The backflow dual check valve on a Rockville home's fire sprinkler line was more than 5 years old, past WSSC Water's replacement interval. We replaced it.
The problem
Many Montgomery County homes have a fire sprinkler system fed from the house water line. A dual check valve on that line keeps sprinkler water from flowing back into the drinking water. This home's valve, on the first floor, was more than 5 years old.
What our technician found
These dual check valves can't be tested in place, so WSSC Water instead requires the device on a residential fire sprinkler line to be rebuilt or replaced once every five years. Past that point, the device is due.
What we did
- Removed the expired dual check valve on the fire sprinkler line.
- Installed a new dual check valve in its place.
Parts used
- Dual check valve (fire sprinkler backflow device)
The result
The fire sprinkler line has a new backflow device, which restarts the 5-year clock.
Tips for Rockville homeowners
- Find the date on your fire sprinkler backflow valve, or your home's build date. If it's past 5 years and the valve was never replaced, it's due.
- This is a different device from the lawn irrigation backflow preventer, which is tested every spring.
- Homes built in the same year usually come due together. If your neighbors are replacing theirs, check yours.
Seeing something similar in Rockville?Call or text for a written price before any work.