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!

HOW 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.

On 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.

There 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.

What 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.

There could be several ramifications:

1) You are not complying with State of Illinois Plumbing Code and Illinois EPA guidelines
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.
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).
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
5) You can and WILL receive fines that may be imposed by several authorities, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health, The IEPA, etc

Is 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 RPZ

Illinois 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.

Section 890.1130 Protection of Potable Water

g) Installation of Devices or Assemblies.

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.