Backflow Prevention Device Testing, Repair & Installation

FAQ’S ABOUT BACKFLOW PREVENTION

Backflow is a plumbing term that describes the unwanted flow of water in the opposite, unintended direction. If backflow occurs, potable water can become contaminated with wastewater..

• 1. what is the duration of water shutdown during a backflow test?

  Typically, during backflow device testing, water will be turned off for approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

• 2. Is there fine for late Backflow device testing ?

  No, there is no fine for late device testing if you test your device with in 30 days period. City will send you second and third letter if you are too late for device testing.

• 3. How long it takes to test backflow device ?

  Backflow device testing takes approx. time in between of 15 Min -45 Min, time depend upon size of the device and location of device.

• 4. Does my water system require backflow prevention?

  Missouri’s backflow prevention regulation (10 CSR 60-11.010) applies to all community waters stems. These are water systems that serve at least 15 connections or at least 25 people on ayear-round basis. Missouri has more than 1,400 community water systems. They serve morethan 4.9 million people, almost 90 percent of the state population

• 5. Must my home or business have backflow prevention?

  Many businesses must have backflow prevention. Common examples are manufacturing andprocessing plants, medical facilities, laboratories (including school chemistry and biology labs),and buildings that have boilers, fire sprinkler systems and irrigation systems.Solely residential facilities are exempt from the rule unless a specific cross-connection isidentified. For example, single-family residences with a lawn irrigation system requirebackflow prevention. Multi-family residences with a boiler or fire sprinkler system requirebackflow prevention.Call your local water supplier to confirm whether or not backflow prevention is requiredat your home or business.

• 6. What kind of backflow prevention is required at my home or business?

  Under the Missouri rule, three types of backflow prevention assemblies are permissible forcontainment: air gaps, reduced pressure principle assemblies and double check valveassemblies. The type of assembly you need depends on the type of hazard present.Generally, where you have a backflow hazard that may threaten public health you must havean air gap or a reduced pressure principle assembly. Where there is a lesser hazard that maydamage the water system or degrade the aesthetic quality of the water, a double check valveassembly is required. Only approved backflow prevention assemblies may be used. If you can find the manufacturerand model number on your assembly you can check with your water supplier to find out if it is anapproved assembly. Modifications to an assembly invalidate the approval. If your assembly lookslike it has been changed, get in touch with your water supplier or a certified backflow preventionassembly tester to see if it is an approved assembly.Water suppliers may have more strict or specific requirements than the state rule. Contact yourlocal water supplier to make sure you have the appropriate backflow prevention assembly tomeet local requirements.

• 7. Must I have my backflow prevention assembly inspected?

  Yes. To ensure the device is functioning properly, a certified tester must test it at least annually.For new facilities, the assembly must be tested when installed. If the tester finds the assembly isnot working, you must arrange to have it repaired and tested again. It is your responsibility to payfor the test and repairs. The tester is required to provide a copy of the test report to you and thewater supplier. To obtain a list of certified testers in your area, call your water supplier or theMissouri Department of Natural Resources.

• 8. Does the backflow prevention assembly protect my entire facility?

  No. The required backflow prevention assembly provides containment and it protects the publicwater system from hazards in your facility. Cross-connections in your own plumbing may allowcontaminants to backflow from hazardous processes to drinking water taps in your building.Backflow prevention applied within a facility to protect drinking water plumbing from processplumbing is called isolation. Isolation backflow prevention is not covered by departmental rules, but may be required by local plumbing codes. Check with your local code enforcement agenciesto see what standards apply to your facility.