Knowing the great dangers backflow poses to your health is the greatest reason why you must comply with the backflow preventer installation requirements. These are set by various regulating bodies, and may differ from one place to another. Although there may be these dissimilarities, the point of implementing these standards is to optimize the effectiveness of your backflow preventer of choice. In the name of safety, knowledge and compliance with your area’s backflow preventer installation requirements.
The Required Type of Assembly
For different types of hazards, different types of Wilkins backflow assemblies are required. Its purpose is to provide sufficient amount of protection, as not everything is deemed appropriate in impeding the wastes present in your water supply. Needless to say, whichever the type of backflow may be needed, it should be up to the standards set by the authorities in your area.
The purpose of this device is to isolate contaminants and other foreign substances that do not pose dangers to your health. The double check valve backflow preventer may be used for irrigation systems where no chemicals are utilized. Thus, even if it were for residential applications, this is definitely not for you if you use or plan to use pesticides.
If you figure that the backflow preventer double check assembly is not what you need, this may be what you need. The RP is designed especially for high hazard applications. Going for a backflow preventer that offer less protection when the condition dictates the usage and installation of reduced pressure backflow preventer, would open you and your family to various health risks. If you have a pool or a water fountain, trust that an approved RP would work for you. Pesticides and other chemical injections are also hazardous, thus needing the same solution. Air Gap (AG), in times, may be used as substitute for the RP.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
This device, along with Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) and Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SVB), may be installed if the substance backflow does not expose you to health risks. Moreover, by establishing that there is no possibility of backflow in downstream piping, the AVB may just be what you need.
Backflow Preventer Installation Requirements
Generally, any backflow preventer must be able to provide ample water supply and pressure for the area it serves. Lines connected to the assembly must also be thoroughly flushed before the installation process. Aside from that, there are a few requirements particular to only one device.
Air Gap must be twice the diameter of the receiving vessel of the pipeline. Moreover, splashing problems would require purchase of tubular screens.
Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer and Double Check Backflow Preventer must come in two where interruption of water supply is critical. Backflow preventer installation requirements for these two dictate that they must be accessible for testing and maintenance.
Atmospheric Vacuum Pressure must not be used for more than 12 hours every 24 hours. Also, it must not be installed in dusty or corrosive environments.
Compliance with backflow preventer installation requirements as well as maintenance are necessary if you want to be as far away from danger as possible. Thus, check with the licensed testers to make sure your device and methods are up to standards.