When is Auto Ball Drip Needed for FDC?

1/31/2020

When is the auto ball-drip required on the hookup (dry) side of the check valve for a Fire Department Connection?

In areas prone to freezing, there is the FDC, then a dry portion of pipe, then the check valve. If the check valve is located higher than the FDC (as is typical for our FDCs near risers), can't the connection itself drain the dry portion?

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3 Comments

Wayne Ammons

1/31/2020 08:01:17 am

This is just to state what you probably already know, in order to comply with Section 8.17.2.1 and Figure 8.17.2.1 the automatic ball drip is required.

If I'm understanding your question correctly, you are asking if the water in the dry portion of FDC piping can drain back through the FDC and not need the automatic ball drip. That seems logical, unless the FDC is a double-clapper style. Considering that most FDC's will have caps, would the ball drip be a good idea anyway to drain any residual water after use when in areas subject to freezing?

NFPA 13, 2016 Edition:
8.17.2* Fire Department Connections.
8.17.2.1* Unless the requirements of 8.17.2.2 are met, a fire department connection shall be provided as described in 8.17.2 in accordance with Figure 8.17.2.1.

Franck

1/31/2020 10:17:11 am

Another possibility (if accepted) in your case and if you have caps, is to drill a small hole in the caps to allow any possible water trapped to drain.

Remember that sometimes backflow preventers may leak...

But again, this indication in the standard is to avoid freezing and damages. If, in your situation, there is no possibility of water being trapped and freezed, you don't need it. Unless the AHJ requests it.

Ryan D

1/31/2020 11:26:36 am

Another aspect that gets overlooked with this requirement is when a Stortz type connection is used. If the check valve leaks then the area behind the cap can become pressurized and create a hazardous situation for anyone needing to remove the cap. The ball drip alleviates this hazard as well.

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When is Auto Ball Drip Needed for FDC?

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