Beyond the Annual Check: Understanding the Different Types of Backflow Preventers on Your Property
In our previous discussion, we covered the critical question of how often your backflow preventers need to be inspected, highlighting the typical annual requirement for most commercial and multifamily residential properties in Colorado. Now that you’re clear on the ‘when’ and the importance of regular testing, let’s delve deeper into the ‘what.’
It’s crucial to understand that backflow preventers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different areas of your property – from domestic water lines to fire suppression and irrigation systems – have unique needs and face varying levels of risk. This means they require specific types of backflow prevention devices to ensure true safety and compliance.
The “Why” Behind Different Types: Cross-Connection Control & Hazard Levels
As a quick recap, backflow prevention is all about controlling “cross-connections” – points where your property’s water system could potentially connect with non-potable (unsafe) water sources. The specific type of backflow preventer installed is determined by the degree of hazard associated with a potential backflow incident.
- A low hazard might involve aesthetically unpleasant water.
- A high hazard could mean toxic chemicals or pathogens entering the clean water supply.
Common Property Systems & Their Backflow Prevention Needs
Building on our understanding of regular inspections, let’s examine why different systems on your property require tailored backflow prevention:
Domestic Water Lines
The Need:
- These lines supply your building’s potable water. After ensuring they’re tested regularly (as discussed previously), it’s also vital the type of backflow preventer at the main supply or for specific internal connections (like boilers or chemical dispensers) is appropriate to protect this drinking water from any internal system risks.
Common Device Considerations:
- The specific device will depend on the potential hazards and local codes.
Irrigation Systems
The Need:
- As highlighted in the “Fire & Life Safety Decoded” guide, irrigation systems can introduce contaminants like fertilizers and pesticides into the water. Simply testing an irrigation backflow preventer annually isn’t enough if it’s not the right kind of device to handle these specific chemical and particulate hazards.
Common Device Considerations:
- Typically Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVBs) or Reduced Pressure Zone assemblies (RPZs), chosen based on the risk level defined by Colorado regulations.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
The Need:
- The water within fire sprinkler pipes, which we now know needs regular inspection and testing, can become stagnant or contain antifreeze or other chemicals. If this non-potable water backflows, it poses a public health risk. Therefore, the type of backflow preventer on this critical life safety system is paramount.
Common Device Considerations:
- Often Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs) for systems without chemical additives, or the more protective Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies if chemicals are present or the hazard level is deemed higher.
A Closer Look at Common Backflow Preventer Types You’ll See During Inspections
Now that you know how often to inspect (generally annually), here are a few common types of devices your certified tester will be assessing:
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
How it works:
- Prevents back-siphonage using an air inlet valve.
Common Uses:
- Good for irrigation systems (low to moderate hazard), particularly against pollutants being siphoned from sprinkler heads.
Key Feature:
- Must be installed above the highest point of water use.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA or DC)
How it works:
- Two independent check valves in series provide redundancy.
Common Uses:
- Suitable for low to medium hazard applications. Often seen on main domestic water lines (without downstream high hazards) and many fire sprinkler systems (without chemical additives).
Key Feature:
- Can handle continuous pressure and may be installed below grade.
Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ, RP, or RPZA)
How it works:
- Offers the highest protection with two check valves and a differential pressure relief valve that discharges water if a check valve fails, preventing backflow and giving a visual indication of a problem.
Common Uses:
- Essential for high hazard situations (e.g., toxic substances). Frequently required for fire systems with chemical additives, main supplies to buildings with significant internal hazards (like medical facilities or labs), or certain high-risk domestic connections.
Key Feature:
- Top-tier protection; relief valve discharge requires drainage.
Why Choosing the Right Type (Not Just Inspecting Regularly) Matters
Understanding the need for regular inspections is step one. Ensuring the correct type of backflow preventer is installed is step two, and equally critical:
Ensuring True Safety:
- The right device protects against the specific contaminants relevant to that water line.
Maintaining Compliance:
- Colorado regulations and codes dictate which types are acceptable for different applications and hazard levels.
Optimizing System Functionality:
- The correct device ensures adequate water flow and pressure, which is especially vital for the performance of fire suppression systems.
Integrity Fire Safety Services: Expert Guidance Beyond Routine Inspections
Knowing how often to test is important, and Integrity Fire Safety Services provides those crucial annual inspections. But our expertise, driven by “Exceptional Execution” and “Integrity,” also extends to ensuring your commercial or multifamily property has the correct types of backflow preventers installed in the first place. Our certified professionals can:
- Assess the specific cross-connection risks throughout your property.
- Identify and recommend the appropriate backflow preventer types for every application.
- Install, test, and maintain these devices to meet all compliance standards and ensure optimal protection.
Not sure if your property has the correct backflow preventer types installed for each application, even if they are being tested annually?
Contact Integrity Fire Safety Services today for a comprehensive assessment. We ensure you have the right protection where it matters most, safeguarding your water supply and your peace of mind.
