Backflow Installation Requirements
DO IT YOURSELF - What type of device and where to install it
For various reasons, many water customers choose to install the required backflow devices themselves. In fact you can save quite a bit of money if you are willing to spend the time required to do it yourself. This page is intended as a guide to help you figure out what type of backflow you need, and where to install it.
Step1: What kind of backflow device do you need?
If you are installing a backflow prevention assembly (BFPA), chances are that you received a letter from your water utility asking you to do so. Often the letter will include some instructions as far as what type of device you need, such as a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) or a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB).
If not, find out which case you fall under by working through the following flow chart. Note, that some utilities have special rules for special situations; it is your responsibility to find out what they are. In our experience our information hereunder is valid for all water utilities in Seminole County, FL, however you must check with your utility for confirmation.
Step2: Identify the location where the device should be installed.
There are basically 2 points on the water lines where the devices may be installed, depending on your situation. Consider the 4 Configurations below and determine where you need to install your device.
Important note: In the above configuration, the better choice is to install the backflow device in the irrigation line. Installing a containment device near the meter should be avoided when possible, when the risk can be isolated on the irrigation line. Some utilities may require a containment device at the meter even when the customer has a recommended isolation device on the irrigation line. Check with your utility.
Important note: In the above configuration, the "Possible Cross Connection" line often results from a well that ran dry, and the resident decided to make a connection with the potable supply to be able to water their lawn. That connection is not permitted per the Florida Land Development Code. The danger is that the well pump pressure may exceed the utility connection pressure and pump raw groundwater into the utility's water distribution network.
Notes:
Where to install your device is usually a compromise between how much you are willing to dig and how close to the ideal location you want it to stand. This is because the underground water line rarely runs were you need it. Also, finding out were the line actually is can be tricky. We recommend to follow it by digging a trench to expose it, from the meter or a shut off valve, until you are near a convenient spot to splice away to the future location of your BFPA.
Note that for some configurations, if you would like the BFPA to be near the house, you will need to dig a long trench, because the splice is near the front of the property and you will need to lay down the main line to the BFPA and a return line to the splice point.
For containment installations on the main line, it is typically necessary that the device is installed at the meter. Some utilities allow a little space for flexibility of installation; but it is a good idea to check with them first. Most of our customers settle for a device installed right at the meter, because a professional installation requires to expose the entire line form the meter to the location of the device, to ensure that there is no underground water line teeing off from the main line between the BFPA device and the meter; the additional trenching can raise the cost significantly.
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