Backflow

Prevention Devices

CEU 279
January 2020

Continuing Education from the

American Society of Plumbing Engineers
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Backflow Prevention Devices

Reprint from Advanced Plumbing Technology II, Chapter 5.
All rights reserved.

The seriousness of problems due to cross-connections is emphasized by reports of contaminated potable water and the spread
of waterborne illnesses. Contrary to the widespread and popular belief that potable water in the United States is pure and
safe, many epidemics both large and small are directly traceable to contaminated water. Cross-connections are probably the
greatest single source of potential contamination of potable water systems.
Designers must recognize the very real danger posed by cross-connections, specify the proper equipment, and ensure
that the installation is inspected to protect the quality of the potable water provided.

TERMINOLOGY
The following definitions will aid in understanding cross-connection control.
• Backflow: The flow of water or other fluid, mixture, or substance into a potable water system from any source or
sources other than the intended source. It can be caused by backpressure or backsiphonage.
• Backpressure: Backflow that occurs when a potable system is connected to a nonpotable system with a pressure
exceeding that of the potable system, such as a boiler operating at 20 pounds per square inch (psi) coincidental with
a reduction of the potable water supply pressure to 15 psi, causing contaminated boiler water to flow into the potable
water system.
• Backsiphonage: Backflow resulting from negative or reduced pressure in the potable water supply caused by un-
dersized piping, water line breaks, debris in the pipe that lowers the pressure upstream of the service point, reduced
pressure on the suction side of booster pumps, decreased main pressure due to high flow rates for firefighting or main
line flushing, and other causes.
• Contaminant: A toxic substance that could affect the health and life of a consumer.
• Cross-connection: A piping arrangement that has a physical connection between two separate systems, one of which
contains potable water and the other containing polluted or contaminated fluids, gases, or substances.
• Minor degree of hazard: Where an existing connection or the high probability of a connection being made between
a potable water system and any pipe, fixture, tank, or receptacle intended for carrying or holding potable water has a
low probability of becoming contaminated.
• Moderate degree of hazard: Where where a cross-connection or probable cross-connection involves any substance
that has a low probability of becoming a severe hazard or would become a nuisance if introduced into the potable
water system.
• Pollutant: A nontoxic substance that does not represent an actual health hazard but impacts water quality regarding
odor, taste, aesthetics, or other undesirable characteristics.
• Severe degree of hazard: Where a cross-connection or probable cross-connection involves a substance in sufficient
concentration to cause death or illness.

BACKFLOW PROTECTIVE DEVICES

The piping and mechanical devices available for backflow protection are:
• Air gap

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• Atmospheric vacuum
TABLE 5-1 Backflow Preventer Installation Guidelines
breaker
Fixture or Equipment Critical Level (C-L) for Installation
• Backflow preventer with
intermediate atmospheric Aspirators and ejectors At least 6 inches above the flood level of the receptacle
vent Dental units On models without built-in vacuum breakers, at least 6 inches above the flood level rim
• Barometric loop of the bowl
• Double check valve Dishwashing machines At least 6 inches above the flood level of the machine, installed on both the hot and
assembly cold water supply lines

• Pressure vacuum breaker Flushometers At least 6 inches above the top of the fixture supplied
• Reduced pressure backflow Garbage can cleaning At least 6 inches above the flood level of the machine, installed on both the hot and
preventer machines cold water supply lines

