What is Cross Connection Control?

The idea of cross connection control is to stop water that may be contaminated from flowing backward into a water system you wish to protect. Backflow prevention is achieved by having a backflow preventer installed. 

There are two types of backflow preventers:

1. Testable: also referred to as Backflow Prevention Assemblies, Backflow Assemblies, Testable Assemblies, or simply Assemblies. Backflow Prevention Assemblies are typically required on the more hazardous cross connection applications. Annual backflow preventer testing is required to ensure the assembly is in good working order. This is because the working components of the backflow assembly have fairly short life expectancies. This is due to sediment and debris that can easily block their proper function.

2. Non-Testable: also referred to as Backflow Prevention Devices, Backflow Devices, Non-Testable Devices, or simply Devices. They are generally required on less hazardous cross connection applications and need to be replaced every five years or until they are visibly failing.

Examples of Testable Applications include fire sprinklers, commercial boilers, cooling towers, medical equipment, laboratory uses, commercial water treatments, and processing plants.

Examples of Non-Testable Applications include commercial ice makers, residential boilers, emergency eyewash, handheld showerheads, residential hose bibs, beverage dispensers, residential humidifiers, and food service equipment.

All testable backflow preventers need to be annually tested by a licensed tester, have a regulated object number (RO Number) assigned to them, and the results need to be submitted to the state.

Quality commercial plumbing services play a crucial role in buildings, ensuring the prompt distribution of clean water and the secure transport of waste. Being among the Midwest's most reputable commercial plumbing contractors,  Ahern has designed, prefabricated, installed and maintained plumbing systems for all types of facilities including commercial, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, warehousing, and more. 

From the start, our team ensures your systems meet your facility’s code requirements. Contact our experts for questions about cross connection control or to discuss your plumbing needs.