Additionally, the relief valve discharge rate charts for a popular backflow preventer manufacturer , show that an RPZ can discharge an incredible amount of water in a very short amount of time.
Check out how much water dumps from this small diameter RPZ. Backflow covers were designed with RPZ installation in mind. ASSE regulations ensure that backflow enclosure manufacturers are designing their products properly.
The ASSE testing requires that backflow covers provide a drain for when the RPZ inevitably dumps water and the drain requirements are strict. For backflow preventers sized 4" and larger, the drain must be able to move gallons per minute. Backflow covers made to these standards provide easy access for maintenance and repairs. The materials used for RPZ enclosures are designed to withstand the elements and are tested for structural strength as well as security.
A backflow cover provides excellent protection against theft and vandalism, not only because of the durability of the enclosure but also because the device is hidden from view. If an RPZ was to discharge water, backflow covers provide visible means to detect it. If the RPZ were dumping water inside the building, water would rise until someone entered the mechanical room, or until the damage was so great it surpassed the mechanical room.
Good installation is key to ensuring ease of access for regular testing and maintenance. One of the most common problems when using RPZ valves is the possibility of pressure fluctuations within the plumbing system.
When the fluctuations are excessive, they can cause the relief valve to discharge. Measures may be needed to reduce this as not only is it an unnecessary waste of water, but it can prevent the valve from working correctly. Paying attention to the product you are handling, and its correct usage, is absolutely vital when working with water systems.
Unless the valve is specifically approved for vertical installations, RPZ valves should be installed horizontally with the relief valve mechanism discharging downward. In order to prevent any fouling of the RPZ assembly elements, plumbing engineers should install in-line strainers upstream of the RPZ valve.
The valves must be installed above the floor surface to facilitate easy and fast inspection, testing, and maintenance. After the installation process, the reduced pressure zone device installed on plumbing systems requires regular tests by certified plumbers. Illinois water protection codes state that RPZ valves must be tested at least once every year. These tests are essential as they ensure that the valves are operating efficiently to protect the city water supply and drinking water from contaminants.
A certified assembly tester should only do the RPZ testing process using a properly calibrated tool. Testing procedures may vary from state to state, but it must comply with the Department of Health and Illinois Plumbing Codes. Building maintenance workers, contractors, and plumbers use RPZ testers to measure the pressure difference between two points.
Since the five-valve RPZ tester allows testing procedures to take place without disconnecting any hoses, it is the most popular tester.
You may have one of these in your yard or home, or maybe seen one in your neighborhood, and wondered about it. It is commonly known as an RPZ valve or a backflow preventer. RPZ is an acronym for a reduced pressure zone. It is a type of backflow prevention device used to protect water supplies from contamination in Villa Grove, IL.
Reduced pressure zone assemblies, also known as RPZ valves, are extremely important. Specifically, these devices are installed onto your plumbing system to help protect both drinking water and the city water supply. Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to prevent contaminated water from mixing into clean municipal water supplies, which are usually used as drinking water.
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