Rating of the best water pressure reducers for 2022

Water pressure reducers (RDV), they are also regulators, are special plumbing fixtures responsible for the normal maintenance of water pressure in the piping system. A sharp change in water pressure can not only damage expensive plumbing, but also ruin the finish in a house or apartment, which will inevitably entail additional repair costs. The mechanism of the regulator in question can reduce the force of the water supply to the proper level, which will prevent water hammer.

Scope of application

The presence of insufficient pressure necessary for the operation of several household units at once, incorrect functioning and permanent shutdown of gas water heaters and heating boilers, as well as weak water pressure on the last floors of high-rise buildings is a very common problem in the public sector in many countries. To eliminate such problems, the water pressure regulator serves, the functioning of which is to maintain a uniform level of water pressure in the entire line, which prevents the destructive manifestations of the consequences of pressure drops. Thus, using the RDD it is possible to achieve:

• Lowering the pressure in the line, which will be relevant for residents of the last floors in multi-storey buildings, and will allow the latter to fully use household appliances without the risk of contour breaks;
• Reducing the noise level during the passage of liquid through the pipeline;
• Ensuring a uniform supply of liquid along the line, which will allow the simultaneous use of several household appliances without a temperature drop in the water supplied to them;
• Prevention of damage and rupture of various working parts of plumbing equipment, such as o-rings, hoses and fittings, which can suffer from increased pressure drops.

In addition, the installation of the WFD on an automatic dishwasher, washing machine, boilers or heating equipment will protect these devices from breakdowns and damage in the event of a sudden water hammer in the system.

The use of pressure reducers in modern systems has become a standard, especially relevant for multi-storey residential buildings. With their help, it is possible to ensure the safety of your own home, and the equipment used in the apartment will be less negatively affected by pressure drops. The problem of pressure drops is especially acute for the Russian residential sector, in which pressure surges from normal 4-5 atmospheres to 12 atmospheres are the norm.

Operating principles

All the regulators under consideration work on an almost similar principle. They determine the maximum allowable pressure level in the pipeline and start the corrective valve, through which the cross section of the diameter of the water supply is limited, due to which the volume of water passing through it decreases. In apartments, as a rule, static regulators are installed. The principle of operation of such devices is conditionally referred to as "after itself" and it responds to one-time pressure increases. Such a device is considered optimal for domestic needs, because the water in the apartment is not included on an ongoing basis.

For the industrial sector, dynamic regulators are used, which are able to automatically adjust to constantly changing pressure indicators. They are suitable for use in automatic car washes or irrigation systems. For home use, dynamic models are not suitable, because. simply will not fully utilize their full potential.

At the same time, the reducer can be specifically installed to protect against water hammer for various household and sanitary equipment:

• Boiler;
• Washing machine;
• Flowing water heater;
• Automatic dishwashers;
• Boxes for hydromassage.

Normative base of the Russian Federation for water pressure reducers

The main document here is "Building Norms and Rules" No. 2.04.2 of 1984, which establishes that in order to supply water in multi-storey residential buildings, as the flow moves up, the pressure in the line must increase by 0.4 atmospheres with each floor. In this case, the required pressure force for the first floor is set to 1 atmosphere. The increase in pressure force is carried out by means of a circular pump, for which the following standards are defined:

• Cold water supply - from 0.3-6 atmospheres;
• Hot water supply - 0.3-4.5 atmospheres.

Based on these indicators, separate requirements are established for gearboxes, which are fixed for each model in the "State Standard" No. 12678 of 1980. The installation of the considered regulators must be carried out according to the standards enshrined in GOST 2874 of 1982. This applies to systems with throughput temperatures ranging from +5 to +75 degrees Celsius.

Existing types of regulators

Currently, there are three main types of devices under consideration:

1. Piston - has the simplest design and principle of operation, based on the operation of a diffuser with a spring. Able to effectively perform the tasks of stabilizing the pressure in the pipeline, however, it will require additional installation of filters for mechanical cleaning of the flow;
2. Membrane - this gearbox has a higher level of reliability and greater throughput. Works on the basis of a rubber membrane without contacting metal parts and elements;
3. With an integrated filter - its design includes an additional circuit for mechanical cleaning of the liquid from small fragments, metals and salts, which extends the service life of both the device itself and the equipment it protects.

IMPORTANT! Gearboxes can differ not only in size and design, but also in functionality. Before installation, it is imperative to know the diameter of the pipe on which the device is supposed to be mounted, the average water pressure at the operating site, as well as the temperature regime (both for the device and the average for the water supply network used).

Additional WFD classification

1. Mechanical WFD - are the most common, have a relatively cheap cost and small dimensions. The design includes a housing, a spring valve and an adjustment bolt, with which the compression force of the permeable membrane is changed;
2. Automatic WFD - are an improved variation of mechanical models and have an integrated switch. It is preferable to install them in such water supply networks in which the pressure is provided by an additional supercharger or pump.When the pressure drops to a certain level, the device independently starts the blower to increase the water pressure to the required level;
3. Electronic WFDs are relatively new models, which are a kind of hybrid of an automatic regulator with an integrated pump. They require constant power to function and are controlled by software.

More about popular models - their advantages and disadvantages

Piston

As mentioned above, piston samples are the most common, and the main work in them is performed by an integrated spring-loaded piston. The control spring is adjusted using a special valve, and the piston, in turn, will block the line to some extent, if the pressure rises to a critical level.

The advantages of these models include:

• Availability and ubiquity;
• A simple design, coupled with small dimensions (with proper operation) shows high efficiency results.

Of the minuses can be noted:

• They have small tuning ranges (from 1 to 4.5 atmospheres), but they are enough for home networks;
• They require mandatory filtration of the water that passes through them. Those. there must not be a large accumulation of dirt and small mechanical fragments in the flow, which can lead to a piston wedge. If the water supply in the house does not have a reliable degree of filtration, then you should purchase a model with a built-in filter.

Membrane

In such samples, a special membrane coupled with a spring reacts to pressure drops. The spring is able to expand / compress, thereby limiting the flow.

The advantages of these gearboxes include:

• The presence of a sealed chamber protects the structure from contamination, therefore, this device does not require the installation of filters and complex maintenance;
• It has an extended range for regulation (from 0.5 to 7 atmospheres).

The only downside is the following property:

• The complexity of the design of such a device significantly increases its price (almost 2 times in comparison with the piston).

Installation, configuration and maintenance of the WFD

As a rule, the device is mounted in a horizontal position - a vertical position is only permissible in some cases. Installation takes place on a horizontal section of the highway after the meter, designed to measure the consumption of water volume. For installation you will need:

• the device itself;
• Valves (their presence is mandatory to ensure the locking function);
• Water purification filter (if the design of the RFE does not provide for it);
• Pipe or adjustable wrench;
• Tow and grease under it.

The editing algorithm itself consists of the following steps:

1. The water supply is blocked at the point of insertion into the water supply;
2. A piece of pipe is cut, suitable for the entry of valves, a cleaning filter and a reducer, into the pipeline system;
3. Next, the inserted elements are soldered or they are threaded;
4. At the junction, tow is wound in 3-5 layers and a valve for constipation is mounted;
5. The gearbox and filter are being installed (for both devices, the pressure gauges must be oriented vertically on the scale);
6. The joints are sealed with tow and gaskets;
7. An additional valve is being installed, which will subsequently facilitate the dismantling of the assembled system.

The final step will be setting up the gearbox, which includes the following steps:

• First, the inlet valve is closed, and the outlet valve is opened;
• It is necessary to turn the adjustment screw with the key and set the pressure level on the pressure gauge to 3 atmospheres (which is an average indicator). If the device is not equipped with a pressure gauge, the factory default values ​​apply.

Maintenance

In order to extend the life of the gearbox, the following actions should be performed at regular intervals:

• Once a month, check the speed of operation and the accuracy of maintaining pressure by the gearbox, while checking all general settings. The check is carried out by changing the volume of fluid flow passing through it (this is done by smoothly closing / opening valves installed on the same pipeline line);
• Once every six months it is necessary to clean the line for the selection of pulses. For this purpose, the section on which the gearbox is mounted must be disconnected, and the impulse line must be purged and drained. In this case, the line must be disconnected from the regulator and the main;
• The filter mesh, which is installed in front of the device, should be cleaned as it becomes dirty. The degree of clogging can be determined from the readings of the pressure gauges provided before and after it, by comparing the actual pressure reduction with the reduction on a clean filter.

IMPORTANT! The signal for the failure of the regulator may be the fact when during operation the circumstances of the deviation of the pressure at the point of impulse sampling from the set indicator were revealed. In fact, professionals do not recommend doing repairs on their own - it's easier to purchase a new device. However, some operations, such as simple cleaning, can be done on your own.

Difficulties of choice

When buying an RFE, you should always pay attention to the following nuances and find out in advance the necessary parameters of both your own line and the device itself:

• Pipe diameter - usually 0.5 or 0.75 inches, but some lines can have a diameter of 1 and 1.25 inches. Therefore, it is better to have an idea in advance about the desired pipe diameter, without relying on the "standard";
• The method of maintaining parameters - for networks with a permanent movement of water, only dynamic models are needed, and statistical models are also suitable for domestic needs;
• Bandwidth - Proper adjustment will have no effect if the device's bandwidth is incorrectly calculated. Typically, a typical apartment with 3-4 tenants uses devices with an efficiency of 3-4 cubic meters of water per hour. But for a large private house or industrial production, this figure starts from 10 cubic meters per hour;
• Working temperature - standard models are able to work with both cold and hot water supply. But there are also models specifically designed to work with elevated temperatures;
• Equipping with a pressure gauge - this auxiliary element will allow you to more accurately control the pressure in the pipeline and promptly tell you when you need to adjust the water pressure. The element, although optional, is preferred;
• If a house (at a serviced facility) uses a lot of household appliances (boilers, washing machines, pumps), then to prevent water hammer, each such facility should be equipped with a separate RFE.

A small overview of the best manufacturers

The modern domestic market is able to offer a huge range of water control devices from various manufacturers.Most of them have proven themselves as high-quality and competent sellers for the entire period of sales. First of all, these include:

• Valtek is a company originally from Italy with an official Russian representative office. Its equipment release processes are fully automated, reducing the risk of human error. Technical control of new models is carried out in our own testing laboratory;
• Honeywell is a German concern that has been successfully developing the Russian market for over 45 years. Received well-deserved popularity due to the use of innovative developments in the field of engineering communications, energy resources and industrial tasks;
• ISMA is another Italian representative whose production resources are located entirely at home. It specializes in the production of equipment for water supply, ventilation and heating, as well as air conditioning. Particular attention in the production process is paid to the quality of raw materials and materials of manufacture;
• Aquasfera is a representative of a domestic manufacturer specializing in the sale/manufacture of safety/shutoff valves for water supply systems. Also able to offer quality fittings, pipes and filters. Has an extensive dealer network throughout Russia;
• Watts is a North American company with many subsidiaries around the world. The production is focused on the production of equipment for industrial purposes in the field of purification, control and consumption of water resources. Despite its industrial orientation, the product range also includes equipment for household needs.

Rating of the best water pressure reducers for 2022

Budget segment

3rd place: "EUROS 3/4"

A reliable and efficient device that fully justifies its own cost. Made from quality metal. It is able to restrain pressure from 4 atmospheres, turning it at the outlet into 1 atmosphere. It is convenient to make adjustments with a simple screwdriver, the model is ideal for drip irrigation of a small greenhouse. The country of origin is China, the recommended retail price is 570 rubles.

• Reliable screw connection;
• Rugged housing;
• Convenient way to adjust.

• The maximum throughput is slightly reduced - 5 liters / hour.

2nd place: "PRO AQUA 1/2 PRV-F15"

The model is used to regulate the pressure of liquid during its transportation in cold and hot water supply networks. The metal of the device's execution deserves the highest ratings both in terms of quality and thickness (manufacturing complies with GOST RF). The factory default pressure is very accurate and no further adjustment is required after installation. The operating temperature range is extended and ranges from +5 to +80 degrees Celsius. The country of manufacture is Russia, the recommended cost for retail chains is 900 rubles.

