As New York City commercial plumbers, we know that the very first time many people become familiar with backflow prevention devices is when they receive a Violation notice from the NYC DEP. Certain types of properties – both commercial and residential – must have backflow prevention devices installed because they pose a potential risk to the municipal water supply.
What type of NYC Properties Require a Backflow Prevention Device?
The purpose of the backflow prevention device is to protect the water supply from drawing up contaminated water from commercial or residential properties in the event of low pressure on the municipal side of the equation. For example, the municipal water supply could experience low pressure due to a water main break.
Many commercial and industrial sites are required to have backflow prevention devices, including slaughterhouses, printers, health care facilities, nursing homes, canneries, tanneries, sewage treatment plants and funeral homes. Reviewing that list makes the potential risk to the municipal water system clear.
Multi-unit residential properties, mixed-used buildings such as those that have a restaurant downstairs and apartments upstairs, homes with swimming pools and homes with in-ground irrigation systems are all required to have backflow prevention devices.
This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes there’s a debate about whether a property does or does not meet the qualifications to require a back flow prevention device. There are lawyers and engineers who specialize in answering the question.
Our particular role begins after it has been determined that you need a backflow prevention device installed, or that the backflow prevention device that is already in place needs to be repaired to meet an acceptable standard. Not every plumber can do this type of repair. So if you need a backflow prevention device installed or worked on, make sure you choose one who has been certified to do the job.
The GEN215B testing report is a document that must be completed by a New York State Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester to verify that a backflow prevention device has been installed and is functioning correctly according to the approved plans by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Once the testing is successfully completed, the report must be officially signed off by a Professional Engineer or Architect. This endorsement certifies that the installation aligns with the approved specifications. The Professional Engineer responsible for signing off on the GEN215B form can either be the engineer who was initially contracted for the project or another Professional Engineer appointed by the plumber who holds a NYC Master Plumber license. It is important to decide who will be signing the GEN215B form before employing a NYC Licensed Master Plumber.
The responsibility for testing installed backflow prevention devices is assigned to a New York State Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester. It is specified that these devices, once installed by a New York City Licensed Master Plumber, must undergo testing conducted by the state-certified tester. This ensures that the devices function correctly, and this testing requirement should be incorporated into the agreements made with the licensed plumbers.
The process for applying and obtaining approval for a NYC DEP Backflow Prevention Device involves several detailed steps:
- Initially, a Professional Engineer must draft the device’s plans and complete the application forms. The processor involves a filing expense of $350 for each device to be submitted to the NYC DEP. The number of devices required generally depends on the building’s water service configurations.
- Once the application and plans are submitted to the NYC DEP, the department reviews them and provides feedback. The Professional Engineer is responsible for making any required changes and resubmitting the revised documents to the NYC DEP.
- After the NYC DEP grants its approval, the Professional Engineer receives the stamped plans and application. This approval remains valid for two years starting from the date it was granted.
- Following approval, installation of the backflow prevention devices must be conducted by a Licensed Master Plumber in accordance with the approved plans.
- Post-installation, these devices require testing, which must be executed by a New York State Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester. It’s critical to ensure that your Licensed Master Plumber includes this testing as part of the installation service.
- Subsequently, a GEN215B testing report needs to be completed by the tester. A Professional Engineer or Architect must then certify the report by signing off on it, confirming that the installation adheres to the approved plans. This could be either the engineer who drafted the original application or another professional hired by the Licensed Master Plumber.
- The signed GEN215B form is then submitted to the NYC DEP to complete the project. This step should be finalized within two years of the approval date of the original application. Failure to submit this form can result in the project remaining open and may lead to a penalty up to $1,000.
This systematic process ensures the proper installation and functioning of backflow prevention devices, safeguarding the city’s water systems from contamination.
