Pressure-reducing valve (PRV)
Also called: pressure reducing valve, PRV, pressure regulator, pressure limiting valve
A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) is a valve on the incoming water supply that limits the pressure reaching your taps, mixers and water heater to a safe, steady level. It matters because mains or pump pressure can be higher than fittings are designed for, and unregulated pressure stresses seals, causes dripping taps and water hammer, and shortens the life of the water heater and appliances. In a Dubai villa a PRV that's set wrong or has drifted is a common, easily-missed cause of pressure that's too high, too low, or varies room to room — people blame the pump or the pipes when it's just the valve. It's an inexpensive part to adjust or replace, but it has to be set to the right pressure. If pressure is uneven or fittings keep dripping, having the PRV checked and set is a quick job for plumbing services in Dubai, and it often fixes several symptoms at once.
Related terms
Stopcock (main water shut-off) & isolation valves
The main valve that shuts off your home's water supply — plus the smaller isolation valves under fixtures. Know where yours is before a leak forces you to find it.
Gate valve
A full-bore on/off water valve that lifts a gate out of the flow — great for isolating a supply, but prone to seizing in older buildings if left untouched for years.
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