Back Flow Assembly Testing

TCEQ rules require that all mechanical backflow-prevention assemblies must be tested upon installation, and that assemblies installed to protect against health hazards must be tested annually [30 TAC 290.44(h)(4)] 

TCEQ rules distinguish between health and non-health hazards. 

A health hazard (or contaminant) involves any substance that can cause death, illness, or the spread of disease: for example, a potable-water connection to a heating system that uses a toxic corrosion-control fluid. 

A non-health hazard (or pollutant) involves any substance that constitutes a nuisance, or would be aesthetically objectionable if introduced into the public water supply—for example, a potable-water connection to fermentation tanks at a winery. 

For protection from a health hazard, the following types of backflow prevention assemblies may be used, provided they are installed per the manufacturer’s and plumbing-code requirements: 

• RP, RPZ, or RPBA: reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly—will function under both back pressure and back siphonage. 

• PVB: pressure-vacuum breaker—will function under back siphonage only; it is allowable to have a control valve downstream. 

• SVB: spill-resistant vacuum breaker—will function under back siphonage only; it is allowable to have a control valve downstream. 

• AVB: atmospheric vacuum breaker—non-testable, will function under back siphonage only, and cannot have a control or shutoff valve downstream. 

• AG: air gap—if this method is used, it must meet the definition of an air gap: The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet conveying water to a tank, fixture, receptor, sink, or other assembly and the flood level rim of the receptacle. The vertical, physical separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, but never less than 1.0 inch. [30TAC 290.38(2)] 

More Information can be found below