your utility bills. A PRDV helps maintain optimal pressure, ensuring the heater uses energy efficiently and reduces your overall costs.

Maintaining Consistent Water Temperature

Fluctuating water pressure can lead to inconsistent water temperatures. With a PRDV installed, the pressure remains stable, allowing your heater to produce a consistent and reliable temperature, enhancing your comfort and convenience.

Protecting Plumbing

Beyond the hot water heater, high water pressure can damage your entire plumbing system. Pipes, fixtures, and other appliances can suffer from stress and wear due to unregulated pressure. A PRDV helps safeguard your plumbing infrastructure, prolonging the lifespan of these components and saving you from costly repairs.

Wait, I Thought The House Water Pressure Is Controlled At The Main Water Supply?

Fortunately, this is Singapore and we live in a world where our government and agencies do an active role in assisting our residents in most requests.

Request HDB town councils / Condo Management (MCST) to take action

Yes! As previously mentioned, your town councils and MCST can assist you to check the water pressure at your home is at the recommended national value. However, this will take some time and we have also seen cases where they refuse to reduce the water pressure for fear that other neighbors at another floor height might feedback weak water pressure.

What Else Can I Do!

Furthermore, there are some customers who do not like it that their overall house water pressure is so low. So here is what you can do, take action! Protect your water heaters by installing a pressure reducing valve right at the inlet of the cold water supply of your water heater as per our diagram below. You can speak to any licensed plumber in Singapore to have it installed. 

Penalties for Non-compliance

And likewise as always we urge all our customers to always engage a licensed plumber in any modifications to plumbing for your water heater. Due to our strict governing rules here in Singapore, these are the possible penalties for non-compliance: