What is an RPZ valve?
A reduced pressure zone valve is a Type BA backflow prevention device. It uses two check valves and a relief valve to stop contaminated water flowing back into the supply, protecting against risks up to fluid category 4.
BS EN 12729 / Water Regs 1999
RPZ Valve Test Certificate (BS EN 12729)
An RPZ valve test certificate records the commissioning or annual test of a reduced pressure zone valve, the Type BA backflow prevention device used to protect the water supply against backflow up to fluid category 4. It confirms the valve is operating correctly and protecting the supply.
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RPZ valves are covered by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and BS EN 12729, and water suppliers expect each device to be tested when installed and then at least annually by an approved tester, with the results reported to the water undertaker.
TradePlanr lets you record the device details, gauge readings and test results on site and produce a clear PDF certificate, so the test is documented for the customer and the water supplier without extra office work.
What it covers
- Property and site details plus the location of the RPZ valve
- Device details, including make, model, size and serial number
- The fluid category risk the valve is protecting against
- Test readings across the first check valve, relief valve and second check valve
- Confirmation the relief valve opens at the correct differential pressure
- Pass or fail result and any remedial work needed
- Tester details, test date and the next test due date
When it's required
An RPZ valve must be tested when it is first installed and then at least once a year, as well as after any maintenance or repair. The test confirms the device still protects the supply against backflow at up to fluid category 4.
Testing is carried out by an approved RPZ tester using calibrated gauges, following the method in BS EN 12729 and the water industry guidance. The result is normally reported to the water supplier as well as the person responsible for the premises.
The certificate is the evidence that the device has been tested and passed. Sites such as commercial kitchens, plant rooms, laboratories and irrigation systems rely on it to show their backflow protection is being maintained.
How to issue it in TradePlanr
- 1
Enter the site and device details
Record the property, the valve location and the device make, model, size and serial number, along with the fluid category it protects against.
- 2
Record the test readings
Log the gauge readings across the check valves and the relief valve opening point, following the BS EN 12729 test method.
- 3
Record the result and next test date
Enter the pass or fail result, note any remedial work needed and set the next test due date so the annual test is not missed.
- 4
Sign and store the PDF
Capture the signature, generate the PDF test certificate and store it against the site, ready to send to the customer and report to the water supplier.
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Frequently asked questions
How often must an RPZ valve be tested?
At commissioning and then at least annually, plus after any maintenance or repair. Water suppliers expect the test to be carried out by an approved tester and the results reported to them.
What standard covers RPZ valve testing?
BS EN 12729 covers Type BA devices, and testing follows the recognised water industry method under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
Can I complete the certificate on site?
Yes. TradePlanr lets you record the device details, gauge readings and result, capture the signature and produce the PDF at the property.
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