Hose outlets At least 6 inches above the highest point on the hose line
Selection depends on the
degree of hazard present. The Laundry machines At least 6 inches above the flood level of the machine, installed on both the hot and
cold water supply lines
piping arrangements at the point of
application (see Table 5-1) will also Lawn sprinklers At least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler or discharge outlet
influence the type of device to be Steam tables At least 6 inches above the flood level
selected (see Table 5-2). Selecting
Tanks and vats At least 6 inches above the flood level rim or line
the appropriate device also requires
a correct assessment of the degree Urinals At least 6 inches above the perforated flush pipe
of hazard and whether backpressure Flush tanks Where the ball cock contacts the tank water, install a vacuum breaker at least 1 inch
and/or backsiphonage will occur. above the overflow outlet.
Also consult IPC Table 608.1 Where the ball cock does not contact the tank water, install the ball cock outlet at least 1
inch above the overflow outlet or provide a vacuum breaker as specified above.
and UPC Table 6.2 for backflow
prevention device data.
Figure 5-1 shows several backflow preventers as isolation FIGURE 5-1 Cross-Connection Controls in a Building
at fixtures and equipment as well as hazard containment at the
water service.
Air Gap
An air gap is the unobstructed vertical distance through free
atmosphere between the lowest opening in any pipe or faucet
conveying potable water and the flood rim of the receiving ves-
sel. The flood rim is defined as the highest point of the vessel,
not the overflow pipe or any other point within the vessel. The
physical vertical distance must be at least twice the diameter of
the supply pipe, but never less than 1 inch. If the inside edge of
the supply pipe is within three diameters of a vertical surface
or four diameters of two adjacent vertical surfaces, the air gap
should not be less than three times the diameter of the supply
pipe (see Table 5-3).
The potable water supply pipe should be terminated in a man-
ner that discourages alteration of the gap. Good design prevents
splashing, the main reason someone might want to alter the gap.
Fabricated or manufactured fixed air gaps, which provide gaps
through slotted openings, are an excellent deterrent. Discourage-
ment of gap alteration also can be accomplished by not using pipe
with threaded ends or terminations with elbows or couplings.
A well-designed and properly maintained air gap is the most
positive means available for protection against backflow due to
backpressure and/or backsiphonage.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
An atmospheric vacuum breaker (Figure 5-2) is the most com-
monly used, but most misunderstood, backflow prevention device.
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TABLE 5-2 Acceptable Types of Backflow Preventers for the Prevention of Cross-Connections with Potable Water1
Acceptable Backflow Preventers2
Type of Hazard on Premises
AG RPBP DCVA AVB BFPAV

Sewage treatment plants X X

Sewage pumping stations X X

Food processing X X X (if no health

hazard exists)

Laboratories X X X (if no health

hazard exists)

Sinks with hose threads on inlets X X X

Hospitals, mortuaries, clinics X X

Plating facilities X X

Irrigation systems (Each case should be evaluated individually. Pressure X X X

vacuum breakers can be installed if no health hazard exists and (if no backpressure is possible)
backpressure is not possible.)

Systems or equipment using radioactive material X X

Submerged inlets X X X (if no health hazard exists and

no backpressure is possible)

Dockside facilities X X

Valved outlets or fixtures with hose attachments X X X (if no health X (if no health hazard exists and
(Each case should be evaluated individually.) hazard exists) no backpressure is possible)

Commercial laundries and dry cleaners X X

Commercial dishwashing machines X X X (if no health hazard exists)

High- and low-pressure boilers (if chemicals are added) X X

Low-pressure heating boilers X

(residential and small commercial, having no chemicals added)

Photo-processing equipment X X

Reservoirs, cooling tower recirculation systems X X

FIREFIGHTING SYSTEMS:

a. Any system incorporating pumper connections into which chemical X X X

extinguishing agents or nonpotable water may be pumped

b. Any system incorporating storage tanks or fire pumps taking suction X X X

from covered tanks or reservoirs

c. Any system incorporating connections to chemical extinguishing X X

agents, antifreeze, or auxiliary water supplies

Solar energy systems X X X (residential and

small commercial
having no chemicals
or only USP glycerin
added to water)

Single jacketed heat exchangers X X

(Each case should be evaluated individually.)
1
Also consult IPC Table 608.1 and UPC Table 6.2 for backflow prevention device data.
2
Key: AG: Air gap; RPBP: Reduced pressure backflow preventer; DCVA: Double check valve assembly; AVB: Atmospheric vacuum breaker; BFPAV: Backflow preventer with intermediate
atmospheric vent

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It is applicable only for intermittent

