Water distribution systems are designed to make water flow in a specified direction: from the source to the consumer, and then from the consumer to the sewage system. However, some operating conditions can cause a pressure difference opposite to the intended flow direction, causing backflow when the system lacks protection measures. The main risk associated with backflow is contamination of the potable water supply with harmful substances.

What Causes Backflow?

For backflow to occur, there must be a pressure change that pushes water opposite to the normal flow direction. These pressure changes can be induced by gravity, vacuum formation and other physical effects. Based on how the reverse pressure difference is established, the causes of backflow can be divided into back siphonage and back pressure.

Although the physical process is different for back siphonage and back pressure, the final result is the same: water tends to flow backward due to the reverse pressure, and it can carry pollutants upstream.

Make sure your water supply is protected from backflow.

The Role of Cross-Connections

A cross-connection can be defined as any existing or potential connection between a potable water supply and a pipe or device that holds a non-potable fluid, including the water itself after use. The definition applies even when the non-potable fluid is only present occasionally. Note that fluids may be considered non-potable due their own composition, or due to solid particles and gas mixed with the fluid. The following are some examples of systems that create cross-connections:

1. Automatic fire sprinkler systems
2. Irrigation systems
3. Beverage production equipment
4. Dialysis equipment

There are also cases where a cross connection is created accidentally. Assume a hose is used to fill a swimming pool: when the hose is suspended above the pool, there is no cross connection; however, one is created if the hose is submerged, since water can flow in once the pressure is gone.

Eliminating cross connections is not possible because they are fundamental for equipment that requires pressurized water. Therefore, protection measures must be deployed to prevent backflow and potential contamination of the potable water supply.

Classification of Backflow Preventers

Backflow preventers can be classified based on physical construction, application or type of installation. The main types of backflow prevention assemblies are listed below, and each type has a dedicated standard from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).

Each type of backflow prevention assembly has different operating features, which means not all of them may be suitable for a specific application. Before specifying a device, it is important to make sure it matches the application requirements.

Application Requirements

Backflow prevention devices are used in many applications and industries, each with different performance requirements: fire protection systems, agriculture, waterworks, etc. The backflow preventers in these systems must be suitable for the flow conditions encountered:

1. Water flow is constant in waterworks and plumbing applications.
2. Irrigation systems only operate around 2% of the time and are static the remaining 98%.
3. Fire protection systems are permanently on standby, but must sustain a specified static pressure to respond effectively when needed.

Installation Requirements

In addition to being classified by device and application, backflow prevention systems also differ in how they are installed. Their location can be outdoors, indoors or below grade, and their orientation can be horizontal or vertical. Each configuration comes with specific challenges:

In applications that require an uninterrupted water supply, multiple connections or manifold assemblies may be needed - this includes some industrial applications, as well as hospitals and resorts.

Federal Considerations for Backflow Prevention Devices

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was approved by the US Congress in 1974. The SDWA makes the water supplier responsible for quality at the source, meeting the standard established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. However, once the water has been delivered, the customer is responsible for preventing its contamination with backflow.

The SDWA was updated in 2014, requiring all plumbing fixtures to be manufactured with less than 0.25% leaded brass content - this includes backflow prevention devices.

Conclusion

Although the SDWA ensures water suppliers provide quality, backflow from customer equipment can cause contamination if ignored. Make sure your installation is equipped with backflow prevention devices, properly selected for their intended applications. By working with qualified plumbing design professionals, you can ensure this requirement is covered while meeting any building codes that apply.