(A) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in accordance with the city’s Plumbing Code, ordinances and TCEQ Rule 30 TAC 290.47(i), Appendix I. The assembly installer shall obtain the required permits prior to installation. The assembly shall be tested upon installation by a recognized backflow prevention assembly tester and certified to be operating within specifications. BFPA(s) installed to provide protection against health hazards must be tested and certified annually. Recognized BFPA testers shall complete a TCEQ approved course on cross-connection control and backflow prevention assembly testing, pass on examination and hold a current license as a BFPA tester.
(B) No part of a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly shall be submerged in water or installed in a location subject to flooding. All assemblies installed below grade shall have non-ferrous threaded plugs inserted in the test ports.
(C) Assemblies shall be installed at the point of delivery of the water supply of the potential hazard, before any branch in the line. An Inspector may specify other areas for installation of the assembly.
(D) All vertical installations shall be approved, in writing, prior to installation and all vertical installations must be nationally recognized and certified as an approved testable device.
(E) The assembly shall be readily accessible with adequate room for maintenance and testing. Assemblies two inches and smaller shall have at least a six inches clearance on all sides of the assembly. All assemblies larger than two inches shall have a minimum clearance of 12 inches on the backside, 24 inches on the test cock side, 12 inches below the assembly and 36 inches above the assembly.
(F) If the city grants written permission to install the backflow assembly inside of a building, the assembly shall be readily accessible Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(Ord. 2011-2, passed 4-25-2011)