TABLE 5-3 Minimum Air Gaps for Plumbing Fixtures
service where it will be under pressure
for only short periods. It is a relatively Minimum Air Gap
simple device that uses a disc float as- Fixture When not Affected When Affected by
sembly to seal off the atmospheric vent by Near Wall, in. Near Wall, in.
area when water is flowing. When flow Lavatories and other fixtures with effective openings not greater 1 1½
ceases or the line pressure drops to zero than ½ inch in diameter
gauge (atmospheric), the float falls, Sinks, laundry sinks, gooseneck bath faucets, and other fixtures 1½ 2¼
opening the vent to allow air to enter with effective openings not greater than ¾ inch in diameter
the system and effectively destroying Over-rim bath fillers and other fixtures with effective openings 2 3
the possibility of a siphon. not greater than 1 inch in diameter
The atmospheric vacuum breaker
Drinking water fountains with a single orifice 7/16 inch in 1 1½
is designed to prevent backsiphonage diameter or multiple orifices having a total area of 0.150 square
only; it is not effective against back- inch
pressure backflow. It should always be Effective openings greater than 1 inch 2x diameter of 3x diameter of
installed downstream of the last shutoff effective opening effective opening
valve and 6 inches minimum above the
highest point of the nonpotable system.
FIGURE 5-2 Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
Backflow Preventer with Intermediate Atmospheric Vent
This backflow prevention device consists of two independently acting, in-
ternally loaded check valves separated by a reduced pressure zone with an
intermediate atmospheric vent. The atmospheric vent will discharge water to
the atmosphere in the event of a malfunction within the device. The assembly
comes in various configurations depending on the manufacturer, but the prin-
ciple of operation is the same for all. They should be used only in low hazard
applications under continuous pressure.
Flow Condition No-Flow Condition
Barometric Loop
A barometric loop is a piping arrangement based on the principle that atmospheric pressure cannot
raise a column of water more than approximately 34 feet even when subjected to a perfect vacuum. FIGURE 5-3
Barometric Loop
The piping arrangement is formed by constructing a loop in the potable water supply line that rises
35 feet or more above the highest point in the nonpotable system (see Figure 5-3). A barometric
loop is effective against backsiphonage only and should never be used where backpressure is pos-
sible. The barometric loop is rarely used because of space limitations.
Double Check Valve Assembly
A double check valve assembly (Figure 5-4) consists of two independently acting, internally loaded
check valves. It is effective against backflow caused by either backpressure or backsiphonage. The
complete assembly should include two shutoff valves, a strainer, and test cocks for field testing. It

35’
offers no provision for discharging water, and it does not provide a visual indication of backflow
or unit malfunction. The double check valve unit does not provide the degree of protection af-
forded by a reduced pressure device and is not, therefore, as widely used. It is applicable with low
degrees of hazard, where the effect will be only a change in the color or taste of the potable water.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
A pressure vacuum breaker is a device consisting of one or two (depending on size) positive-seating
check valves and an internally spring-loaded disc float assembly installed as a
unit between two shutoff valves and fitted with properly located test cocks. The FIGURE 5-4 Double Check Valve Assembly
disc float is spring loaded to a normally open position and allows air to enter the
system when the line pressure drops to 1 psi or lower.
Applications for pressure vacuum breakers are similar to the atmospheric
vacuum breaker, except that they can be used under conditions of continuous
pressure. Although they can be installed on the pressure side of a shutoff valve,
they are designed to prevent backsiphonage only and are not effective against
backflow due to backpressure. Pressure vacuum breakers should be installed a
minimum of 12 inches above the highest point of use.

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Variations of the pressure vacuum breaker are available for use on hose threaded outlets and laboratory faucets to which
hoses can be connected. The devices consist of a positive-seating check valve and an atmospheric vent, biased to a normally
open position. Although they provide protection primarily against backsiphonage, they will also offer some protection against
low head backpressure backflow.
Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer FIGURE 5-5 Reduced Pressure Principle
A reduced pressure backflow prevention device (Figure 5-5) is an as- Backflow Preventer
sembly consisting of two independently acting, internally loaded check
valves separated by a reduced pressure zone. A differential pressure relief
valve is located within the reduced pressure zone to maintain the reduced
pressure and to discharge water to the atmosphere in the event of a mal-
function within the device. The assembly comes in various configurations
depending on the manufacturer, but the principle of operation is the same
for all. Typical applications include those where the nonpotable source is
considered to be toxic and capable of causing illness or death. Reduced
pressure backflow prevention devices are specified for applications where
the highest degree of reliability and protection is required.

