Does a Private Fire Hydrant Require Backflow?

8/21/2023

In the NFPA series of standards, is there a requirement for a water line supplying private fire hydrants to have backflow protection?

I am working on a project where the fire marshal is requiring double check detector assemblies to be installed on six private fire hydrants. The line serving the hydrants has no other connections to it.

Thanks in advance.

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11 Comments

Chad

8/21/2023 07:10:45 am

Not in NFPA 24. Where I work, that's a water department decision, not fire. Perhaps the rationale is they are 'dead ends' that doesn't get flushed enough?

Never seen it anywhere else, the maintenance alone and possible failures does not make it the best idea.

Jesse

8/21/2023 08:05:42 am

Its not an NFPA thing, its from the plumbing code. If the "private system" will have 100-gallons or more of trapped water they will want a BFP.

8/21/2023 08:19:49 am

Hydrants on dead end mains is a frequent occurrence in our JD. We reference NFPA 1141 in most cases, which only addresses dead ends over 600 ft long, and less than 10 inches in diameter.

Could you please share which plumbing code that requirement is from, and the code reference? Thank you.

Glenn Berger

8/21/2023 08:10:44 am

Is there not a backflow prevention assembly on the water main at the lot or property line?

If yes, then no requirement for device at each hydrant.

Todd E Wyatt

8/21/2023 08:11:38 am

Building Officials (AHJs) are required to enforce the adopted Codes and Standrards and to render interpretations as needed. They cannot require components above and beyond these requirements, however.

Respectfully request from the AHJ the Code/Standard section that requires "double check detector assemblies to be installed on six private fire hydrants."

Anthony

8/22/2023 07:37:29 am

This will probably be your fastest way to an answer.

If you're looking for the information without talking to an AHJ try the health department and permitting offices. Don't be afraid to sound uninformed and just start calling around. Public officials deal with odder questions than backflow requirements daily.

8/21/2023 08:11:46 am

5.1* Connection to Waterworks Systems.
5.1.1
A connection to a reliable waterworks system shall be an acceptable water supply source.

5.1.2*

The volume and pressure of a public water supply shall be determined from waterflow test data or other approved method.
5.4* Connection from Waterworks Systems.
5.4.1
The requirements of the public health AHJ shall be determined and followed.

5.4.2
Where a backflow prevention device is installed to guard against possible cross-contamination of the public water system, it shall be listed for fire protection service.

5.4.2.1*
Where a check valve or alarm check valve is permitted by the AHJ in lieu of a backflow preventer, it shall be listed for fire protection service.

5.5 Connections to Public Water Systems.

Connections to public water systems shall be arranged to be isolated by one of the methods permitted in 6.2.9.
6.2.9
All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated:
(1)*
A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
(a)
For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a post indicator valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve.

(2)
A wall post indicator valve

(3)
An indicating valve in a pit, installed in accordance with Section 6.4

(4)*
A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
(a)
For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer.

(5)*
A nonindicating valve, such as an underground gate valve with an approved roadway box, complete with T-wrench, located not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building
(a)
For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a nonindicating valve, such as an underground gate valve with an approved roadway box, complete with T-wrench, shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the non-indicating valve.

(6)
Control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior

(7)
Control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior as permitted by the AHJ

Dan Wilder

8/21/2023 09:04:54 am

NFPA 24 - 22' Ed.

Section 7.3.6 specifically says not to install a backflow between the hydrant and the control valve for that hydrant, not sure where you are being asked to provide the valve in your situation.

On top of keeping it warm and free of mechanical damage, putting it in a pit that will flood makes maintenance difficult.

RYAN HINSON

8/21/2023 09:43:10 am

And will void the listing of the BFP in most cases.

Thomas G. Kamprath

8/21/2023 11:47:29 am

Typically, backflow protection is specified by the local jurisdiction Cross Connection Control Ordinance. If you can't find a Cross Connection Control Ordinance, check with the local water purveyor. They would know if there is an ordinance in effect.

Mike Slaughter

8/23/2023 11:47:06 am

We are a Fire Code AHJ. It appears the AHJ is requiring a backflow at the point where the private water service connects to the public service. For buildings, cross-connection contamination is required by the International Plumbing Code (See Section 608 of the 2021 IPC). Also required for any underground connected to the public service which contains more than 100 gallons.

Hope this helps.

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Does a Private Fire Hydrant Require Backflow?

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