Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc. Newsletter
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In the news...
2017 has been a big year for Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc. (BPS, Inc.). We have tested close to
10,000 assemblies
this year! To maintain our excellent customer service, we've expanded our work force with the addition of seven new employees in 2017. Our company has also made strides in reducing our footprint by using more efficient, smaller work trucks, and saving paper by using electronic test reports.
Our sister company Water Industry Training Specialists, Inc. (WITS) hosted a
first-ever Cross-Connection Control Administrator forum
in October. This forum brought together administrators from
nine water agencies
across the Bay Area along with a representative from the California/Nevada American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA). We will be hosting a second forum in January.
BPS, Inc. hopes you have a wonderful holiday season!
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Common Installation Errors of Chemical Dispensers
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Mop sinks are located in almost every place of business, from restaurants to hospitals to business centers or schools. These sinks are usually found in custodial/janitorial rooms and are utilized by cleaning staff to obtain and dispose of cleaning solutions for mopping floors and cleaning surfaces.
Most mop sink faucets have an integral atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). The AVB, as shown as the round disc on the top of the faucet in the picture on the left, is designed to protect against contaminants and pollutants siphoning back into the drinking water supply. This condition, known as backsiphonage, can occur if there is a break in the water line or when all the water in the building is turned off. Backsiphonage can even occur with water flowing at a high velocity within a pipe.
As mentioned above, an AVB is designed to provide protection from both pollutants and contaminants. Pollutants are substances which impair the aesthetic quality of water without making the water unsafe for use, like food coloring or coffee grinds. Contaminants are substances which impair water quality to the point where it can cause a health hazard, like cleaning chemicals or soaps.
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In order to work properly, an AVB cannot be subjected to continuous pressure (the maximum time of subjecting an AVB to pressure is 12 hours). In addition, shutoff valves should not be installed after (or downstream) of the AVB because the valves can create backpressure, a condition where water can actually be pushed back into the drinking water supply. An AVB is designed to only protect against a backsiphonage.
The potential for a cross-connection at a mop sink relates to the way the chemical dispenser is installed in relation to the faucet. The wall-mounted chemical dispenser is usually installed above the faucet and connected to the faucet via a hose (see picture, right). Because e
levated piping can cause backpressure, water mixed with chemicals trapped in the hose can put pressure on the AVB. This backpressure may cause the AVB to no longer work properly. If the AVB no longer functions as it should, these cleaning chemicals can end up in the drinking water supply.
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Another common installation error (pictured left) is when a Y valve with shutoff valves is installed on the outlet of the faucet. This connection is made so that warm water can be directed towards the chemical dispenser. If both the hot and cold water supplies are left on at the faucet, the AVB will be subjected to continuous flow for more than 12 hours, and may cause the AVB to stop working properly. In addition, a cross-connection between the hot and cold water supplies is created.
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Most chemical dispenser manufacturers try to prevent a cross-connection between the dispenser and the drinking water supply by having an internal air gap (or a physical, vertical break in the pipe or water line) in the dispensing unit. However, the air gap occurs after a shutoff valve, and this makes the AVB out of compliance.
So, what is the solution then? First, make sure that your chemical dispenser is listed as meeting ASSE Standard 1055B and has an internal air gap. In addition, lower the chemical dispenser below the AVB and remove any connections that have shutoff valves (e.g. Y valve). Provide education to your cleaning staff so that they understand why these changes are important, and provide periodic checks to make sure the new setup is being maintained.
Another solution is to install a vented tee valve (in picture above, right). The vented tee valve alleviates and prevents pressure downstream of the AVB by allowing water to leak out of the bottom of the vent. The water has to be turned off at the faucet when not in use to prevent water from leaking from the vent. This device will also drain any water in the hose that is elevated between the faucet and the chemical dispenser, allowing the AVB to work in accordance with its design.
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Employee Spotlight: Kahlef Powell
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Having a good attitude is half the battle when learning a new skill. At least, this is the approach Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc. (BPS, Inc.) Technician-in-Training Kahlef Powell takes.
Since beginning his employment with BPS, Inc. earlier this year, Kahlef looks forward to how each workday brings new challenges and excitement. There is often a steep learning curve associated with testing, repairing and installing backflow prevention assemblies. Even though he is new to the plumbing industry, Kahlef has quickly absorbed the nuances of working in this specialized sector.
“I love this job because each day there is something new to learn. When I have the chance, I enjoy sharing this knowledge about backflow prevention with our customers,” said Kahlef.
In addition to testing backflow assemblies, Kahlef is assisting BPS, Inc. Lead Technicians with installation and repair work. He likens this more complicated work to rebuilding a car. Just as with rebuilding a car, there are specific steps that need to be taken when installing or repairing a backflow assembly. Standing back and seeing a water system protected brings the same sense of satisfaction to Kahlef having a rebuilt car run smoothly.
Prior to coming to BPS, Inc., Kahlef delivered wine for a distribution company, often making deliveries in downtown San Francisco. Despite the traffic, Kahlef says he enjoyed driving because he was able to familiarize himself with San Francisco. It is a good thing Kahlef doesn’t mind driving because BPS, Inc. is keeping him and our other technicians busy with work all over the Bay Area.
Kahlef sees his position with BPS, Inc. as a career. He is looking to the future when he'll be able to use his experience and knowledge to mentor new technicians. Hopefully by next spring, Kahlef will move on to being a full-fledged technician, offering excellence in service and knowledge to all of our clients.
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Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc.
1-800-464-3569
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