Commercial backflow preventers are essential parts of a fire service line that prevent polluted water from entering into the public water supply. Fire sprinkler service lines can contain water contaminated with microorganisms, lubricants, chemicals or other pollutants that could cause serious illness. But how does backflow occur and what can one do to keep fire sprinkler backflow preventers in working condition to prevent endangering the health and safety of the surrounding community?
What Causes Backflow?
Water is expected to flow in one direction and one direction only; well this is not always the case due to backflow. Fluids seek out the path of least resistance. Therefore, depending on which way the pressure is pushing or pulling determines where the water will flow. There are two types of backflow, backpressure and backsiphonage that cause contaminated water to flow back into the public water supply. Backpressure occurs when a facility’s pressure is greater than the water authority’s pressure. A facility’s pump or elevated plumbing causes the problem. Backsiphonage occurs when the water supply main has negative pressure and creates a partial vacuum, much like sucking fluid through a straw. This may happen due to a water main break or firefighting in the area. In order to protect potable water properly, install and maintain fire sprinkler backflow preventers on a regular basis.
Fire Sprinkler Backflow Preventer Service Requirements
Fire Sprinkler backflow preventers should be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, the Authority Having Jurisdiction and the manufacturer’s instructions by trained professionals. According to NFPA 25, Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, fire protection backflow preventers should be:
Fire Sprinkler Backflow Preventer Weekly Inspection
To ensure that the OS&Y isolation valves are in normal position
- Double check assembly valves
- Double check detector assembly valves
- Reduced pressure assemblies
- Reduced pressure detector assemblies
Inspected Monthly
- Valves secured with locks or electrically supervised
Fire Sprinkler Backflow Preventer Annual Testing
- Forward flow
- Backflow performance
Maintenance Based on
- the Authority Having Jurisdiction
- Manufacturer’s instructions
Please contact one of our experts if you have any questions or need your fire sprinkler backflow preventer serviced in any way.
Categorized in: Fire Pumps, Fire Sprinklers, General