Backflow Backflow PreventionPrevention

Cross Connection Cross Connection ControlControl

Cross Connection ControlCross Connection ControlCharlestonCharlestonMt. PleasantMt. PleasantSummervilleSummerville

Polluted versus Polluted versus ContaminationContamination

Pollutant risk – color or odorPollutant risk – color or odor Contaminant risk – health hazardContaminant risk – health hazard

Polluted versus Polluted versus ContaminationContamination

Irrigation considered Irrigation considered contaminationcontamination risk risk

Pesticides and fertilizersPesticides and fertilizers

Cross Connection

Cross connection is any connection Cross connection is any connection between potable and non-potable between potable and non-potable waterwater

BacksiphonageBacksiphonage

Backsiphonage is the reverse flow of Backsiphonage is the reverse flow of waterwater

BacksiphonageBacksiphonage

Cross Connection

Back pressureBack pressure

Back pressure is continuous Back pressure is continuous pressure back toward potable waterpressure back toward potable water Elevation exampleElevation example

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(Can be TESTED)(Can be TESTED)

Reduced pressureReduced pressure (RP) (RP)

MostMost pressure loss pressure loss $180 $180 Backpressure, Backpressure,

pressure relief valvepressure relief valve Avoid water Avoid water

submersion of relief submersion of relief valvevalve

12 psi loss12 psi loss

Reduced pressureReduced pressure (RP)(RP)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(Can be TESTED)(Can be TESTED)

Reduced pressureReduced pressure (RP) (RP) 12” 12” above groundabove ground installation installation

Reduced pressureReduced pressure (RP)(RP)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(Can be TESTED)(Can be TESTED)

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Spring-loaded check valves and air-Spring-loaded check valves and air-

inlet prevent backsiphonage inlet prevent backsiphonage onlyonly Not intended for backpressureNot intended for backpressure $70 cost$70 cost 5 psi loss5 psi loss

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)(PVB)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(Can be TESTED)(Can be TESTED)

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) 12” 12” above highest headabove highest head installation installation

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(Can be TESTED)(Can be TESTED)

Double Check ValveDouble Check Valve Spring loaded check valves onlySpring loaded check valves only

No relief valveNo relief valve 5 psi loss5 psi loss

Double Check ValveDouble Check Valve

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(CANNOT be TESTED)(CANNOT be TESTED)

Dual check valveDual check valve Spring loaded check valves onlySpring loaded check valves only

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(CANNOT be TESTED)(CANNOT be TESTED)

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Float inletFloat inlet Not intended for continuous pressureNot intended for continuous pressure One for One for everyevery valve, 6” above highest valve, 6” above highest

headhead Cheapest Cheapest 2 psi loss2 psi loss

Atmospheric Vacuum Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)Breaker (AVB)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERSBACKFLOW PREVENTERS(CanNOT be TESTED)(CanNOT be TESTED)

Anti-Siphon ValveAnti-Siphon Valve Control valve with built-in AVBControl valve with built-in AVB

OTHER BACKFLOW OTHER BACKFLOW PREVENTIONPREVENTION

AIR GAPAIR GAP Breaks vacuum of backsiphonageBreaks vacuum of backsiphonage

OTHER BACKFLOW OTHER BACKFLOW PREVENTIONPREVENTION

HOSE BIBHOSE BIB Vacuum breakerVacuum breaker attachment attachment

INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION

Install after POCInstall after POC A licensed plumber must tap into A licensed plumber must tap into

potable water systempotable water system Exception is homeowner that can tap Exception is homeowner that can tap

into own water supplyinto own water supply

INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION

COPPER PIPECOPPER PIPE

Two feet of copper (type K) in ground, Two feet of copper (type K) in ground, before and after backflow preventerbefore and after backflow preventer RigidityRigidity ExposureExposure

DHECDHEC

South Carolina Department of South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)(DHEC)

http://www.scdhec.gov/http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/dwbflow.htmenvironment/water/dwbflow.htm

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Sweating copper pipeSweating copper pipe

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Sandpaper or emery cloth to clean Sandpaper or emery cloth to clean pipepipe

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Flux surfacesFlux surfaces Helps draw in solderHelps draw in solder

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Dry-fit pipe and fittingDry-fit pipe and fitting

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Heat pipe connectionHeat pipe connection

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

Touch joint with solderTouch joint with solder Melts and draws insideMelts and draws inside

Copper PipeCopper Pipe

TESTINGTESTING

Tested annually by licensed testerTested annually by licensed tester Certified BF inspectorCertified BF inspector DHEC, John Watkins 803-898-3567DHEC, John Watkins 803-898-3567 3 day class ($225)3 day class ($225) Equipment ($700)Equipment ($700) http://www.scdhec.gov/http://www.scdhec.gov/

environment/water/dwbflow.htm environment/water/dwbflow.htm