Schedule 2 paragraph 15 of the water fittings regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, byelaws in Scotland require every plumbing system to incorporate protection against backflow. This is often referred to as point of use backflow protection. It can be provided by an air or tap gap arrangement or a mechanical backflow prevention device.
Also known as a BA device, an RPZ valve is mechanical backflow prevention device capable of providing protection, against both back pressure and back siphonage, up to and including fluid category 4.
By means of a combination of check and relief valves an RPZ valve aims to ensure the water downstream is at a lower pressure than the incoming supply.
The installation, including relocation, of RPZ valves must be notified to the local water undertaker. RPZ valves must be installed and tested in accordance with the Water Industry RPZ Approved Installation Method (AIM ).
Regulation 3 England & Wales
Regulation 3 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 3 Scotland
Regulation 4 England & Wales
Regulation 4 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 4 Scotland
Regulation 5 England & Wales
Regulation 5 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 5 Scotland
Regulation 2 England & Wales
Regulation 2 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 2 Scotland
Schedule 1
Schedule 2 paragraph 2
Schedule 2 paragraph 7
Schedule 2 paragraph 8
Schedule 2 paragraph 14
Schedule 2 paragraph 15
Schedule 2 paragraph 24
Schedule 2 paragraph 30
Regulation 5 England & Wales
Regulation 5 Northern Ireland
Byelaw 5 Scotland
Schedule 2 paragraph 2
Schedule 2 paragraph 7
Schedule 2 paragraph 8
Schedule 2 paragraph 14
schedule 2 paragraph 15
Water undertakers’ RPZ AIM
RPZ test equipment: minimum specification
Things you need to know about RPZ valves
Regulators' Specification for backflow
Full list
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