Where is the best place to put a backflow preventer?
Install backflow preventers above ground and outside. This is safest way to protect the property, maintenance personnel and testers, and yourself. To maintain proper protection of the water supply, backflow prevention valves can be installed outside and above grade.
What is the most reliable backflow prevention arrangement?
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA). This is the most commonly used backflow preventer. Unlike the barometric loop, a check valve can protect against both backflow and back pressure. Arranged in a line, each check valve operates independently.
How high does backflow preventer need to be?
Backflow preventers installed inside must be a minimum distance of twelve (12) inches above the floor, and no higher than four (4) foot above the floor, with adequate clearance around the backflow preventer for testing and/or repair.
Can backflow preventer be installed vertically?
Backflow preventers must be installed in the installation orientation for which they were designed and approved (vertical, horizontal etc.). There are backflow preventers that can be installed horizontally, vertically (up or down) and other orientations that can make an installation easier.
Can you install a backflow preventer vertically?
There are backflow preventers that can be installed horizontally, vertically (up or down) and other orientations that can make an installation easier. The key point to realize however is that they can only be installed in the orientation that the approval agency has determined they will work in.
How much pressure does a backflow preventer need?
The check valves in a DC must hold a minimum pressure (1.0 PSI minimum) in the direction of flow.
Do I need to cover backflow preventer?
To properly protect your backflow, you want to wrap it in insulation and tape it tightly so that it remains in place. Make sure you cover any exposed coper piping during this process. If you do not have any insulation on hand and it is an emergency, you can use an old sweater, towel or blanket as well.
Can you install a backflow preventer on its side?
What happens if a backflow preventer is installed backwards?
Since backflow preventers force water to flow in only one direction, installing it backwards eliminates its usefulness. High pressure in a backflow prevention device can trigger a pressure relief valve. When opened, the valve will leak until the pressure returns to normal levels.