When flow occurs, the first check valve opens, and the pressure drops
from an inlet pressure of 50 psi to approximately 44 psi. The second check
valve opens with a loss of another 1 to 3 psi of pressure. The sensing line, upstream of the first check valve, goes down to
the high pressure side of the differential pressure valve diaphragm. The lower pressure (44 psi) is on the opposite side of the
diaphragm. The pressure relief valve stays closed as long as the pressure differential across the diaphragm is more than 2 psi.
When flow ceases under normal conditions (no malfunction or fouling of the check valves), the two check valves close
tightly and maintain the pressure differential in the unit. If the first check valve is fouled under a static pressure situation
(no flow), the pressure differential in the reduced pressure zone will approach the supply pressure. Before the pressure dif-
ferential reaches 2 psi, the relief valve will open and discharge to atmosphere. Also, if the diaphragm is defective and flow is
normal, the relief valve can open and discharge water while water is flowing through the device. Either way, the continuous
discharge from the relief valve is an indication of a malfunction, and maintenance is required.
When a situation develops where the downstream pressure is higher than the supply pressure, the second check valve
will close and maintain the pressure differential in the device. No indication of a backpressure condition will exist. However,
if the second check valve is fouled or malfunctions during a period of higher downstream pressure, the higher pressure will
start to decrease the differential in the reduced pressure zone. When the differential approaches 2 psi between the reduced
zone and the supply pressure, the relief valve will open and discharge the flow to the atmosphere.
Should a situation develop where the supply pressure is decreased by any amount after normal pressure has been estab-
lished, the relief valve will tend to spurt water to the atmosphere. If a complete loss of supply pressure occurs, the differential
pressure valve will open and discharge the volume of water in the reduced pressure zone to the atmosphere and thus create
an air gap to protect the potable water supply. This is the one time when a discharge from the relief valve is not indicative
of a malfunction; the device is operating properly to provide the required protection.
The difference between a backsiphonage condition and a unit malfunction can be determined by the type of discharge.
When the discharge is continuous, a malfunction exists, and when the discharge is spitting or is a single discharge, the dis-
charge has sensed a backsiphonage situation and everything is operating properly.

GUIDELINES FOR PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

The following rules are offered as a guide to minimize the risk of contaminating or polluting a potable water system:
• A potable water supply system shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent contamination from nonpotable
liquids, solids, or gases from being introduced into the potable water supply through cross-connections or any other
piping connections to the system.
• No materials or chemicals should be introduced into the potable water system that could produce toxic effects.
• A private and a public water supply system should never be interconnected.
• Water supply piping should never connect directly to the drainage system.
• Piping or pump priming should never be connected directly to potable water piping.
• Sterilizers, aspirators, or similar equipment should never be connected to potable water piping.
• Water used for cooling, heating, or processing should never be reintroduced into the potable water system.

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• Below-the-rim water supply connections should never be made, except where the configuration of the equipment
makes an above-the-rim connection impossible. The connection is permitted if special precautions are taken.
• Every fixture with a submerged inlet shall be independently protected by a vacuum breaker that is the full size of the
supply pipe. Vacuum breakers should be set at least 6 inches above the flood level rim of fixtures and equipment. All
hose connections shall be independently protected with a vacuum breaker. All underground irrigation, lawn, and garden
watering systems should be protected by a vacuum breaker located at least 12 inches above the highest elevation of
the sprinkling and spraying discharge point.
• The water supply to fixtures should be located at least 1 inch above the flood level rim of the fixture, except when
submerged inlets are absolutely essential for the proper functioning of the fixture.
• Flush valve-controlled fixtures with submerged inlets supplied directly or indirectly from a potable water supply should
be equipped with a vacuum breaker in the supply line at least 6 inches above the fixture flood level rim.
• All flush tanks operated by ballcocks should have a vacuum breaker located at least ¾ inch above the overflow outlet
of the tank.
• Ballcocks controlling the water supply to surge (suction), roof, or other intermediate tanks should be located at least
12 inches above the tank’s flood level rim. When a tank is equipped with an overflow at least one commercial size
larger than the supply line, the ballcock may be located 2 inches above the highest point of the overflow pipe. The
overflow and emptying pipes from tanks should never connect directly to the drainage system.
• Waste piping from sterilizers should never connect directly to the drainage system.
• Waste piping from aspirators and water siphons should never connect directly to the drainage system.
• Water supply connections to bedpan washers and similar equipment should be equipped with a vacuum breaker and
a check valve located between the equipment and the vacuum breaker.
• Mortuary, dissection, autopsy, operating, and embalming tables should not be directly connected to a potable water
supply. A reduced pressure backflow prevention device may be permitted by some jurisdictions, so check local re-
quirements. Hoses used in conjunction with such tables must terminate at least 12 inches from any part of the table
or attachments.
• Direct water supply connections to dishwashing and laundry machines should be equipped with a vacuum breaker and
a check valve located between the vacuum breaker and the fixture. The vacuum breaker should be located 6 inches
above the highest elevation of the machine.
• In all buildings where dual water distribution systems are installed, each system shall be identified by color bands
or metal tags as required by the authority having jurisdiction. Tags shall be attached to pipes at intervals of not more
than 25 feet and at either side of points where pipes pass through walls and above and below points where pipes pass
through floors or roofs. Three-inch-diameter metal tags shall bear the legend SAFE WATER in letters not less than
½ inch in height for potable water lines. Metal tags in the shape of a 4-inch equilateral triangle bearing the legend
WATER UNSAFE in letters not less than 7/16 inches in height shall identify nonpotable water supply lines.
• Piping conveying potable water shall be constructed of nontoxic materials.
• No materials or substances that could produce toxic conditions, taste, odor, or discoloration in a potable water system
shall be introduced into or used in such systems.

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ASPE Read, Learn, Earn Continuing Education

You may submit your answers to the following questions online at aspe.org/ReadLearnEarn. If you score 90 percent or higher on the test, you will be notified
that you have earned 0.1 CEU, which can be applied toward CPD or CPDT recertification or numerous regulatory-agency CE programs. (Please note that it is your
responsibility to determine the acceptance policy of a particular agency.) CEU information will be kept on file at the ASPE office for three years.

Expiration date: Continuing education credit will be given for this examination through January 31, 2021.

Thank you to Jose Francisco DeHoyos, CPD of the Houston and Central Texas Chapters for authoring this month’s quiz.

CE Questions — “Backflow Prevention Devices” (CEU 279)

1. As a guideline to protect water quality, which answer should not be part 7. A toilet flush tanks operated by ballcocks should have:
of the potable water system? a. A vacuum breaker leveled with the overflow outlet of the tank.
a. Temperature Gauge b. A vacuum breaker located at least 3/4 inch above the overflow
b. Strainer outlet of the tank.
c. Booster Pump c. A vacuum breaker located at least 2” above the overflow outlet of
d. Pump priming the tank.
d. A vacuum breaker located at the top of the tank.
2. This is defined as an a piping arrangement that has a physical
connection between two separate systems. 8. These installations should be equipped with a vacuum breaker and a
a. Backsiphonage check valve located between the vacuum breaker and the fixture.
b. Cross-connection a. Waste piping from aspirators and water siphons.
c. Hot water return b. Water supply connections to bedpan washers.
d. Backflow c. Direct water supply to mortuary, dissection, autopsy, operating, and
embalming tables .
3. What is the most commonly misunderstood back flow prevention d. Direct water supply connections to dishwashing and laundry
devise? machines.
a. Double detector check
b. Reduced pressure zone back flow preventer 9. What is the minimum air gap for a lavatories with effective 1/2”
c. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker diameter opening installed near wall?
d. Barometric loop a. 1”
b. 2”
4. This backflow prevention type is rarely used because of space c. 1/2”
limitations. d. 1-1/2”
a. Barometric loop
b. Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer 10. What is the acceptable type of backflow preventer for a system
c. Double detector check incorporating pumper connections into which nonpotable water may
d. Backflow preventer with intermediate atmospheric vent be pumped?
a. DCVA
5. Which assembly device is specified for applications where the highest b. RPBP
degree of reliability and protection is required? c. AG
a. Double detector check d. All of the above
b. Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer
c. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker 11. What is the minimum air gap for a 3” overflow pipe above a floor
d. Double check valve receptacle, when not affected by any near-wall installation?
a. 4”
6. When the discharge is continuous on a reduced pressure backflow b. 6”
preventor happens, what kind of function is the backflow preventer c. 9”
indicating? d. 2”
a. Backsiphonage situation
b. Water is being pumped back 12. Which statement is correct for buildings where dual water distribution
c. A malfunction exists systems are installed?
d. The flow downstream is being blocked a. Each system valve assembly shall be located in the same room.
b. Each system shall use different reduce pressure backflow preventer.
c. Each system shall be identified by color bands or metal tags as
required by the authority having jurisdiction.
d. Only one system will require a backflow preventer assembly.

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