Any had to install a backflow device on their small multifamily?

Question

Got a letter from Denver Water recently that stated I am due for a back flow inspection, since the dwelling is a multifamily property. Essentially it stipulates that they will assess the risks of back flow at my property and determine whether or not a back flow prevention device is required.

If it is required, the cost will be borne by me.

Anyone had experience with this process?

If it is required, the cost will be borne by me.

Anyone had experience with this process?

Mitch H. · Answer

Interesting.  Im curious if anyone in Denver with a small multi unit has experienced this or can shed some light on the process/costs of Denver Water regulations...

@Scott Trench, @Bill S., Account Closed

Mitch H. · Answer

GOt it...thanks Bill and @Steven Silva for the suggestion.

Bill S. · Answer

@Mitch H. I'm a bit late to the party but I have a number of multifamily properties in Denver and have not gotten such a notice. I have a property in Aurora I've owned for almost 10 years and got a notice that I have to have the backflow prevention device tested and supply them with the results. I didn't know they knew I had one but it must have happened when I had the sprinkler system installed.

Thanks @Steven Silva for the suggestion. I'll check them out to have them do the testing in Aurora.

Steven Silva · Answer

I use backflowtech at 610 garrison st unit w lakewood co 80215. $70/year. You can google them.

Mitch H. · Answer

@Jim Shonts its just a duplex. I asked for a lead test a while back and had to be persistent about getting the results (has taken 3 mos +)...so maybe they're just retaliating!

Yes, will update once I know more.  Will likely be a month or so with the lead time that Denver Water gave.

Jean Bolger · Answer

I had the lack of a backflow preventer come up on an inspection report recently for a single family residence- I admit I'd never heard of such a thing, but it keeps potentially contaminated water from outside from siphoning back into the domestic plumbing system. Fortunately all that was required to fix the situation in this instance was little $6  anti-siphon valve that screwed on to the exterior hose faucet. I hope it's that simple of a solution for you!

Jim Shonts · Answer

I will definitely follow this thread. Let us know what happens. I have two multifamilies  (4-plex and Duplex) and have had them for years and I never had a notice like this from Denver water. I have even had them out for leak checks and this never came up.  Is the multifamily that you received this notice on bigger than a 4-plex?

JD Martin · Answer

Most new connections (say in the last 20 years or so), meters are placed in setters with check valves. This is generally sufficient for single-family residences. Water systems require backflow on commercial & multifamily because there's greater chance for someone to create the conditions that might allow a backflow scenario to exist, i.e. a hose sitting in cleaning solution, or a chemical mixer attachment on a hose, wherein a drop in pressure on the city main could cause those materials to be drawn into the distribution system. So water systems require greater backflow protection for these entities - generally double-check valves (two check valves in series) or reduced pressure zone devices (kind of like a double-check but has test & dump ports, for simplicity sake). Someone has to check these devices occasionally to make sure they are working properly. Thus, the required install and annual inspection.

Mitch H. · Answer

Thanks for the info, @Jd Martin .

Do you have any more info on when/why one might be required?  I have a duplex with a shared waterline.

JD Martin · Answer

Yes. It's simple. For residential you should be able to get by with a double-check assembly. They're not very expensive. Once a year a qualified backflow certified tech (usually a plumber that has taken the backflow cert class) comes out and makes sure the assembly works properly, signs the form and sends it to the city. Inspection shouldn't be more than a couple hundred bucks, maximum.

Usually you have this installed inside the building just where the water comes in for freeze protection. Occasionally you'll install it outside the building in a hot-box or vault with drainage & freeze protection.