FAQs
Does water ever flow backwards?
Did you know, Residential Backflow is a National Problem? Many believe that because city water is delivered under pressure it can only flow one way. However, city water has the potential to flow the opposite way from its intended direction. This is because water flow is dependant on hydraulics. Water will always flow toward the point of lowest pressure. Backflow piping assemblies at your home and business prevent this pnenomenon using air gaps and check valves within the piping.
Why do backflow preventers need to be tested?
Mechanical backflow preventer piping assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to constant high water pressure and the environment, and, as a result, are subject to clogging, fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be by-passed. Therefore, all backflow preventers have to be tested periodically with calibrated gauge equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly.
How often does my commercial backflow assembly need to be tested?
It has quickly become the national standard for water utility companies to require an annual test for all backflow assemblies by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester. The Pennsylvania Code-Title 25, Chapter § 109.709 (the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s official publication of rules and regulations) states:
(1) It shall be the responsibility of the customer to eliminate cross-connections or provide backflow devices to prevent contamination of the distribution system from both backsiphonage and backpressure. Individual backflow preventors shall be acceptable to the public water supplier. (2) If the customer fails to comply with paragraph (1) [by having an annual test for all backflow assemblies] within a reasonable period of time, the water supplier shall discontinue service after reasonable notice has been made to the customer.
What are the applications requiring use of backflow assemblies?
At a minimum, a backflow prevention assembly will be required in each of the following circumstances:
When the nature and extent of any activity at a premise, or the materials used in connection with any activity at a premise, or materials stored at a premise, could contaminate or pollute the potable water supply.
When a premises has one or more cross connections.
When internal cross connections are present that are not correctable.
When intricate plumbing arrangements are present that make it impractical to ascertain whether cross connections exist.
When a premises has a repeated history of cross connections being established or re-established.
When entry to a premise is unduly restricted so that inspections for cross connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency to assure that cross connections do not exist.
When materials are being used such that, if backflow should occur, a health hazard could result.
When installation of an approved backflow prevention assembly is deemed by an Inspector to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of these regulations.
When an appropriate cross connection survey report form has not been filed with the Director.
When a fire sprinkler system using non-potable piping material is connected to the City’s water system.
In all new nonresidential construction there shall be installed an approved backflow assembly at the service connection. The type of the assembly will be commensurate with the degree of hazard as determined by an Inspector.
When a building is constructed on commercial premises, and the end use of such building is not determined or could change, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be installed at the service connection to provide protection of the public water supply in the event of the most hazardous use of the building.
If a premises is required to have backflow prevention assemblies, but water cannot be turned off during the testing of such assemblies, the premises shall be equipped with dual backflow prevention assemblies of the same type so that testing, repair and maintenance can be performed.
Any used water return system that has received approval from the Director.
If a point-of-use assembly has not been tested or repaired as required by this Division, a premise isolation assembly shall be required.
If a Backflow or Plumbing Inspector determines that additions or rearrangements have been made to the plumbing system without the proper permits as required by the Plumbing Code, premise isolation shall be required.
All multistory buildings or any building with a booster pump or elevated storage tank.
Retrofitting shall be required on all health hazard connections and wherever else the Director deems retrofitting necessary. (No “Grand fathering” for health hazards – ever.)
Any premises requiring multiple service connections for adequacy of supply and/or fire protection shall have a backflow assembly on each service connection. The assembly shall be commensurate with the degree of potential hazard that could occur in the event of an interconnect between any of the buildings on the premises.
What should I do to protect myself?
All homes have the potential to contain cross connections. Be aware of situations where your home water supply does or could contact non-potable liquids. If the cross connecting cannot be avoided, be sure to use the proper plumbing device to prevent any liquid from backflowing into the potable water system. For example, a hose bibb (outside faucet) vacuum breaker is a simple, inexpensive plumbing device you can attach to the faucet before attaching the hose. These devices can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Other situations require a special backflow prevention device that will isolate potable water from potential contamination.
To protect the quality of tap water in your structure, follow these guidelines:
Never allow hoses to be submerged in sinks, pools, animal feeders, chemical mixing tanks, etc.
Be sure your toilet flush valves have an anti-siphon device.
Make sure any plumbing work done in your home is by a licensed plumber certified in cross connection control.
How can backflow be prevented?
The best method of preventing backflow is an air gap which either eliminates a cross-connection or provides a barrier to backflow. If an air gap is not practical, a mechanical backflow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to backflow, is the next best approved method.
Why do water suppliers need to control cross connection and protect their public water systems against backflow?
Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the potable water in that system making it unusable or unsafe to drink. Each water supplier has a responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink and take reasonable precautions to protect its system against backflow.