Fire Protection System Backflow Prevention Guidelines
Wherever water is in use, it’s essential to make sure that the appropriate precautions are in place to prevent potable water from being contaminated. In order to use a sprinkler system, for example, a backflow preventer is in place. The purpose of a backflow preventer is to keep water from flowing backwards through a one-way channel. If sprinkler water is permitted to flow back into the same channel it came out of, it could end up contaminating the local water supply, making it unsafe for human use.
There are strict guidelines that govern the use of backflow preventers in fire protection systems. If you are going to be installing a fire protection system, you should be aware of the basics:
What types of backflow preventers are permitted for fire protection systems?
There are two types of backflow preventers that are in common use for modern fire protection systems. The double check valve assembly is the most frequently used backflow preventer in fire protection systems, as it is easy to keep maintained. If antifreeze or another chemical must be added in order to keep the water from freezing inside the pipes, then a reduced pressure zone assembly may be used instead.
How often does a fire protection system backflow preventer need to be tested?
In order to remain in good order, a fire protection system backflow preventer should be retested on an annual basis, and then recertified for continued use. It’s important to ensure that the backflow preventer is tested by a certified technician. If you’re not sure when your backflow preventer was last tested, it’s important to have it looked at right away.
Kazal Fire Protection, Inc. has worked on a wide range of projects in the greater Tucson area, including schools, hospitals, hotels, government buildings, and research facilities. If you require improved fire protection for your building, we can provide you with the first-rate services you need. For more information, contact us today at (520) 323-1518.