There is debate within most communities whether or not businesses need a fire protection back flow system.   Before we tackle that debate, we first must understand the nature of back flow.

Backflow is described as a reversal of water within a water system, causing polluted, or contaminated water, to flow in reverse back into the potable water system  Obviously this should be avoided at all times, and the Federal Clean Water Act ensures that all communities do their diligence in preventing backflow from happening.

Backflow is caused either by the sudden drop in water pressure from the source to the home, as happens when a water main bursts or several water mains are opened to fight a fire, or it happens when there is a sudden increase in pressure at the home site, which will reverse the flow towards the city’s water supply.

When a fire protection system is installed, generally specific pipes are used which prevent backflow.  Class I and Class II systems do not require backflow protection, but Class III systems do require some form of backflow protection, whether it is an air gap or a double check valve assembly.  Class IV and Class V systems require either an air gap or a reduced pressure assembly (backflow valve).  Class VI systems require a reduced pressure assembly.

In summary, a back flow device should be installed on new and existing Class III, IV, V and VI systems.  Currently, Class I and Class II systems do not require a backflow system, and that has caused quite a bit of controversy in the fire protection industry.  Obviously, a backflow prevention system is expensive, and cutting costs is on many minds during the construction of a fire protection system.  Still, the primary concern should always be the integrity of the potable water supply to ensure safe drinking water for the public. All other considerations are secondary.

All water protection systems should be designed and required according to the amount of threat they pose, and that is the spirit of the Clean Water Act as well as all other state laws regarding backflow.

City Backflow Testing is licensed and certified by the State of Texas as well as most cities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.  When your safety and the safety of the public are at stake, don’t you think you should entrust the quality of water to a backflow expert?  City Backflow Testing is the expert to call for your annual backflow testing when affordable backflow testing is needed.