WHAT BACKFLOW TEST READINGS SHOULD I HAVE?

QUESTION: 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?????????????????? BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY: 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.

BEAUTY SALON BACKFLOW PREVENTER?

QUESTION THAT CAME FROM GEORGIA I only have one question. What type of backflow device need to be installed on a beauty salon that use hair chemicals??????????????????????? BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY: 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 system

WHAT BACKFLOW PROTECTION IS REQUIRED ON A WATER POWERED SUMP PUMP?

QUESTION: 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??????????????? BACKFLOW COMMITTEE REPLY: 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.

HOW 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.

I 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.

We 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 every water customer and that cross connections be eliminated or protected with the proper backflow device or assembly. All 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do 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!