Sprinkler System Compliance with RPZ Valves

Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves are essential pieces of the sprinkler system compliance puzzle. These valves provide a high level of protection for any water supply by preventing backflow and reducing possible contamination of the public water supply. 

These valves are required by municipalities and engineers across the country and can be utilized by all sorts of applications, including sprinkler systems. When an RPZ valve is used in a sprinkler system, that means water won’t be able to stream back into the system after it leaves the public water flow. You don’t want water going in the reverse direction as it can contaminate drinking water and become a serious health risk. To prevent this, sprinkler systems need these backflow and or RPZ valves.

There are different types of backflow valves. Some cities in Minnesota and nationally require double check (DC) valves, an assembly suitable for prevention of non-health hazard substances from being pumped or siphoned into the potable water supply. But the DC valve is often not suitable for high hazard applications. More and more cities are now requiring the reduced pressure zone device (RPZ) for additional safety to keep contamination or pollution out of your water and the city’s water supply.

The Latest on RPZ Compliance

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MDLI) outlines RPZ compliance requirements in the Minnesota Plumbing Code. These codes state that valves require yearly inspections by certified technicians. They only need to be replaced if they fail an inspection. In the past, the Minnesota Plumbing Code required replacements every five years regardless of inspection results. 

Our Techs Have What It Takes

Ultimately, regular and thorough yearly inspections are crucial and code required for ensuring the safety of your building’s water supply. As with anything mechanical, the older an RPZ gets, the more likely it is to have problems. Because many buildings house older systems, it’s important to keep a close eye on older equipment.

Not just anyone can install, maintain, repair, rebuild, and inspect RPZs. Technicians must be certified by the MDLI, and have successfully completed training and exams administered by the American Society of Inspectors of Plumbing and Sanitary Engineers International.

Brothers Fire & Security technicians are certified for this work. Many of our customers are  required to have RPZ valves for their commercial sprinkler systems, so it was important for us to have technicians fit for the job. This is just another example of how Brothers Fire & Security is committed to meet our customers’ needs.

If you have questions about your sprinkler system’s RPZ valves, please contact us. We’ll determine what needs to be done to make sure your sprinkler and water systems are working properly and up to code. You can trust us to help you keep your business, people, and water supply safe.

About Brothers Fire & Security

As one of the premier providers of fire and security solutions in the Upper Midwest, Brothers Fire & Security strives to build long-term, value-added relationships. We work with business owners and property management companies, as well as all types of public institutions to solve fire and security needs. By taking advantage of our integrated bundled services, many of our clients save 25-30 percent on their safety services, annual inspections, and more. We provide fire protection systems, security systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, fire extinguishers, card access, and kitchen hoods.