Contributor: Watts Water Technologies

Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventers offer the highest protection of any backflow assembly, and are an integral part of any rigorous cross-connection control program. A vital part of the RPZ is the relief valve. The relief valve is designed to open during certain backflow conditions to allow potentially contaminated water to flow out and down the drain, rather than into the potable water system. However, other causes, such as debris fouling the first check, will also cause the relief valve to discharge. Discharge rates vary based on the failure mode, model, size, and supply pressure, but can easily reach into the hundreds of gallons per minute.

While most mechanical rooms have integral drains, they are often undersized or clogged, and are unable to adequately remove water in the case of a catastrophic RPZ relief valve discharge. Because these valves are also often in basements, closets, or other less-frequented parts of a building, large and potentially costly discharge events are frequently not noticed until it is too late.

The SentryPlus Alert™ system provides a solution by detecting excessive backflow relief valve discharge, notifying the owner or operator with multi-channel alerts, and protecting you with an optional automatic shutoff valve.

Connected technology and internet-enabled products are not the future. They’re here.
SentryPlus Alert™ Technology by Watts uses these innovations to detect and protect against excessive Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) discharge. Click to learn more!