A properly sized valve prevents noisy operation or premature valve failure. Over sizing water pressure reducing valves can lead to problems such as wire draw under low flow conditions. In general, the minimum flow through a water pressure reducing valve should be 10% to 15% of the maximum flow rate desired in the system. Also, water pressure reducing valves should be selected based on the flow and pressure ranges listed in the literature, not the size of the pipe to which they will be attached. You should select a regulator whose operating pressures fall within the middle of its rated range.Choosing the Correct Installation Configuration Watts water pressure reducing valves can increase your water system's performance, reduce operating costs, and ensure a longer life for other plumbing fixtures. Most simple pressure reducing applications require the installation of a single regulator. However, there are applications that require the use of more than one unit installed in a specific system configuration. When there is wide variation in pressure between the municipal main's inflow pressure and the functional pressure needed within the building, or when the main's pressure exceeds 200psi, you should consider using a two-stage, serial reduction configuration. When you want to maintain a continuous supply of water at reduced pressures, you should consider a parallel installation.Two-Stage Serial Reduction Configuration The two-stage serial reduction approach uses two valves in series to reduce or eliminate extreme variations between the water main's inflow pressure and the desired, final reduced pressure. Two stage reduction is recommended when initial pressures are 200psi or greater, or when the desired pressure reduction ratio is greater than 4:1, e.g., from 200psi to 50psi, or where the inflow pressure fluctuates greatly. The advantage of two-stage serial reduction is that neither valve is subjected to extreme pressure differentials, thus prolonging valve life and delivering more precise pressure regulation.

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