Plumbing, Cold Water & Hygiene
RPZ Valve Testing
RPZ valve testing ensures that your commercial water systems are fully compliant with local regulations. If your commercial premises have an RPZ valve installed, you are legally required to carry out an RPZ valve test.
Looking for RPZ valve testing for your Yorkshire business? At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of accredited testers are approved by the Water Supply Industry. We carry out all forms of RPZ valve tests, maintenance, and installation across the Yorkshire region.
Contact us today at 01423 226578 or visit our Contact Us page for more information.
Alternatively, continue reading to learn more about RPZ valve testing and our approach.
What Is an RPZ Valve?
An RPZ valve (Reduced Pressure Zone Valve) is a backflow device which is installed onto the plumbing system to protect water from contaminants. Also known as RPZ assemblies, they are one of the safest and most reliable backflow preventer valves. However, they do require routine testing by an accredited tester approved by the Water Supply Industry.
How Do RPZ Valves Work?
RPZ valves work by maintaining a constant water pressure in the system. Within the RPZ valve body, a mechanical spring-loaded check valve opens to allow normal flow while a middle vent port sucks in atmospheric pressure. If backpressure begins siphoning water backwards, the check valve slams shut. The vent then drains out, breaking the siphon. This multi-barrier assembly protects the water system from potentially contaminated backflow.
An RPZ valve should be installed at the point of entry of the water supply to a building or property, before any branch lines or connections. The valve should be installed on the cold water supply line and downstream of any backflow preventer or check valve.
Why Do RPZ Valves Need to Be Tested?
RPZ valves can degrade or break over time, or become clogged with debris or sediment, which can prevent them from operating correctly. Testing RPZ valves is the only way to ensure they are functioning properly and keeping your water safe from contaminants.
RPZ valve regulations state that the RPZ valve inspection or installation must be carried out by an accredited tester approved by the local water authority.
Robinsons Facilities Services can carry out all RPZ valve installation, testing, and maintenance in line with the UK Water Supply Industry’s Approved Installation Method AIM-08-01.
How Often Do RPZ Valves Need to Be Tested?
RPZ valve service requirements state that the valves should be tested every 12 months. Annual testing ensures the valves are working correctly and that there are no leaks or other issues which could cause contamination.
There is a good reason why water regulations are so stringent. Backflow can cause all sorts of problems with water hygiene, from introducing contaminants into the water system to causing flooding. RPZ valves are a crucial part of preventing backflow, so they must be well–maintained and regularly tested.
What Does RPZ Valve Testing Involve?
An RPZ valve test involves checking the water pressure, check valves, and relief valves to ensure they are functioning correctly. Our accredited RPZ valve tester will also check for any leaks in the system which could cause contamination.
Once testing is complete, We will issue you with an RPZ test report to prove that you have complied and that your RPZ valves were functioning properly at the time of the test.
RPZ Valve Installation
As well as offering RPZ valve maintenance and testing services, Robinsons Facilities Services can also install RPZ valves in your commercial water system. Our team of accredited professionals have gone through extensive RPZ valve training and are expert RPZ valve installers. We also offer RPZ valve commissioning for new systems.
RPZ Valve Services in Yorkshire: Get In Touch
At Robinsons Facilities Services, we carry out a full range of commercial water hygiene services. From commercial plumbing to water tank cleaning and more, trust us to keep your business compliant.
Our service packages include:
- Planned Preventative Maintenance – our dedicated repair and maintenance services mean we can design a schedule that suits your business needs.
- 24-7-365 Emergency Callouts – we offer a fast and efficient response time to all emergency breakdowns and repairs.
- Reactive Repairs – we’re just a phone call away if you need a more reactive “as and when” service.
Call us today at 01423 226578 or visit our Contact Us page. Our friendly service team are looking forward to hearing from you.
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RPZ Valve Testing FAQs
RPZ means a reduced pressure zone which is used to stop water from getting contaminated. They are added to your plumbing system to protect drinking water but also stop contamination from getting into the water supply.
Yes, the same device may well be known as an RPZ valve or a backflow preventer interchangeably. Backflow preventers do come in some different designs but RPZ valves are the most common in UK buildings.
Signs of an issue include discoloured or strange-tasting water, as well as a bad smell and even sediment or particles that are visible within the water itself. Poor quality water is something to take very seriously.
RPZ valves should be tested at least once a year to ensure they are working correctly and that there are no leaks or other issues which could cause contamination.
On average, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete an RPZ valve test and issue the certificate.
Failed RPZ valves can return to service if immediately repaired and retested successfully. Technicians must inform water authorities within 24 hours regarding both initial failures and eventual passing retests, detailing repairs performed.
If an immediate fix is not possible, testers will immediately notify the water authorities for guidance and to consult on next steps.
The cost of an RPZ valve test typically starts at around £100 and increases to several hundred pounds depending on factors, such as the number of RPZ valves to be tested, access, etc. Contact us for a free quote today →
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