Reduced Pressure or Double Check: What’s the Difference?
Understanding Backflow Prevention and Its Importance
Keeping your water contaminant-free is essential for safety. Wherever there is a chance that water and wastewater can be cross-connected, installing a backflow preventer helps secure your water supply and keeps it flowing in one direction. When it comes to plumbing, irrigation, fire sprinkler systems, and more, backflow preventers can dramatically reduce the risk of repairs or hazardous substances.
If you’re on the lookout for new backflow prevention equipment, the two most common types of backflow preventers are reduced pressure and double-check devices. Learn more from our team at Backflow Direct about the difference between these two products and why our significant Deringer product line provides the highest quality backflow solutions for your needs.
What Is a Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer (RPZ)?
Reduced pressure (RP) backflow preventers are key for reducing the backflow of clean water. They are commonly used for medium-high hazard applications and implemented into boilers, fire sprinklers, and irrigation systems. RPs can protect against back pressure or siphonage, preventing toxic chemicals, pesticides, and more from entering the flow of clean water.
Compared to other preventers, an RP contains a relief valve that helps regulate consistent levels of pressure within the equipment and ensures backflow never enters public service lines. If the first and second checks fail, water will flow out of the relief valve and onto the ground but not backward through the pipes. Because of their failsafe mechanism, you’ll often find RP preventers in chemical plants and healthcare facilities where potential pollutants and toxins are more common.
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Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow PreventerMSRP: $3,539.00 MSRP: $3,539.00 Pro Price: $1,483.90 Pro Price: $1,483.90 Special Price $0.00 -
Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Preventer (Grooved)MSRP: $3,739.00 MSRP: $3,739.00 Pro Price: $2,352.90 Pro Price: $2,352.90 Special Price $0.00
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Reduced Pressure Zone AssemblyMSRP: $5,019.00 MSRP: $5,019.00 Pro Price: $2,044.90 Pro Price: $2,044.90 Special Price $0.00 -
Lead Free Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (Grooved)MSRP: $6,889.00 MSRP: $6,889.00 Pro Price: $2,253.90 Pro Price: $2,253.90 Special Price $0.00
What Is a Double Check Backflow Preventer?
Double Check (DC) preventers sport two check valves inside the device’s main body. Primarily used for low-hazard situations, these preventers are highly effective for many applications, including fire prevention or even landscaping water systems. It can reduce and protect water from contamination, keeping supplies safe and clean.
DC valves are spring-loaded and work well to prevent both back siphonage and backpressure backflow. Shutoff valves are located at each end, along with small ball valves. If one valve happens to be stuck open, the other valve will continue to operate, reducing the pressure and making way for a reliable seal. Since there is no relief valve, if the first and second checks fail, water could flow backward into the potable water supply. This is why using a DC backflow preventer for strictly low-hazard situations is best.
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Double Check Valve Backflow PreventerMSRP: $2,969.00 MSRP: $2,969.00 Pro Price: $1,263.90 Pro Price: $1,263.90 Special Price $0.00 -
Double Check Valve Backflow Preventer (Grooved)MSRP: $3,119.00 MSRP: $3,119.00 Pro Price: $1,670.90 Pro Price: $1,670.90 Special Price $0.00
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Lead Free Double Check Backflow PreventerMSRP: $3,689.00 MSRP: $3,689.00 Pro Price: $1,560.90 Pro Price: $1,560.90 Special Price $0.00 -
Lead Free Double Check Backflow Preventer (Grooved)MSRP: $3,909.00 MSRP: $3,909.00 Pro Price: $1,736.90 Pro Price: $1,736.90 Special Price $0.00
Key Differences Between RP and DC Backflow Preventers
Understanding the differences between a reduced pressure and a double-check backflow preventer ensures you make a more successful and practical investment for your business when purchasing new products. Firstly, understand the degree of hazard of cross-connection control. If there’s a high hazard, choosing an RP backflow preventer is the safe and logical choice. On the flip side, if there’s a low hazard, you can select a DC preventer instead to get the job done. The RP preventer’s complex design that includes a relief valve enables it to support more strenuous applications, while a DC preventer is simpler and can manage low-risk applications.
Why Choose Deringer Backflow Prevention Equipment?
We at Backflow Direct proudly carry our significant Deringer product line of backflow preventers and valves. We may be biased, but our backflow prevention equipment, whether an RP or DC assembly, is the superior solution for your fire suppression systems and service line cross-connections. Our Deringer backflow preventers are incredibly lightweight and durable, and we’re proud to say they’re the only 100% stainless steel backflow products available on the market! We highly recommend considering our Deringer selection when purchasing backflow prevention devices and parts.
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Are you ready to learn more about us? Contact our team for more information on our backflow preventer options. We would love to hear your specific needs and help you find the best solution. Get in touch today! No challenge is too hard for us.
