9.11.13

Selecting The Appropriate Irrigation Backflow Installation System

By Katy Kline


Backflow devices are designed to protect the potable water supply from contaminants returning up the water lines from back-siphoning or back-pressure. They are very important for protecting the public water supply from potential health hazards. There are several different types of backflow installation devices to choose from when designing your new system. All of these systems must be inspected every year to assure that they are working properly.

Backflow is a problem because anything in the pipes you are using can be sucked back into the neighborhood water supply. The water is moved by back-pressure and is a fairly common occurrence. Most businesses are required by law to install the devices to protect the water supply.

The problem of back-pressure is especially dangerous if you are adding chemicals to the water you use. Fertilizers, pesticides and animal feces can be easily introduced to water sources by back-pressure if there is not a device installed to prevent it. Shut off valves are notorious for leaking or failing and offer little protection from these problems.

A double check valve assembly is not approved for systems that plan to inject chemicals into the system. They are the most common of all inline underground systems. They are less apt to freeze in harsh weather because they are under the soil or in basements or out buildings.

The easiest whole system device to install is the pressure vacuum breaker assembly. It's also the least expensive and the most popular of all of the systems. It comes with an anti freeze function that protects the device itself. Since the lines are underground it does not need to protect the pipes attached to it. Another aspect of this device is that it frequently ejects water from its system and needs to be placed in a well drained area.

For commercial properties the industry standard is the reduced pressure zone assembly. You will find these at apartment buildings and condominiums because they are the most efficient method of prevention against pollutants and toxins. They are the most complex and difficult to install but by far the most efficient means of protection. You may also find this type of assembly at major factories and businesses that use large amounts of water that may become contaminated from chemicals or other pollutants.

If you have a smaller operation you may want to find the simplest of all the systems. That will be the atmospheric vacuum breakers system. It is the least expensive of all of the options available to you and it can be set up to run up to six out lets on your property. Each line must have its own assembly and this device cannot be used as a whole system option.

There are many choices to make when choosing a backflow installation system for your project. The size of area, the option of adding chemicals to the water, the amount of water pressure needed are just a few. The main goal behind your decision should be the safety of the population served by the water source you are using. By investigating and choosing the highest form of protection for your system you can assure that your neighbors will not be affected by leakage from your system.




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