• NRA
    NRA We Serve America's Restaurants Representing nearly 500,000 restaurant businesses, we advocate for restaurant and foodservice industry interests and provide tools and systems that help members of all sizes achieve success.
  • NRAEF
    NRAEF Building & Retaining Talent The NRAEF is focused on developing a stronger workforce and building the next generation of industry leaders through education, scholarships and community engagement.
  • NRA Show
    NRA Show May 18-21, 2013 As the international foodservice marketplace, the NRA Show provides unparalleled opportunities for buyers and sellers to come together, conduct business and learn from each other.
  • ServSafe
    ServSafe Minimize Risk. Maximize Protection. For over 40 years, ServSafe® training programs have delivered the knowledge, leadership and protection that have earned the trust and confidence of business leaders everywhere.
Best Practices  /  Save Water  /  Pre-rinse spray valves

Pre-rinse spray valves

One great trade: Swap out your old pre-rinse spray valve

Highly water-efficient pre-rinse spray valves can make a big difference in overall water usage in your restaurant.

The devices rinse food particles off dishes before dishes go through the dishwasher. Given their heavy use, the valves can carry a heavy cost, accounting for nearly a third of the water used in a typical commercial kitchen, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program.

Traditional valves spray water at rates of anywhere from 2.5 to 5 gallons per minute (gpm). The recommended low-flow models use less than 1.6 gallons per minute. And the low-flow valves are designed to distribute water pressure effectively so performance isn't lost with the water savings.


You can save hundreds of dollars a year by installing this easy-to-replace, inexpensive piece of equipment, says the Food Service Technology Center.

A few tips as you shop for new valves:

  • Many utility companies offer rebates for the low-flow models, and sometimes give spray valves to restaurateurs for free. Check with your local utility company.
  • The WaterSense program now labels pre-rinse spray valves, so look for the WaterSense label when shopping.

More information:

Video: Install high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves

More Resources

  • Walking the Talk: Reports from the field: Restaurateurs and suppliers talk sustainability.
  • Ask the Expert: We connect you with industry experts for answers to your questions.
  • Watch: Conversations with sustainability innovators.