Low-Flow Pre-Rinse Spray Valves

A low-flow pre-rinse spray valve is one of the easiest and most cost effective energy saving devices available to the foodservice operator.

In addition to minimizing water consumption, water heating energy and sewer charges are also reduced. Replacing a typical spray valve that flows up to three gallons of water per minute (gpm) with a low-flow unit can yield the following results:

Hours of Spray Valve Usage	Water Savings gallons/day	Waste Water Savings gallons/day	Gas Savings therms/day	Annual Dollar Savings
1 hour/day	60 gallons	60 gallons	0.5 therms	$300 - $350
2 hours/day	120 gallons	120 gallons	1.0 therms	$600 - $700
3 hours/day	180 gallons	180 gallons	1.5 therms	$900 - $1050

Table shows results based on spray valve water savings of 1 gallon per minute, water cost of $2.00 per unit (748 gallons), sewer cost of 3.00 per unit (748 gallons), and gas cost of $1.00 per therm.

The FSTC recommends a pre-rinse spray valve with a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute or less, and with a cleanability performance of 26 seconds per plate or less, based on the ASTM Standard Test Method for Performance of Pre-Rinse Spray Valves.

The following pre-rinse spray valves have been verified by the FSTC to meet this criteria:
(Click any model for the test summary)

- Bricor B095NS
- Encore KN50-Y002-12
- Fisher Ultra-Spray 2949
- Krowne Metal Water Saver 21-129
- Niagara N2180
- Strahman Kwik-Clean II
- T&S B-0107
- T&S B-0107-C
- T&S Equip 5SV
- T&S Equip 5SV-C
- T&S JetSpray B-0108
- T&S JetSpray B-0108-C
- Zurn Z80000-PR1

The FSTC has supported the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) to actively promote low-flow pre-rinse spray valves through its Rinse & Save program. Details of the program can be found on the CUWCC website by clicking here.

If you are outside the area covered by the Rinse & Save program, try contacting your water utility, as they are always looking for ways to reduce water consumption, and may have local programs of their own.

The Federal Government has also issued guidelines for its facilities when purchasing pre-rinse spray valves. These guidelines, published by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) can be followed by any facility interested in energy efficiency and conservation.
The FEMP pre-rinse spray valve recommendation is here.

Also see the FSTC pre-rinse spray valve calculator here.