City of Peoria
Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program
Backflow Assemblies

 

Main Page - Cross Connection & Backflow Prevention	Backsiphonage & Backpressure
Annual Testing & Tester Information	Tester Application Form (PDF)
Certificate of Occupancy Inspections	Recognized Testers List (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)	City of Peoria Backflow Details (PDF)
Backflow Assemblies	City of Peoria Code, Chapter 5

Although many people are not aware of it, we see a common backflow preventer every day. The average household sink, whether in the bathroom or a kitchen, utilizes an air gap to prevent the potable water supply from becoming contaminated. Pressure vacuum breaker assemblies are also commonly found in places where water is supplied to irrigation systems. Some businesses, specifically hospitals and commercial shops that use hazardous chemicals, are isolated from the rest of the system with reduced pressure backflow prevention assemblies.

Basic Types of Backflow Prevention Assemblies:
 

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
A DCVA is a mechanical backflow preventer that consists of two independently acting, spring-loaded check valves. It includes shutoff valves at each end of the assembly and is equipped with test cocks. The most common type of backflow device. Only one DCVA required to serve the whole system; control valves can be located downstream of the DCVA. A City Recognized backflow assembly tester when installed, annually or when moved, or repaired must test DCVAs. No chemicals or fertilizers may be introduced into an irrigation system containing DCVAs. A DCVA is effective against backpressure backflow and backsiphonage but should be used to isolate only nonhealth hazards.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly  (PVB)
A PVB is a mechanical backflow preventer that consists of an independently acting, spring-loaded check valve and an independently acting, spring-loaded, air inlet valve on the discharge side of the check valve. It includes shutoff valves at each end of the assembly and is equipped with test cocks. Only one PVB required to serve the whole system; control valves can be located downstream of (after) the PVB. PVBs must be installed a minimum of one foot (12") above the highest point of water they serve. A City Recognized backflow assembly tester when installed, annually or when moved, or repaired must test PVBs. No chemicals or fertilizers may be introduced into an irrigation system containing PVBs. No pumps or backpressure on downstream side of (after) a PVB. A PVB may be used to isolate health or non-health hazards but is effective against backsiphonage only.

Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA)
An RPBA is a mechanical backflow preventer that consists of two independently acting, spring-loaded check valves with a hydraulically operating, mechanically independent, spring-loaded pressure differential relief valve between the check valves and below the first check valve. Only one RPBA required to serve the whole system; control valves can be located downstream of (after) the RPBA. A City Recognized backflow assembly tester when installed, annually or when moved, or repaired must test RPBAs. RPBAs must be installed a minimum of one foot (12") above ground level In an RPBA equipped system, fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals may be introduced downstream of (after) the RPBA. An RPBA is effective against backpressure backflow and backsiphonage and may be used to isolate health or non-health hazards.

Hose Bib Vacuum Breakers
Hose bib vacuum breakers are designed to prevent backsiphonage protection on portable hose connections and/or faucets Hose Bib Vacuum Breakers are simple, low-cost devices that should be used to help prevent backflow of water when engaging in the use of water hoses. They are easy to install and available at many plumbing supply stores Garden hoses are the easiest and most common source for a cross connection to take place. Do not leave hoses submerged in any type of substance regardless if a backflow prevention device is present or not.

Air Gap
An air gap is a vertical, physical separation between the end of a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel This separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet and never less than one inch An air gap is considered the maximum protection available against backpressure backflow or backsiphonage but is not always practical and can easily be bypassed Used for high health hazard situations.