• Precise factory setting;
• High-quality production in accordance with GOST RF;
• Extended temperature range.

• Not compatible with all pressure gauge models.

1st place: "STOUT PN16"

Piston model from the Italian manufacturer. The body is made of high quality brass, which means an increased service life. It has an extended range of adjustable pressure from 6 to 16 atmospheres.The manufacturer directly positions this model as a necessary element for those houses where the pressure of one type of water is at least twice as high as another. The country of origin is Italy, the recommended retail price is 950 rubles.

• Specialized purpose;
• Brass quality body;
• Wide range of control.

• Not detected.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "Uni-Fitt Compact 1/2 V"

A very high quality device with a robust nickel-plated housing and the possibility of connecting a radial pressure gauge. Extremely easy to install and suitable for most Russian highways. The manufacturing technology provides for machine production, which completely eliminates the possibility of marriage. Inside the device is treated with silicone grease. Adjustment can be carried out either with a hexagon or a wide slotted screwdriver. The country of origin is Italy, the recommended retail price is 980 rubles.

• Quality performance;
• Possibility to connect a radial manometer;
• Compatibility with the Russian pipeline.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Valtec VT.087.N.0445"

A good example of a piston gearbox, adapted to work not only in hot and cold water supply networks, but also in pneumatic lines with compressed air. Maintaining the output pressure setpoints is carried out by changing the throughput of the device. The operating temperature can reach +80 degrees Celsius, the maximum adjustment limit is set to 4 atmospheres. The device works only with well purified water.The country of origin is Italy, the recommended cost for store chains is 1050 rubles.

• High-quality case;
• Decent adjustment limit;
• Reliable brand.

• Protective pads are not suitable for high hardness water.

1st place: "Valtec VT.082.N.04 with filter and pressure gauge (2-5 bar; 1/2″)"

An almost unique model, which immediately comes with a pressure gauge and a filter. It is adapted to work in pipelines of various diameters. It has a small size and does not create unnecessary noise when the flow is passed. It can be separately installed for any household appliances - from a washing machine to a boiler. It is calmly able to reduce the pressure from 7 atmospheres to 3. The homeland of the brand is Italy, the recommended price for the store is 1500 rubles.

• Excellent and complete set;
• The best value for money;
• High level of sound insulation.

• Not detected.

Premium Models

2nd place: "FAR 1/2" BP-BP chrome. with pressure gauge 1-6 atm FA 2855 12"

Very expensive, but at the same time very productive and high-quality sample. The maximum pressure support is 25 atmospheres. It can also work quietly for industrial purposes, but the manufacturer himself recommends it more for high-rise buildings, starting from 13 floors. The body is made of brass and has a nickel-plated finish for increased durability. The country of origin is Italy. The recommended retail price is 8300 rubles.

• Quality performance;
• Full set;
• Versatility.

• Overpriced.

1st place: “FAR 1/2″ male-male, with pressure gauge FA 2815 12”

Another representative of very expensive and high-quality equipment from a well-known Italian brand. It can be adapted both for industrial working conditions and for use in high-rise residential buildings. The body is made of high quality brass and finished with a chrome-plated protective coating. The kit is very full: a pressure gauge, valves, gaskets and even an adjusting key are included in the kit. The brand is from Italy. The recommended cost for retail chains is 8800 rubles.

• Versatility;
• Super complete set;
• Accuracy of work;
• Ease of installation.

• Overpriced.

Conclusion

The question of the normal maintenance of all plumbing (whether domestic or industrial) without installing a water pressure reducer is practically impossible to solve in modern conditions. Connecting this device allows you to immediately solve several problems:

• Ensure the safe operation of equipment and machinery without the risk of damage to them by water hammers;
• Obtain proper flow stability after it has passed through the device;
• Achieve a certain and stable pressure for the water supply system, and, if necessary, adjust it;
• Reduce noise in pipes when water moves.

It is worth noting that the financial costs of the device pay off quickly and provide the owner with a comfortable existence and work.