Not Recommended. Installation and testing *must* be performed by State of Illinois licensed plumbers and Cross-Connection Control Device Inspectors to ensure compliance with public health standards and code requirements.
Requires specialized knowledge in plumbing and cross-connection control, adherence to strict code requirements, permits, and mandatory testing by a State of Illinois licensed Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector. May involve re-piping or modifications to existing plumbing systems.
Project Guidelines & Rules
I. Planning & Permitting
3 Rules
Obtain necessary permits from your local municipality's building department prior to commencement of work.
Illinois Plumbing Code (IPC) Section 106; Local Building Department Ordinances
Submit detailed plans for review, including location, type of device, and piping modifications.
IPC Section 106.3; Local Building Department Requirements
Verify the type of backflow preventer required for the specific hazard (e.g., Double Check Valve Assembly, Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventer).
IPC Section 603.5
II. General Requirements & Definitions
3 Rules
All potable water supply systems shall be protected from backflow.
IPC Section 603.1
Cross-connections are prohibited unless protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly.
IPC Section 603.2
Backflow prevention assemblies must be listed and approved for the intended application.
IPC Section 603.2.1
III. Location & Protection
5 Rules
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed in a location that provides adequate access for testing, maintenance, and repair.
IPC Section 603.4.1
Protection from freezing: All water piping and backflow preventers exposed to freezing temperatures (e.g., outdoors, unheated garages) must be protected. Piping below grade must be installed below the DuPage County frost depth of 42 inches.
IPC Section 305.6; IPC Section 603.5.7
Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers (RPZs) and pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs) shall not be installed in pits.
IPC Section 603.4.2
Discharge from air gap fittings or relief valves shall be piped to a separate indirect waste receptor or floor drain and shall not be connected to a sanitary drainage system.
IPC Section 603.4.4
Backflow preventers shall be installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
IPC Section 603.3
IV. Piping & Connections
4 Rules
Shutoff valves shall be provided immediately upstream and downstream of the backflow prevention assembly.
IPC Section 603.4.5
Test cocks or connections for testing devices shall be installed on all backflow prevention assemblies.
IPC Section 603.4.6
All piping materials used for potable water systems, including those connecting to the backflow preventer, shall conform to approved standards.
IPC Section 605
Piping shall be adequately supported to prevent stress on the backflow preventer and other components.
IPC Section 308
V. Electrical Considerations (If Applicable)
4 Rules
Any electrical components for freeze protection (e.g., heat trace cables) or associated controls shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
2023 NEC Article 422, 2023 NEC Article 424
Proper grounding and bonding of all metallic components and electrical enclosures.
2023 NEC Article 250
Overcurrent protection for all electrical circuits.
2023 NEC Article 240
Protection of outdoor electrical wiring from physical damage and environmental factors.
2023 NEC Article 300
VI. Testing & Maintenance
4 Rules
Upon installation, all backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a State of Illinois licensed Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) before being placed in service.
IPC Section 603.5.10
Backflow prevention assemblies shall be retested at least annually by a licensed CCCDI, or more frequently if required by your local municipality or water purveyor.
IPC Section 603.5.10
Records of all tests, repairs, and maintenance shall be maintained and submitted to your local municipality or water purveyor as required.
IPC Section 603.5.10
Only approved repair kits and parts shall be used for maintenance.
IPC Section 603.5.10
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