Backflow Prevention

Cross Connection Control Charleston Mt. Pleasant Summerville

Polluted versus Contamination Pollutant risk – color or odor Contaminant risk – health hazard

Polluted versus Contamination Irrigation considered contamination risk Pesticides and fertilizers

Cross Connection Cross connection is any connection between potable and non-potable water

Backsiphonage Backsiphonage is the reverse flow of water

Backsiphonage

Cross Connection

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

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (Can be TESTED) Reduced pressure (RP) Most pressure loss $180 Backpressure, pressure relief valve Avoid water submersion of relief valve 12 psi loss

Reduced pressure (RP)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (Can be TESTED) Reduced pressure (RP) 12” above ground installation

Reduced pressure (RP)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (Can be TESTED) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Spring-loaded check valves and air-inlet prevent backsiphonage only Not intended for backpressure $70 cost 5 psi loss

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (Can be TESTED) Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) 12” above highest head installation

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (Can be TESTED) Double Check Valve Spring loaded check valves only No relief valve 5 psi loss

Double Check Valve

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (CANNOT be TESTED) Dual check valve Spring loaded check valves only

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (CANNOT be TESTED) Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) Float inlet Not intended for continuous pressure One for every valve, 6” above highest head Cheapest 2 psi loss

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

BACKFLOW PREVENTERS (CanNOT be TESTED) Anti-Siphon Valve Control valve with built-in AVB

OTHER BACKFLOW PREVENTION AIR GAP Breaks vacuum of backsiphonage

OTHER BACKFLOW PREVENTION HOSE BIB Vacuum breaker attachment

INSTALLATION Install after POC A licensed plumber must tap into potable water system Exception is homeowner that can tap into own water supply

INSTALLATION COPPER PIPE Two feet of copper (type K) in ground, before and after backflow preventer Rigidity Exposure

DHEC South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/dwbflow.htm

Copper Pipe Sweating copper pipe

Copper Pipe Sandpaper or emery cloth to clean pipe

Copper Pipe Flux surfaces Helps draw in solder

Copper Pipe Dry-fit pipe and fitting

Copper Pipe Heat pipe connection

Copper Pipe Touch joint with solder Melts and draws inside

Copper Pipe

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