Safe Drains

One of the most important components of a proper installation is provision for safe drainage by avoiding a possible 'cross connection.' A cross connection is any point at which a water supply pipe or container is joined directly to a sewer pipe. It is at this point alone that it is even remotely possible for a water conditioning installation to introduce danger to a household. This can never happen if safe drainage is provided by using a sufficient 'air gap' in the installation. NEVER MAKE A CROSS CONNECTION. There are very simple reasons why a water treatment system must never be connected directly to a sewer pipe.

Here's why:    Consider a water treatment system installed with a direct drain connection to the sewer system. It is a cross connection. Now, let's suppose that on some occasion during the recharging cycle there is a fire in the vicinity. What would happen if the firemen's pumping equipment creates such a strong demand for water that suction occurs and it actually causes water to flow from the house back into the mains? Actually, if the suction were strong enough, some fluid from sewer pipes might be drawn back through the water treatment system and back out into the water supply lines. The danger is that sewage containing potentially pathogenic organisms could then be introduced into the water supply.Obviously, the public health and the private welfare of your household must be at the uppermost consideration in the mind of the installer at all times. This is why the air gap rule must always be followed for drainage installations.

Always The Air GapThe air gap rule is simply this:
The softener drain line must not be connected directly to the waste system, but must be emptied into a laundry tray, floor drain, or properly trapped special outlet, preserving an air gap of at least two times the diameter of the drain line, but in no case less than 1-1/2' above the top of the receptacle used. The greater of two times the diameter of the equipment's indirect drain or 1-1/2' is the minimum air gap for whole house (point-of-entry) water treatment equipment. The greater of two times the equipment effective drain line diameter, or one inch, is allowed for point-of-use equipment. In addition, the end of the drain line should be secured so that there is never any chance that it can become immersed in waste fluids.Be sure to study and follow the equipment manufacturer's printed instructions. They will specify drain line size. If the proper size is not provided, the unit may not be thoroughly backwashed.

Type Of Drain Required  A laundry sink or any other sink will serve satisfactorily as an emptying place for the drain line. Of course, the sink stopper must never be in during regeneration, thus causing an overflow problem. Also, care must be taken that the backwash and regenerating water will never cause any staining of the sink.A trap installed in a waste line will also serve providing there is a proper air gap or vacuum breaker between the trap and the drain line from the softener.A funnel arrangement may also be advantageously used in such an installation. A floor drain may also be used if it is out of the way of traffic. Rigid pipe should be used and positioned so that the minimum air gap cannot be reduced by moving the pipe. When the water treatment system is supplied with flexible drain line material, the drain must be tightly secured in the correct position to avoid deliberate or accidental movement. Good craftsmanship is a requirement for this type of work.It is well to install a water softener system near a floor drain, if possible, even if it drains into a laundry sink. At any time when servicing the system, it would be convenient to have a floor drain near so that water on the floor could be readily drained.Some units provide an overflow drain line for the brine container. Such a line should be run to a floor drain. It must run by gravity feed to a lower drain.

Manufactured air gap drain connectors are available for water softeners, R.O. units, dishwashers and washing machines and should be used.

Contractor's Information

Contractors performing surveys and tests in the field for the purposes of this program, will be required to be pre-registered with the City.  The City of Barrie has established a list of qualified contractors known as the 'Qualified Contractor's Registry'.  The application forms for this registry are the means by which the City can establish whether or not contractors are qualified and certified to perform this work.  The registry is accessable to anyone online and will also be included in all correspondance sent to our customers.  Water Operations / Backflow has also developed a standardized set of survey and test forms that are available both on the website, or from our offices at 165 Ferndale Drive N.  It is required that these forms be used for all surveying and testing performed for the purpose of this program.  Should contractors choose to print these forms from the website, it should be noted that it is their responsibility to provide copies of all reports to both the customer and Water Operations / Backflow.  Survey Reports submitted to Water Operations / Backflow must include:

• A copy of the survey including existing devices and cross connections discovered
• Corrective measures
• Recommendations and a schedule of work to be completed

It is important to remember that as the contractor performing these surveys, you are responsible for their accuracy and any liability arising as a result of an incomplete survey or incorrect assessment......be sure to be thorough!  It is also a requirement that immediately following the testing and certification of any device, a City of Barrie Test Tag be affixed to that device.  These tags are also available at our Ferndale Drive location.  All local contractors were sent a package containing an invitation to apply to the registry and an application form.  If you did not receive a package and wish to apply, a copy of the application form is included below.  Please check out the links below for more information or if you have questions or concerns that are not addressed here, feel free to contact us at 705-739-4220 Ext. 4890 or email us at operationsbackflow@barrie.ca.

*** Please note that permits are required for any addition of devices or alterations to plumbing systems.

It is strongly recommended that strainers be installed upstream of all testable backflow devices.

By-law 2008-137

• Invitation to register
• Contractors application
• List of Approved Contractors
• Fees
• Survey Forms
• Test Forms
• Recommended Corrective Measures Report
• Building Services
• Permit Applications