Do you know who is working on critical plumbing systems in your home or business?
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Joliet have passed an ordinance requiring that all residences and businesses have installed Backflow Prevention Devices inspected annually by a state certified CCCDI (Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector). If a device is required and not currently installed, the owner must have a certified plumber do so as soon as possible. These devices protect the public water supply by preventing contaminants from flowing back into the water mains from inside a house or commercial building.
» Download the City of Joliet Backflow Prevention Ordinance HereA Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD or RPZ Valve) is a type of backflow prevention device used to protect clean water supplies from contamination. RPZs may also be known as Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Devices, or Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies.
RPZ Valves are required when a house or building is equipped with an irrigation system, fire suppression system or a large boiler. Contaminants can enter an irrigation system from fertilizer or pesticides that are sprayed onto lawns. In the case of a boiler or fire suppression system, water sits stagnant or trapped in these systems, which leads to a build-up of bacteria and increased mineral content from the piping system.
The device consists of two independent check valves with a pressure monitored chamber between. The chamber is maintained at a pressure that is lower than the water supply pressure, but high enough to be useful downstream. The reduced pressure is guaranteed by a differential pressure relief valve which automatically relieves excess pressure in the chamber by discharging to a drain. Four test cocks are installed to allow an inspector to verify proper operation of the valve with a differential pressure meter. Two gate valves (one before and one after the RPZ) are provided to allow for testing and repair.
» Learn moreRPZ Valves need to be tested in order to protect the public clean water supply. If there is a water leak in the house, house water service break, city water main break, hydrant flushing or hydrant use due to a fire, the water pressure in the house or city water mains can drop lower than the water pressure in the systems. This can cause water from the systems to back-up into the drinking water supply. The next time you or your neighbor turns on a faucet for a drink of water, the water received could contain contaminants. Even small fluctuations in city water mains that occur due to uneven water use from one neighborhood to the next can cause drops in pressure large enough to cause a back-flow and therefore contamination can occur.
Testing and inspection must be performed by a state licensed CCCDI (Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector). A CCCDI is a licensed plumber in the State of Illinois and has successfully completed both written and performance examinations administered by the State of Illinois.
» Find a Residential CCCDI Here » Find a Commercial CCCDI Here » Find a Industrial CCCDI HereLocation of the valves can vary greatly depending on the structure in question. Contact a licensed plumber with a description of your property and he/she should be able to direct you to the most likely location of the valve or valves.
In the State of Illinois an approved backflow prevention device shall be installed on each water line to a customer's water system servicing, but not necessarily limited to, the following types of facilities unless the Director of Utilities or other duly authorized agent determines that no actual or potential hazard to the public water supply system exists: