- Check valve seats and discs Worn or pitted rubber discs that no longer seal properly, allowing water to pass through in the wrong direction. This is the single most common cause of test failures.
- Relief valve fouling (RPZ assemblies) Debris, sediment, or mineral buildup prevents the relief valve from opening at the correct differential pressure. The RPZ passes water to the drain continuously or fails to dump when it should.
- Springs losing tension The springs inside check modules and relief valves weaken over time, especially in high-flow or high-pressure installations. Weak springs mean the valve doesn't seat fast enough or firmly enough to prevent backflow.
- O-rings and seals Rubber O-rings dry out, crack, or swell depending on water chemistry and temperature, causing leaks around the assembly body or test cocks.
- Debris and sediment Sand, pipe scale, rust particles, or construction debris lodges in the check modules and prevents proper seating. This is especially common in assemblies installed on older water systems or after nearby main work.
- Freeze damage In exposed installations without proper winterization, ice formation can crack the assembly body, warp internal components, or destroy the relief valve.
