Apollo 4ALF-206-A2F - 1-1/4", Bronze, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly w/ Ball Valves, Lead Free

A check valve is fairly simple. It allows fluid to flow in one direction, and stops it from traveling back through the valve if the fluid reverses direction. A ball, or clapper, automatically moves to stop the flow when the pressure drops below cracking pressure (the amount of fluid pressure required to open the valve). This is a very reliable system for countless applications, but it can fail if something becomes lodged between the ball and the seal, and therefore, it is not suitable for multi-purpose pipelines, which include supplying fresh drinking water.

RPZ backflow preventerinstallation

A backflow preventer is advantageous if a foreign object lodges itself in the clapper (check valve), causing it to stick open. Here, the ordinary check valve will fail, allowing fluid to travel either direction through the valve, while a backflow preventer will trap and divert the fluid rather than allowing it to pass.

Apollo 4ALF-200-03 - 3", Stainless Steel, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

RPZ backflow preventerdetail

Apollo 4ALF-10E-03 - 8", FDA Epoxy Coated Ductile Iron, Backflow Preventer, Double Check Valve Assembly w/ OSY Gates, Lead Free

Apollo 4ALF-20E-03 - 8", Stainless Steel, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

rpz backflow preventer3/4

Principally, both prevent fluid from traveling backwards in a line, but a check valve in itself is not an absolute, particularly in functions that demand backflow prevention, such as piping systems utilizing added chemicals, or are prone to frequent pressure loss, or absolutely must not fail.

Backflow prevention is a crucial element in many piping systems, regardless of the fluids or materials they may be transporting. And, keeping up with today's potable water lead restrictions is another concern for piping systems that require a water backflow preventer. When you are buying these specialty valves, consider Apollo's 4ALF series first, and consider buying them from an industrial-grade valve supplier who has been in the business for over 50 years.

RPZ backflow preventertest

To provide additional protection against water leakage, maintenance superintendants often invest in more advanced backflow valves, such as spill-resistant vacuum breakers (SVBs). They have a similar structure to PVBs, but they are additionally equipped with diaphragm seals to prevent water from spilling out of the air inlet when there's higher pressure inside.

A backflow preventer, on the other hand, incorporates 2 (sometimes more) check valves, which are controlled by a pressure-sensing diaphragm, and a dead space where the fluid is trapped until pressure is equalized on both sides. This is a fail-safe measure designed specifically to divert fluid--through a relief valve--from traveling in either direction should a seal falter.

Apollo 4ALF-20A-03 - 4", Stainless Steel, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

One of the most appreciated backflow regulator manufacturers is Apollo. Check out some of the products we recommend to improve your plumbing services!

There are two main kinds of backflow preventers you can install to protect your clients from harmful damage, divided into several subtypes. They are as follows:

RPZ backflow preventervs double-check valve

Apollo 4ALF-20C-03 - 6", Stainless Steel, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

For potable water and plumbing applications that require meeting the Clean Water Act's restrictions and for use in other piping systems where backflow and back-siphonage must be eliminated, the 100 double check valve assembly and the top entry reduced pressure zone assembly 200 series are essential, as both are lead-free, and both are manufactured in the United States. (Replaces the original 4A Series, but parts are interchangeable).

In double-check valves, you can find four test valves, two spring-loaded and independently working check valves, as well as an outlet shutoff valve. Importantly, in order to be able to maintain the DCVA properly, you need to provide at least a foot of clearance.

Because of the pressure-sensing diaphragm, this same scenario is repeated should something be lodged in the second check (the other check valve). Back siphonage is prevented in much the same way--fluid traveling in the wrong direction will not activate the diaphragm; the check valve remains closed.

Likewise, fire systems rely on stored water that can become contaminated with bacteria. Preventing backflow and back-siphonage is therefore crucial for obvious safety reasons when the system is connected to a potable water line.

RPZ Backflow Preventerprice

These pipeline assemblies typically involve potable water, where contamination from sewage, chemicals, etc. can spell disaster. Major applications will include plumbing and other waterworks, irrigation systems, and fire prevention systems. Check how backflow valves can improve your plumbing services and help your clients avoid contamination!

Pesticides and fertilizers must not be allowed to contaminate watering systems, where they could be potentially harmful. Installed at cross-connections, a backflow preventer keeps the chemicals from the potable water supply.

