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Introduction to Backflow Preventers
Backflow preventers are an important part of any plumbing system. They work to protect drinking water from contamination by preventing the backflow of water or other contaminants into a potable water supply. Backflow preventers can come in various shapes and sizes, with different types designed for different applications.
Types of Backflow Preventers
There are four main types of backflow preventers used in plumbing systems. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so understanding the differences between them is important when choosing the appropriate one for your application.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
A Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) is the most common type of backflow prevention device used in residential systems. It consists of two independently operating check valves that are connected by an air inlet vent to maintain the desired pressure differential between the two valves.
The PVB prevents back siphonage by releasing air when a sudden increase in pressure is detected, allowing it to break the vacuum created by a reverse flow situation. It also protects against backpressure resulting from an excessive increase in system pressure from another source, such as an irrigation system or fire sprinkler system.
Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA)
Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs) use two independently operating check valves connected in series to provide protection against both back siphonage and demanding conditions caused by other sources, such as irrigation systems or fire sprinkler systems. DCVAs may have either resilient-seated or metal-seated check valves depending upon their intended use and application requirements.
If a resilient seat is used, this provides additional protection against corrosion due to its elastomeric seal, which creates a better barrier against contaminants than metal-seated check valves. DCVAs may also include a test port at each check valve location to allow for periodic testing and maintenance.
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPBP)
The Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer (RPBP) is a more advanced version of the DCVA that offers superior protection against both back siphonage and extreme demand conditions caused by other sources, such as irrigation systems or fire sprinkler systems.
This type of device consists of two independently operating check valves with an intermediate relief valve located between them which relieves excess pressure buildup if necessary, thus ensuring that no contaminated liquid can enter into the potable water supply line due to either back siphonage or excessive demands from other sources. RPBPs may also include test ports at each check valve location for periodic testing and maintenance purposes.
Spill Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SRVB)
Spill Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SRVBs) provide protection against both back siphonage and extreme demand conditions caused by other sources, such as irrigation systems or fire sprinkler systems.
Still, they do not require any additional relief valve since they have an integral spill-resistant design that prevents any contaminated liquid from entering the potable water supply line due to either back siphonage or excessive demands from other sources. SRVBs have resilient seats, which create better barriers against contaminants than metal-seated check valves, and may also include test ports at each check valve location for periodic testing and maintenance purposes.
Benefits of Installing Backflow Prevention Devices
Installing a properly sized, approved, and tested backflow prevention device helps ensure that your potable water system remains safe from contamination due to reverse flows from external sources as well as protects against higher than normal pressures due to outside influences such as irrigation systems or fire suppression services;
Thus protecting you, your family, customers, employees, etc., from potential health risks associated with drinking contaminated water supplies, which could result in serious illness or even death in some cases if not properly protected through proper installation procedures using devices specifically designed for this purpose.
Additionally, these devices also provide added assurance that all applicable regulations related to public safety are being met, thereby helping reduce potential liabilities associated with improperly protected drinking water supplies as required by law.