tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55893293424857972202024-02-08T04:31:22.655-06:00Backflow Question & AnswerMISSION: To promote and assist all Illinois water systems to implement and effectively enforce IEPA Title 35 cross-connection control regulations and to increase public awareness and provide and develop educational materials and training.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-46761791354942842422013-11-06T08:44:00.003-06:002014-05-12T08:34:50.922-05:00New location for Backflow BlogThe Illinois Section AWWA Backflow and Cross Connection blog has moved to the following URL. <a href="https://isawwa.site-ym.com/forums/topics.asp?forum=133139&">Link to blog</a> It is open to anyone to view the questions, answers and post questions. For questions or to join the Illinois Section AWWA, please call 866-521-3595 ext. 3.
ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-58481414904994173932013-07-19T15:25:00.000-05:002013-07-19T15:25:40.811-05:00CAN I BECOME A CCCDI BACKFLOW TESTER WITH A CHICAGO PLUMBER'S LICENSE?<b>QUESTION:</b> To be a CCCDI does a plumber need to have a plumber’s license issued by the State of Illinois or will a City of Chicago plumber’s license suffice???????????????????????????
<b>BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY:</b> Illinois acknowledges and accepts both the City of Chicago Plumber License as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health (State of Illinois) Plumber License when requesting CCCDI Certification.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-85888959624237444572013-07-16T09:54:00.001-05:002013-07-16T09:54:24.996-05:00WHAT BACKFLOW TEST READINGS SHOULD I HAVE?<b>QUESTION:</b> I have a test report showing test values of 3.6 PSID across the first check, 3.4 PSID across the second check and 2.0 PSID relief valve opening. When I entered these values into my backflow tracking program it showed this as a failed test but the tester marked it passed. Can you explain??????????????????
<b>BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY:</b> Your software flagged this test as FAILED because the first check valve reading must be above the relief valve opening point and ≥ 5.0 psid.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-15975889606628491642013-05-29T15:10:00.000-05:002013-05-29T15:10:48.733-05:00BEAUTY SALON BACKFLOW PREVENTER?<b>QUESTION THAT CAME FROM GEORGIA</b> I only have one question. What type of backflow device need to be installed on a beauty salon that use hair chemicals???????????????????????
<b>BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY:</b> Along with the backflow protection at the point-of-use as required by Plumbing Code, the site is considered a high hazard and an RP should be installed at the meter to protect your distribution systemISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-41418192752861381112013-05-29T15:06:00.000-05:002013-05-29T15:06:21.222-05:00WHAT BACKFLOW PROTECTION IS REQUIRED ON A WATER POWERED SUMP PUMP?<b>QUESTION:</b> We have a plumber that is a certified backflow device tester, working for a customer with a water operated sump pump. Currently there is a RPZ on the sump pump feed line. The plumber wants to install a double check device in place of the RPZ, he claims the rule has changed and this is a low risk installation. We don't agree. Can we require the RPZ? Has there been a change in the program making this a low risk installation???????????????
<b>BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY:</b> The State of Illinois Plumbing Code does not specifically address water powered sump pumps. An Illinois-based battery backup sump pump manufacturer advertises heavily that an RPZ is required, as they want the customer to buy their product verses a water powered pump. The Backflow Committee has also discussed this topic on numerous occasions.
The stance of the IDPH is that ground water is not a high hazard and a vented dual check valve is acceptable backflow protection for a water powered sump pump. Note however that being the water purveyor, you can still require an RP at the pump or at the water meter. State standards are a minimum and you have a right to enforce stricter regulations as long as you have it written in an ordinance, policy manual, or similar.
ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-20417648255873174202013-03-05T14:46:00.000-06:002013-03-05T14:46:06.715-06:00HOW CLOSE TO THE ANNUAL TEST DUE DATE MUST MY BACKFLOW PREVENTER GET TESTED?Backflow preventer tests are due either on the annual anniversay date of original installation or on the date assigned to them by the water purveyor. There is no written rule as to how many days before the due date a backflow preventer can be tested. As an un-written rule it is 30 days but should not be any more than 45 before the due date. Most water purveyors and/or their representatives will work with you if you are trying to make all of your annual tests become due at the same time or if you need to move test dates.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-39596050476818841352012-04-06T09:14:00.003-05:002012-04-06T09:22:31.087-05:00I installed a testable RP valve recently and now they tell me that the brass has turned white. It's in a chemical plant. Do you know why?Yes - It happens especially quick when around chemicals. Brass is effected by the surrounding air and often turns white. Similar to how copper turns green. The environment around the backflow preventer is what's causing your issue. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. This issue should not effect the operation of your assembly.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-46135852708522444432012-04-06T08:47:00.005-05:002012-04-06T09:38:56.767-05:00We are in the process of updating our local Plumbing Code. We are considering backflow prevention on residential services...To answer your question directly, we are not aware of any Illinois communities that currently require containment for residential services though there are more and more requiring them around the country. The IEPA does require that a survey be performed every other year for <strong>every water customer</strong> and that cross connections be eliminated or protected with the proper backflow device or assembly. <strong>All</strong> communities should have backflow programs that encompass both commercial and residential customers. Whether a community has a “backflow program” or not, it is still responsible to protect the potable water supply from backflows. <br /><br />Most residential backflow preventers are either on lawn irrigation or fire system sprinklers. A survey can help locate these existing assemblies for you as well as possibly identify locations where backflow protection should be installed.<br /> <br />Along with regulations requiring testable assemblies on fire and lawn irrigation systems, some water purveyors are now supplying and installing a dual check valve at the meter on all residential connections. While not a requirement by any current Illinois or federal regulation, some communities may determine that the cost of containment of each residential service is an effective means to minimize the risks of backflows from the most common source of backflows – the home. Meter manufacturers actually offer meters with check valves built-in. When a meter is swapped out, you can replace and/or install backflow protection at the meter at the same time. <br /><br />If you do decide to require containment at each service, be sure that steps are taken to prevent damage due to thermal expansion, as you will have created a closed system.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-8036540678541524772012-04-06T08:40:00.005-05:002012-04-06T08:44:05.323-05:00Do I need a backflow device installed on a water supply line that only fills the pool? I have a valve on it and the pipe terminates above the pool.The answer is not always a simple yes or no. In your particular circumstance, it appears as though you have a sufficient air gap from preventing any backflow. Regardless of whether or not a ball valve is on your water supply and is generally turned off, a valve is not a backflow preventer. Please contact your city inspector to verify your conditions. The city should have a plumbing inspector who is a licensed plumber. Have them make the final judgement call for you. Thank you for contacting us!ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-43157295115604068782012-03-07T10:46:00.003-06:002012-03-07T10:51:37.657-06:00HOW LONG DO BACKFLOW RECORDS NEED TO BE KEPT?There is not a definitive answer in IEPA Title 35 or in the IDPH Plumbing Code. Federal requirements say a minimum of 13 years of records must be kept by a water purveyor. We recommend however that records be kept indefinately with or on the backflow preventer itself as well as in the water purveyor's offices.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-33335155274326620722011-10-12T13:50:00.002-05:002011-10-12T13:57:27.372-05:00On a commercial garbage disposal w/water connection, is a vacuum breaker still allowed?Yes, it is. Remember that it must be 6" above the flood level of the rim of the sink it's attached to. If the sink has a backsplash, sidesplash, etc all around it, it must be 6" above everything. The only other options for protection are an air gap or RP on the water supply.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-41227386360101443052011-02-17T08:30:00.003-06:002011-02-17T08:35:10.926-06:00There is a single check/Y-strainer device plumbed in-line with a domestic hot water recirculation loop. Is this allowed?Because you are dealing with domestic hot water, there is no requirement for backflow protection. If a backflow situation were to occur, you would only have potable domestic hot water going back into potable domestic cold water. The check valve is there simply to stop the hot water from backing up into the cold water.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-86413136419913814632011-02-03T09:17:00.002-06:002011-02-03T09:22:51.709-06:00What are the legal ramifications if the fire backflow valve is not tested annually?We are not sure if you are a water customer or a water purveyor, but the list below actually covers both.