DCVA Test Procedure
Step-by-step DCVA testing - check valve differentials, tightness verification, test sequence, and pass/fail criteria.
- Perform the complete DCVA test sequence in the correct order
- Test Check #1 and Check #2 independently and record differentials
- Apply the 1.0 psi minimum pass/fail criteria for both check valves
- Compare the DCVA test procedure to the RPZ test procedure
- Determine when a DCVA requires repair based on test results
Lección 1
DCVA Test Setup & Isolation
DCVA Test Overview
The DCVA test is simpler than the RPZ test because there is no relief valve to test. The DCVA test verifies that both check valves hold adequate differential pressure. Each check valve must hold a minimum of 1.0 psi.
The DCVA has four test cocks and two shutoff valves, similar to the RPZ layout:
| Test Cock | Location |
|---|---|
| #1 | Upstream of Check #1 |
| #2 | Between Check #1 and Check #2 |
| #3 | Downstream of Check #2 |
| #4 | Varies by manufacturer (sometimes absent) |
Key Difference from RPZ
The DCVA test only requires testing two check valves. There is no relief valve test. This makes the DCVA test faster and simpler, but the same principles apply - close downstream shutoff first, flush hoses, bleed air, and follow the test sequence in order.
Setup Steps
- Close the downstream shutoff valve - same first step as RPZ testing
- Connect the high-side hose to TC#1 (upstream of Check #1)
- Connect the low-side hose to TC#2 (between the two check valves)
- Open test cocks and flush hoses
- Bleed air from hoses and gauge
- Verify gauge reads a positive differential
DCVA test cock connections - 3-valve vs 5-valve kit:
Some jurisdictions use 5-valve test kits, others use 3-valve kits. For DCVA testing:
- 3-valve kit: Connect high-side hose to TC#1, low-side hose to TC#2. Open appropriate needle valves to read Check #1 differential. Move low-side hose to TC#3 to read Check #2 differential.
- 5-valve kit: Connect all three hoses simultaneously (TC#1, TC#2, TC#3). The valve sequence on the test kit routes the correct pressures to the gauge for each reading.
Always refer to the field test procedure booklet (ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 5000-2022) for the specific procedure for your test kit configuration.
The DCVA test setup mirrors the RPZ - always close the downstream shutoff valve first, flush hoses, and bleed air. The DCVA has no relief valve, so the test focuses entirely on verifying both check valve differentials meet the 1.0 psi minimum. Both 3-valve and 5-valve kit procedures produce the same result when followed correctly per ASSE 5000-2022.