Spartan Backflow

What is cross connection?

A cross connection is any temporary or permanent connection between a public water system or consumer’s potable “drinking” water and any source or system containing non-potable water or other substances.  EXAMPLE:  Piping between a public potable water system and an auxiliary water system (such as a well, cooling system, or irrigation system).

What is a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device installed between a potable water supply and any non-potable source or system.  The approved methods of backflow prevention for our area are the   reduced-pressure assembly “RPPA” (testable device) for high hazard applications, the double check valve assembly “DCVA” (testable device) or the residential dual check “RDC” (non-testable device) for low hazard applications.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross connection and into the customer’s potable water or the public water system.

There are two types of backflow:

(1)    Back pressure:  ‘’’back pressure is caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream supply pressure in a public water system or a reduction in the potable water supply pressure and/or a combination of both.  Pumps, temperature increase in boilers, etc, can create the increase in downstream pressure.

(2)    Back-siphonage:  “Back siphonage” is caused by a negative pressure (i.e. A vacuum or a partial vacuum ) in a public water system.  Back-siphonage can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply dude to nearby fire fighting or a break in the water main line, etc.

Whay do backflow preenters have to be tested or replaced periodically?

The South Carolina department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) enacted the State Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which require periodic testing of testable devices and replacement of non-testable devices.  Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, seats, springs and other moving parts that are subject to wear and failure.  The only way to ensure that the device is operating properly is to have a SCDHEC certified backflow inspector test the device.

For more information go to the website:  www.SCDHEC.com