<br /> <br />There could be several ramifications:<br /> <br />1) You are not complying with State of Illinois Plumbing Code and Illinois EPA guidelines<br />2) You may contaminate not only the water within the building, but your distribution system as well if there is a reduction or loss of pressure, such as: nearby fire, water main break, etc.<br />3) You are creating a potential health hazard by not requiring or having the backflow preventers tested annually. Fire system water is not only stagnant, it may contain harmful chemicals (antifreeze).<br />4) You, the water purveyor and/or water user, may be liable for a clean-up of the water distribution system, the health of all water customers who were exposed to potentially contaminated water, etc<br />5) You can and WILL receive fines that may be imposed by several authorities, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health, The IEPA, etcISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-77959767996937793402010-12-09T16:38:00.002-06:002010-12-09T16:42:45.381-06:00Is a RPZ Backflow Device ok to use in a underground pit if a floor drain is installed to remove any ground waterseepage into pit or discharge from RPZIllinois does not allow for any type of backflow preventer to be placed underground or in a pit. Even if the pit has a sump pit/pump, floor drain, etc.<br /><br />Section 890.1130 Protection of Potable Water <br /> <br />g) Installation of Devices or Assemblies.<br /> <br />5) Double Check Valve, and Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer Assemblies. No in-line double check valve backflow preventer assembly (DCV) or reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly (RPZ) shall be located more than 5 feet above a floor, or be installed where it is subject to freezing or flooding conditions.ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-86793376677944199542010-04-07T13:02:00.000-05:002010-04-07T13:02:24.658-05:00Are testing requirements required by state law?"Yes. Section 890.1130 of the new Illinois Plumbing Codes states that backflow prevention assemblies be tested and approved by a CCCDI before initial operation and at least annually thereafter. Also, Title 35 section 653.802.e.1 states that each device shall be tested anuually or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer."ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-27544496482217904832010-04-07T12:59:00.000-05:002010-04-07T12:59:39.611-05:00Do you control cross connections to the last outlet of the customers tap?Per IEPA Regulations, the water purveyor is responsible to the curb stop of each connection. Per Dave McMillan of the IEPA: 'To have an effective program, a community will need to recognize that their water supply is ultimately responsible for protecting their <em>distribution </em>system. A significant point that must be recognized is that the community water system is not responsible for what goes on within an individual service connection.' Your ordinances may be stricter and require 'isolation' and/or 'containment.'ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-41100298157893231992010-04-07T12:55:00.001-05:002010-04-07T12:57:06.446-05:00What are your programs based on"The cross connection control program in Illinois is implemented/coordinated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC). The Illinois EPA (pursuant to 35 Ill. Adm. Code Section 607.104 and 653.801, 653.802 and 653.803) requires that all community water supplies have a cross-connection control program. For the most part, the Illinois DPH deals with the plumbing aspects of the cross-connection control program. Under 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, backflow prevention devices are regulated. Under 225 ILCS 320, Illinois Plumbing License Law is detailed."ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-56563788478674413802010-04-06T11:09:00.001-05:002010-04-06T11:10:55.809-05:00Lawn IrrigationIf I have a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) on my lawn irrigation system, do I need to change it?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-80297970596527683822010-04-06T11:07:00.001-05:002010-04-06T11:08:17.089-05:00Cross Connection Control OrdinanceCan we make our Cross Connection Control Ordinances or Policies more stringent than the State's?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-73159044515716578522010-04-06T11:04:00.001-05:002010-04-06T11:05:19.703-05:00Backflow & Water MeterWhere is the suggested location for the backflow preventer, before or after the water meter?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-27376488597211361662010-04-06T11:01:00.001-05:002010-04-06T11:02:17.603-05:00Reverse OsmosisDoes a reverse osmosis system require backflow protection?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-63597729301607017752010-04-06T10:57:00.002-05:002010-04-06T10:58:03.350-05:00Trap primerDoes a trap primer require a backflow preventer?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-59844766964998687992010-04-06T10:47:00.002-05:002010-04-06T10:55:46.203-05:00What backflow preventers are required on...What type of backflow preventers are needed on:<br />* hair sinks<br />* beverage systems<br />* boilers<br />* commercial ice makers<br />* foot baths<br />* nail salon service lines<br />* beauty salon/barber shop service lines<br />* steam generators<br />* fire hydrants if contractor use is allowed<br />* water cooled condensors<br />* water powered sump pumps<br />* chillers<br />* water softeners<br />* threaded valve outletsISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-80491955393478744262010-04-06T10:44:00.001-05:002010-04-06T10:46:48.925-05:00Why replace a single check valve on a Fire System?Why does a single check on a fire system need to be replaced?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589329342485797220.post-88779356918492573762010-04-06T08:42:00.002-05:002010-04-06T08:45:33.629-05:00Where can I become a certified tester near Milwaukee?Can you please tell me where a person in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can become a certified tester?ISAWWA Backflow Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09144190424866451461noreply@blogger.com1