Backflow Preventer Inspections Vancouver

Backflow prevention assemblies play an important role in your fire protection system. They are installed on a variety of water supply lines, including sprinkler/standpipe systems, HVAC units, boilers and irrigation systems.

While preventing contaminated or toxic water from flowing backwards into a municipality’s water distribution network, they may also prevent your sprinkler system from achieving full water flow demand.

NFPA 25 sets out scheduled forward flow and backflow tests, as well as regular inspections, to ensure your sprinkler system has sufficient water pressure when needed. You must also service your backflow preventers annually and send a test report to your municipality’s water works department.

Vancouver Fire’s certified fire protection professionals inspect and test your backflow prevention assembly, issue a report for your municipality, provide you with deficiency details and, when requested, service your backflow preventers.

Inspection requirements

About forward flow testing

More information about mechanical installations.

Inspection Requirements

Here are some inspections and tests required by NFPA 25:

Daily/Weekly Visual Inspection

  • Reduced pressure detectors
  • Control valves (locked/supervised)

Monthly Visual Inspection

  • Double check valves
  • Control valves (locked/supervised)

Annual Functional Test

  • Full forward flow test

After the forward flow test, a fire protection technician completes a backflow certification test in accordance with your municipality’s water works regulations.

While we would be happy to conduct your monthly inspections, we can also train your staff to conduct these, as well as daily and weekly inspections. A fire protection professional, however, should conduct the annual inspection and full load test.

To schedule an inspection or training session for your backflow preventers, contact Vancouver Fire today.

About Forward Flow Testing

Backflow preventers are regulated in connection with sprinkler systems. NFPA 25 requires that backflow prevention valves be inspected and maintained so that they do not impede the water flow or fire main pressure. This means an annual full forward flow test.

Per NFPA 13, sprinkler systems designed and installed since 1999 should include a testing feature--such as a bypass with a control valve and test connection or test header—downstream of the backflow prevention valve. This testing feature allows you to conduct the forward flow test. Pre-1999 systems may use a bypass or may flow through the fire department connection to conduct a flow test.

Using a calibrated pitot tube, pressure gauge or other approved method, a fire protection technician measures and records the flow pressure at the point of the test outlet. The flow pressure should be sufficient to meet the fire protection system’s flow demand.

When a fire protection system is installed or retrofitted with backflow preventers, a complete hydraulic analysis is required to determine adequate flow demand, including the demand from interior or exterior hose connections.

To schedule a full forward flow test, contact Vancouver Fire today.

 
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