Backflow preventers help protect the water supply and need protection from cold temperatures. Several backflow preventers in Hillsborough have frozen and busted due to the prolonged freezing temperatures.

Protection

The devices, which prevent possible contaminants from flowing back into the water system, can be protected in winter with pipe insulation, an insulated cover or a heat lamp and heat trace tape.

All backflow devices are required to be in a class 1 or 2 enclosure that meets the American Society of Sanitary Engineering’s 1060 standard.

Wrapping the outside of the cover with a thick blanket may also help prevent the device from freezing and breaking. Be sure that the heat trace tape is working — it should be warm to the touch. If the tape is not warm, replace it.

Backflow preventers also need continuous flow of water to help prevent freezing, so let water slowly drip from the pipe inside your building that is connected to your backflow preventer.

Backflow devices for irrigation can be removed for winterization, and they must be retested when reinstalled in the spring. 

Problems

If a backflow preventer freezes and busts, the owner needs to contact a business that is certified to repair or replace backflow preventers. For a list of licensed, registered testing agencies, visit BSI Online. If the preventer is replaced, contact Utilities Infrastructure Protection Supervisor Troy Miller so that he can update the account information.

Testing

The state requires annual testing of the devices as well as testing of new installations. The town contracts with Backflow Solutions Inc. to manage its backflow test data.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to contact a licensed backflow tester and to have the results submitted to Backflow Solutions. For a list of licensed, registered testing agencies, visit BSI Online.

Uses

Commercial facilities are required to use backflow preventers, but they’re also necessary for homes with lawn irrigation systems. A properly operating backflow device allows flow in one direction, preventing contaminated water from entering the potable water system.

More Information

For more information on backflow prevention:

• See the Backflow Prevention page.
• View our backflow prevention assemblies video.
• Contact Utilities Infrastructure Protection Supervisor Troy Miller or call him at 919-296-9653.

For more information on testing, contact Backflow Solutions at 800-414-4990 or bsionline@backflow.com.