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View Full Version : What type of Regulator is this?


Mike Hunger
03-09-2011, 03:30 AM
Saw this in the crawl... it was spraying water. Is this some type of sprinkler system main manifold? Thanks!
Ken Amelin
03-09-2011, 05:28 AM
Looks like a back flow preventer.
Rick Cantrell
03-09-2011, 06:50 AM
To add to what Ken said, that is an RPZ backflow preventer.
Mike Hunger
03-09-2011, 05:36 PM
Why would someone put a backflow preventer in a residential structure as opposed to a standard regulator?
Rick Cantrell
03-09-2011, 05:46 PM
Most public water suppliers now require backflow preventer's.
First on the list are industry, business, new homes , then everyone.
High on the list are lawn sprinklers.

It's very common across the USA for BP's to be required.
It is an EPA mandate.
Rick Cantrell
03-09-2011, 05:50 PM
And to add:
Don't confuse a backflow preventer with a regulator.
They are not the same.
James Duffin
03-09-2011, 07:27 PM
Saw this in the crawl... it was spraying water. Is this some type of sprinkler system main manifold? Thanks!

When a RPZ is working properly and a backflow condition exisits....there is a port on the bottom of the device that discharges water. That could have been the spraying you saw.
Rick Cantrell
03-10-2011, 05:33 AM
"When a RPZ is working properly and a backflow condition exisits....there is a port on the bottom of the device that discharges water. That could have been the spraying you saw"

Kinda, sorta, correct.
An RPZ releases water to prevent backflow, not because there is backflow.
Before there is back-pressure in the middle chamber, the RPZ will release water at the port. This lowers pressure in the middle chamber, preventing backflow.
James Duffin
03-10-2011, 05:55 AM
MY point was just because it is leaking water does not mean it is faulty.
BARRY ADAIR
03-10-2011, 05:59 AM
further info and answers FAQ BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (http://www.zurn.com/operations/wilkins/pages/BackFlowPreventers/FAQ_BFP.htm)
Rick Cantrell
03-10-2011, 06:00 AM
Thats why I said "Kinda,sorta".