RULES, REGULATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE INSTALLATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE of RPZ VALVES (BA devices)

Backflow arising from connections between potable (drinking) water and non-potable water can constitute a serious public health hazard.

The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 for England & Wales and the Water Byelaws 2000 (Scotland) detail the rules & requirements for the installing & use of RPZ Valves as backflow prevention devices.

The local Water Supplier must approve the installation. Diamond Plumb Ltd / www.RPZValve.com can obtain the approval on behalf of the customer.

Only approved RPZ valves & fittings must be used (see list of approved valves supplied by Diamond Plumb HERE).

The RPZ valve must be serviced, tested & maintained in accordance with the Water Supplier’s requirements, usually annually.

RPZ Valves (sometimes referred to as type BA devices) can protect against backflow at the point of use from a possible contamination of fluid up to Category 4. RPZ valves should not be used in Category 5 situations, such as mortuary or embalming, commercial agricultural insecticide or fertiliser applications and reclaimed water systems.

Specific instructions relating to the INSTALLATION OF RPZ VALVES should be followed, basically:

• The Installation and use of RPZ valves must be notified in advance
• All RPZ valves reduce the water pressure available ( this varies according to the Make / Model used )
• Only UK approved RPZ valves can be legally fitted
• RPZ valves should only be tested & certified by an Accredited UK RPZ VALVE TESTER
• The RPZ valve should not be fitted in areas that are liable to flooding
• RPZ valves should not be fitted above Electrical Equipment
• RPZ valves must not be in a concealed compartment
• They should not be exposed to frost or freezing conditions ( unless protected from freezing )
• In the UK only Horizontal fitting of RPZ valves is appropriate.