Is a backflow prevention assembly necessary on a fire sprinkler system?

This is a question which is debated in most cities across the United States.  This article will relate our opinion on this important question. To find out what your city thinks about it, contact your local water department.  You can also call us with your questions at (817) 996-2000.

Who needs backflow protection?

Those of us in the backflow industry know that cross-connection programs in many areas have vastly reduced the number of reported incidents that occur within our water systems.  Since the Clean Water Act of 1972, great advancements have been made in reducing backflow in this country.This has at times resulted in people believing that backflow issues and problems no longer exist or that there may never really have been an issue in the first place. This thinking, which is totally incorrect, can be both counterproductive and dangerous. Backflow occurrences in water systems are a result of changes in pressure within that system. Every water-distribution system is based on water pressure.That is simply a fact. There is no water system in existence that does not or will not have pressure fluctuations. Sooner or later every water system loses its pressure completely. This may be a matter of a mechanical malfunction. It may be a matter of a drop in pressure due to a broken water main, or some other reason.

The question is not if but when it will happen. This is why we need to look at what protection is needed, educate the consumer and the public of the possible hazards, and then provide the necessary devices or assemblies to match the hazard which exists. Every system may not need a reduced pressure principle backflow assembly. In far too many areas we have an all or nothing approach to backflow protection. We need to look at each installation for the hazard it presents and then find the best protection for that situation.

Residential or commercial backflow protection?

Every city in the United States is tasked with that goal, to find the best protection against backflow so that the public can rest assured that their potable water is safe.

Which properties must have backflow protection? Which are required to have backflow devices at their cross connection points? That is a matter for your local water department to consider. Generally speaking all commercial buildings are required to have backflow devices.  In addition, all fire sprinkler systems are considered  possible hazards, as are all irrigation systems.  To find out if your property is require do to have backflow devices and annual backflow testing, call your local Water Department or Pubic Works Department.

If you have more questions about backflow and how it relates to fire sprinkler systems, you can call us at (817) 996-2000.  We are City Backflow Testing, and backflow testing, backflow repairs, and backflow installation have been our goals for decades.  Call us for rates or to set up an appointment.  We cover Tarrant County, Texas, like a protective blanket when it comes to backflow prevention.