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Is Dbl-check/backflow preventor required Kings Park Long Island on residential irrigation system?

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Patchogue Phil_2
Patchogue Phil_2 Member Posts: 314

What's the latest requirement?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,210

    Whether it's required or not, it would be a good idea to have one…

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    mattmia2
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,582

    Michigan requires an RPZ valve or vacuum breaker which is the high hazard category. A dual check wouldn't be sufficient in michigan


    P2902.5.3 Lawn Irrigation Systems

    The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric vacuum breaker, a pressure vacuum breaker assembly or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. Valves shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

  • Patchogue Phil_2
    Patchogue Phil_2 Member Posts: 314

    Absolutely.

    A double-check is big bucks (plus inspections/tests) compared to vacuum pressure break valve.

    Some years ago in Suffolk County, Long Island, someone challenged the requirements for back flow prevention for residential. They won. So then the back flows weren't required. I've long since not been involved with irrigation install requirements, no idea of that requirement is again code. Specifically in Kings Park. Some towns have their own code requirements.

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,273

    Hey Phil....Best thing to do is just call the Suffolk County Water Authority...Some Water Authorities in Nassau allow a PBVB (Pressure vacuum breaker)...much cheaper. Mad Dog

    Patchogue Phil_2
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,300
    edited July 30

    every municipality has there own rules and regulations.

    Kings Park is part of Smithtown

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,273

    Yes, but usually the Water District has final say and specs. Mad Dog

    mattmia2
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,687

    Most often, the local department of public health, along with the building department, will require a reduced-pressure zone device (RPZ) if any elements of an irrigation system (discharge heads, etc.) are even with or above the water supply. A double check might not be allowed.

    If the water supply is above the discharge heads, then a Vacuum Breaker (VB) may be used. An RPZ is not always necessary. Check the guidelines of your Department of Public Health.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 25,378

    You may need multiple BFDs also. The BFD on the lawn sprinkler prevents that water from getting into your homes system.

    The BFD on the main line prevents the water from going back to the city or provider.

    Same with the BFDs on outside hose bibs, kitchen spray hose faucets, spray hose protect your homes waters.

    Here is the difference between back flow and back pressure.

    Screenshot 2025-07-31 at 7.15.07 AM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 13,582

    delta p is delta p regardless of the absolute pressure.

    Intplm.
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 25,378

    Back siphonage is typically when a water main breaks and pressure drops in the system pulling water from the buildings.

    Back pressure is more like a system without a thermal expansion tank and pressure increases forcing water into the main.

    Different valves are rated for back siphonage and back flow, that is what the ASSE number tells you.

    An ASSE 1013 RPZ is listed for, and protects against both and the open vent tells when a check fails. It is also required to have test cocks.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream