Ask Habitat: How Can I Find Out If Our Building Got a Backflow Prevention Device?

HABITAT ANSWERS: Backflow is caused by back-pressure or siphonage from your plumbing system. The threat: hazardous materials in your building's water system could move into the city's water supply. Any line — from a water main to a sprinkler — going into your building needs to be outfitted with a preventer to stop this backflow. That's the law.

In 2007, 85,000 properties in New York did not have a required device installed to prevent backflow. A few years ago, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began enforcing the 1980 law that requires backflow preventers in most commercial and residential buildings in New York City.

While the DEP has worked to prevent backflow since the 1980 law was signed, a renewed interest in backflow prevention compliance came about when the DEP announced the "Backflow Prevention Enforcement Initiative" in January 2010. The DEP then signed a $595,000 one-year contract with AG Consulting Engineers to assist its own staff in determining if about 10,000 properties in the state have functional backflow prevention systems.

What is a backflow preventer? There are two types of backflow prevention systems, and a professional must determine what type you'll need. The simpler Double Check Valve consists of two valves that essentially let the city water in but keep it from flowing back into the city water supply. The costlier Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) is a similar two-valve system along with a third emergency relief discharge valve. The RPZ can be installed in the basement, but if you don't have one you'll need to install it in a heated area above grade.

How do I know if I need a preventer? The DEP sent out warning letters to buildings that weren't in compliance — this is the letter you found. Presumably, you would have received more correspondence from the DEP if the building hadn't gotten a backflow preventer. But you shouldn't assume, especially if you were unable to find paperwork confirming that action was taken. You can hire a licensed master plumber, a professional engineer, or a registered architect to survey your property. You can also request a property inspection from the DEP.

What happens if I need a preventer? If it is determined that you need a backflow preventer, an engineer or architect must submit two sets of backflow prevention plans and application forms to the DEP's Cross-Connection Control Unit. The DEP will notify you and your engineer or architect by mail before you can proceed with the installation.

What do I need to do to maintain compliance? A New York State Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester (click here for list of testers) must ensure that your device is in compliance. After testing, a report must be submitted to the DEP within 30 days. Each year, a licensed backflow preventer company, or individual, will have to re-certify your device and then submit that report to the DEP.

For backflow applications and guidelines, click here.

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