Back flow prevention device, hints from a home inspector
Back flow prevention device: Back flow prevention devices are required in many areas and in some eras of construction. The device may be a sophisticated heavy device installed on commercial property or it may be as simple as an anti-back flow hose-bib attachment. It may at or incorporated with the water meter. Contact the local water authority for further information. An expansion tank may be required, and is highly recommended, in the cold water supply line between the water heater and any back flow prevention devices to prevent excessive pressures and component failures in the water system. The inspector will not generally know whether the expansion tank is required. It is recommended that you contact a qualified licensed plumbing contractor for further information. Back flow protection is the use of proper mechanical assemblies to protect cross-connections from back flow occurrences, or the reversal of the normal direction of water traveling in a system. Examples of cross-connections are: a garden hose dropped into a water puddle which has been contaminated by pesticides, etc. An owner of a motor home may place a garden hose into the sewer line after dumping the rv tanks. A fixture faucet may extend down into the sink below the flood line allowing sewer water to possibly touch the spout, etc. Each of these situations reflect local cross-connections within the property boundaries. Major cross-connection occurrences within the main water lines usually originate on commercial properties. The properly operating back flow prevention device should protect you property from contaminated main water lines. Further information is available in the environmental protection agency's "cross-connection control manual."
Air-fuel ratio adjustments needed
Insufficient water heater combustion air insufficient combustion
Water heater blanket loose water heater should be protected from Pressure relief valve discharge not Pressure relief discharge line should be sloped downward
Water heater pressure-temperature relief valve leaks
Reversed pipes on water heater
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2007 1-800-553-5660. TWI is a fantastic company to deal with!