A backflow preventer is an essential component in pipelines involving cross-connections. While a check valve is commonly associated with preventing backflow, an actual backflow preventer performs a more specific duty and is a bit more complicated in design.

A backflow assembly has all the requisite valves and shutoffs for testing, and it is recommended to test it on a regular basis to make sure it functions properly. Some of the most popular backflow prevention assemblies are:

Apollo 4ALF-209-03 - 2-1/2", Stainless Steel, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

RPZ Backflow preventerdiagram

Addressing these issues is beyond the limits of a simple check valve, and necessitates the utilization of a backflow preventer. The Apollo Valve4ALF-100 and 200 Series offer top-of-the-line technology in backflow and back-siphonage protection.

When a break in service occurs or during a fire hydrant flush (for simple examples), it causes significant pressure loss. Without backflow prevention, line pressure changes can lead to contaminated water back siphoning into drinking water feed lines.

Apollo 4ALF-207-A2F - 1-1/2", Bronze, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly w/ Ball Valves, Lead Free

Also known as an RP (reduced pressure) or an RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) valve, a backflow prevention device is furthermore beneficial to irrigation systems, which are prone to problems--pressure drops--similar to drinking water systems. This can happen during a pressure loss, allowing chemicals to siphon back into the fresh water supply.

An atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB), also referred to as an atmospheric antisiphon, is a commonly used backflow device. They come in various forms, including frostproof wall hydrant faucets and household hose bib vacuum breakers.

One of the safest and most reliable backflow preventers on the market is a reduced pressure principle (RP) backflow assembly. It usually has an inlet shutoff valve, an outlet shutoff valve, four test valves, and a pressure differential release valve separating two independent spring-loaded check valves.

Another common choice for backflow prevention is a double-check valve assembly (DCVA). It can be installed in both indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, either horizontally or vertically, and it is most often used for in-line or underground applications.

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Such a backflow assembly is suitable for various configurations. Normally, underground installation suggests straight, in-line installation, but in the case of above-ground installation, you can do it in a more compact form to save space. In most cases, it needs to be installed horizontally, but there are assemblies with an option to be set for vertical installation.

Either an industrial or residential backflow preventer can provide your clients with numerous benefits. Here are some of the most important ones you can mention to them:

In the case of this device, water pressure is not the most important for its functioning - it relies mostly on air pressure. It has an air inlet valve that stays closed when water flows in the right direction. If the water flow reverses, the air inlet valve opens so as not to allow for back-siphonage.

Apollo 4ALF-10G-03 - 10", FDA Epoxy Coated Ductile Iron, Backflow Preventer, Double Check Valve Assembly w/ OSY Gates, Lead Free

Pressure vacuum breakers (PVB) work in a similar way to AVB but with a significant difference - they have spring-loaded check valves, an outlet shutoff valve and test valves. As a result, they can be used for high-hazard purposes or where valves are downstream.

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Apollo 4ALF-20G-03 - 10", FDA Epoxy Coated Ductile Iron, Backflow Preventer, Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly with OSY Gates, Lead Free

The ValveMan.com valve store is proud to offer Apollo lead-free backflow preventers, as well as an extensive list of other great Apollo valves. In fact, all we sell are valves. It's what we do, and we do it better than anyone else. Check out our offer and contact us if you have any questions!

RPZ backflow preventerfor irrigation system

If you install a PVB outside, you need to protect it from freezing. To make it possible for you to make sure they work correctly, they are equipped with test cocks with specially-calibrated gauges.

Key features: This floor stand made of robust plastic can fold to be used as a hand grip with great tenacity and load capacity. A stainless steel knurled spigot can be attached through the 1/4 thread for mounting the tube light with great convenience and steadiness. Easy connection: The knurled spigot extends the space between the tube end and the tripod, allowing for easy DMX/Power cable connection on the stand to achieve both practicality and esthetics at the same time.

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Often, intricate and problematic piping systems involving cross-connections are code-required to utilize a fail-safe for eliminating back siphonage, which can result in contamination. This phenomenon can occur at these critical cross-connections--common in potable water pipelines servicing large office buildings or apartment complexes-- because they are tied into sewage disposal lines.

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Backflow prevention devices allow you to prevent the reversal of flow in plumbing systems. However, you can't test them post-installation because they don't have an inlet valve shutoff, outlet valve shutoff and test valves.