Backflow News

OWASA’s revised program also updates several technical and installation requirements in alignment with the updated NC Plumbing Code. Existing services with no known high hazard are not required to add backflow protection during remodeling or plumbing upfit of an existing building, unless the facility is on the published NC DEQ list of High Hazard Service Connections, or the backflow protection is required by the NC Plumbing Code or NC Building Code. Backflow piping material requirements on the customer side of the water meter now defer to the NC Plumbing Code rather than OWASA’s own standards. For single-family residential installations, location of the backflow assembly after a tee may be granted if the tee leads to a service line branch solely serving the identified hazard — providing some flexibility in tight installation configurations.

Assembly body material requirements remain stringent: three-inch through ten-inch assemblies must have bodies and bonnets made of fusion bonded epoxy-coated cast iron, ductile iron or steel, bronze, or stainless steel. All assemblies must have contained check valve modules in those larger sizes. All fire line backflow assemblies installed above ground must have heat protection within the enclosure during winter conditions. All assemblies must be testable, repairable, and replaceable in line, with four resilient-seated test cocks having quarter-turn ball valves with slotted or lever-type operators.