Complex piping systems make hospital and facility operations go round. You consider safety, compliance, efficiency, ROI, and more when you conduct surveys and testing, update pipe labeling, create schematics, and implement and maintain your water management program.
And within that complicated piping infrastructure, little-seen (and hopefully little-used) fire protection systems exist. You can’t forget about how these systems interact with your potable water system, and you certainly can’t ignore the unique backflow risks they bring.
Backflow Risks & Fire Protection
As with everything connected to your pipes, fire protection systems require proper backflow prevention. And wet systems aren’t the only ones you need to be worried about. Dry fire protection systems pose their own unique risks.
In healthcare and industrial facilities of every kind, from hospitals to manufacturing to food processing, fire protection systems create risks such as:
- Stagnant water: In wet-pipe systems, standing water creates the risk of bacterial growth. If backflow occurs, the potable water supply could be exposed to Legionella or other bacterial contamination.
- Corrosion: Also in wet-pipe systems, standing water can corrode pipes, leading to the risk of heavy metal contamination if backflow occurs.
- Chemical contamination: Many fire protection systems include chemical elements such as anti-freeze that can cause serious health issues if mixed with the potable water supply.
- Connection with auxiliary water supplies: Any system connected to an auxiliary water supply requires backflow prevention when connected in some way to the main water distribution system.
- Changes in pressure: Fire hydrants and standpipe systems, when in use, cause a drastic change in water pressure. Where proper backflow prevention is missing, backpressure and subsequent contamination of the water supply can occur.
Backflow Prevention Required
Not all fire protection systems require backflow prevention (because they’re not all connected to your pipes). But fire suppression systems require piping infrastructure that creates the opportunity—and risk—of cross-connections that can lead to contamination and serious health hazards.
- Water-based systems (including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge sprinkler systems) are the most common fire suppressions systems across facilities. While effective for fire and life safety, they bring risks of stagnant water and contamination from corrosion due to infrequent maintenance or improper backflow protection.
- Foam-based systems are typically used where flammable liquids are used or stored and water-resistant fires are possible. With foam-based systems, backflow could lead to hazardous, chemical contamination of potable water systems.
Types of Backflow Preventers
These different systems require different backflow prevention depending on the building design and use, water source, and hazard level. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Section 603.5.14 governs what backflow preventers can be used on various fire protection systems. Many states use the UPC, but others operate under a state plumbing code.
The suggestions here are a rule of thumb based on the UPC, AWWA M-14 Manual, and NFPA standards. Often, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) implement more stringent requirements in alignment with state and local cross-connection control regulations.
Double-check valve assemblies (DCVA) can be used on low-hazard fire protection systems, which typically include wet pipe sprinklers (without chemical additives like anti-freeze) and some dry or pre-action sprinkler systems. Check the regulations set by your AHJ to determine whether these systems are classified as low hazard for your facility.
Usually, other fire protection systems that connect to your piping infrastructure are classified as high hazard, which means they need a reduced pressure principle (RPZ) backflow preventer. If harmful chemicals, corrosion, or debris could contaminate the water supply or an auxiliary supply is used, best practice is to implement an RPZ. Foam-based fire suppression systems, due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals within the foam, are considered among the highest hazard fire protection systems.
The UPC also provides for detector backflow prevention assemblies (for both DCVAs and RPs) that measure the flow of water and provide an alert when backflow occurs. Especially for high-hazard systems or systems that protect high-risk properties, detectors may be a good addition to improve safety and system visibility—from both a fire protection and backflow prevention standpoint.
Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance
You already know: Proper selection and installation of backflow prevention isn’t the end of the story. Inspection, testing, and maintenance work together to ensure the continued effective operation of backflow preventers. Don’t worry! There are standards, best practices, and regulations for that, too.
NFPA 25 governs the maintenance of water-based fire protection systems and sets requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of installed backflow prevention. All assemblies installed on water-based systems must be tested annually. Additionally, on a five-year basis, these assemblies must undergo an internal inspection to verify components are in good condition and operate as intended.
Remember that NFPA 25 is the standard, but states and AHJs may impose stricter requirements regarding installation or maintenance. Always confirm what your state and local governing bodies require based on the degree of hazard in your facility and assigned to your fire protection systems.
Protecting & Preventing Cross-Connections
Do you know if your fire protection systems are properly protected from backflow? These systems should be included in regular surveys of your piping systems to ensure no cross-connections have been inadvertently created (it happens more than you would think).
Reliable schematics and intimate system knowledge can give you confidence that your fire protection systems stick to what they do best: protecting your facility—and your patients, employees, or visitors—from fire, without the risk of backflow.
Ready to learn more about how HydroCorp can support your facility’s cross-connection control and water management efforts?
