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1. What is a backflow preventer?

Backflow preventers are mechanical plumbing devices installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system. A properly installed, tested and maintained backflow preventer at the service entrance to a building or property can reliably prevent the backflow of water of an unknown quality from flowing back into the community water system.

2. Are all backflow preventers the same?

No. There are many different types of backflow preventers. The degree of hazard at any given location will determine the type of Backflow preventer.

3. What are the different types of backflow preventers?

Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP)
This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e., pollutant)or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant).

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e., pollutant)or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant).

Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SVB)
This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e., pollutant)or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant).

Double Check Valve Assembly (DC)
This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e., pollutant).

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
This assembly is designed to protect against a non-health hazard (i.e., pollutant)or a health hazard (i.e., contaminant) under a back-siphonage condition only.

4. What type of maintenance do backflow preventers require?

Backflow preventers have to be tested within 10 days of initial use. Backflow preventers then have to be re-certified annually. Testing and re-certifying are the owner’s responsibility. All testing and certification must be completed by a certified backflow tester.