Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves keep contamination and pollution out of your water supply. RPZ valves are required when a house or building is equipped with an irrigation system.
Back flow preventers work by letting water flow through them in one direction, but prevent water from flowing back through them. This is important because contaminants can enter an irrigation system from fertilizer or pesticides that are sprayed onto lawns and nearby fields. If there is a water leak in the house, house water service break, city water main break, hydrant flushing, or hydrant use, the water pressure in the house or city water mains can drop lower than the water pressure in the system.
An RPZ provides the best level of protection because it has a built-in relief valve, which will open up and evacuate any back flowing water.
Where is my RPZ located?
Look for your RPZ in a mechanical room, utility room or outside. We always recommend that RPZ's be outside because when small amounts of debris get caught in the valves, the RPZ will dump water as shown in this video.
The Illinois Department of Health and Illinois Plumbing codes require annual testing of RPZ valves and are essential to insure that your home water supply, as well as the municipal water supply, are protected.
Classic Plumbing is one of the only certified assembly testers with a Cross Connection Certification license in our service area. We will even send the paperwork to the local water quality authority for you! Call us today to schedule installation or annual maintenance.
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