No, this is not a “safe space” for today’s college kid. It is abbreviated RPZ. It’s a device that is a type of backflow
prevention used to protect water supplies from contamination. Backflow preventers are usually categorized
into three different groupings, an Assembly, a Device, or a Method.
The device consists of two independent check valves. They are plumbed in series, with a pressure
monitored chamber between. The chamber
is then maintained at a pressure that is lower than the water supply pressure,
but high enough to be useful downstream.
There is, of course, more to it than that, but these are the basics.
Something else you should know is that in Illinois the RPZ
valve must be tested at least every 12 months by an accredited tester. Here in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicagoland
around Elgin the right person for the job is found at Tom’s Plumbing. If the subject is plumbing repair,
replacement, or maintenance the answer is always Tom’s Plumbing. Call (847) 697-6444.