Written by: Emily Joswiak • February 3, 2023• Safety

The Role of Backflow Prevention in Fire Suppression Systems

Did you know that modern fire suppression systems rely heavily on backflow preventers? Learn more about the function of backflow prevention.

Backflow preventers are crucial devices that help keep communities safe from water supply contamination. Thanks to their importance, these devices are also found in many different applications, including fire suppression. Learn more about the role of backflow prevention in fire suppression systems.

The Basics of Backflow Prevention

Many devices and systems that require a constant water supply are hooked up to public service lines. These systems include plumbing, irrigation, and, of course, fire suppression. Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backward, re-entering the potable water supply with pollutants, chemicals, and other contaminants.

These backflow instances are often caused by main line interruptions, cross-connection ruptures, or other disruptions that drop water pressure. Backflow prevention devices are attached to these cross-connection areas to provide superior protection against reverse water flow. When backflow occurs, prevention systems activate and block the contaminated water from re-entering the public supply.

Backflow Prevention In Fire Suppression Systems

As mentioned before, fire suppression systems are often hooked up to municipal water lines. And while it’s highly unlikely that your fire sprinklers will be responsible for causing backflow issues, disruptions to the main water line itself can trigger cross-contamination. Since many fire suppression systems distribute water mixtures that contain chemicals and other pollutants, preventing backflow is extremely important for protecting the surrounding communities.

Additionally, water within the pumps and piping is often quite dirty, making it even more harmful for human consumption. Ultimately, many local governments enforce backflow prevention regulations for businesses and residents; these regulations require proper preventer devices on all connections to municipal lines.

Applicable Backflow Preventer Assemblies

There are a few different backflow preventers available for fire suppression systems, including double-check valves and reduced-pressure backflow preventers. As their name suggests, double-check valve backflow assemblies (DCVAs) feature two check valves and two shutoff valves. DCVAs are incredibly effective at preventing backflow well before issues arise.

However, they do require an additional pressure regulator to ensure proper backflow preventer functionality. Due to smaller spaces, most suppression systems opt for a reduced-pressure backflow device. This preventer has a built-in sensor and pressure regulator valve, saving you time and money by eliminating the need for additional equipment. It’s worth consulting with a professional plumbing business to determine the best backflow assemblies for your application.

While the evolution of fire suppression systems has seen some beneficial changes in recent years, these fire suppression systems still rely on backflow prevention to ensure safety for everyone in the community. Make sure your fire sprinklers are properly protected by installing the proper prevention device.

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Last modified: February 3, 2023