ASSE 5013-certified backflow testing for RPZ, DCVA, and PVB assemblies. Tennessee Rule 0400-45-01 compliant. Water authority report submission. Repair and replacement on the spot.
Call Now — (931) 360-5262Backflow preventers on fire sprinkler systems protect the public drinking water supply from contamination by fire protection system water — which may contain antifreeze solution, corrosion inhibitors, foam concentrates, or biological growth from standing water in dead-end piping. The potential for backflow contamination is classified as a high-hazard cross-connection under AWWA M14 (Manual of Cross Connection Control), requiring the highest level of backflow protection.
Cross-connection control programs are mandated federally under the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.) and implemented at the state level by Tennessee and Alabama through their respective environmental agencies. Local water authorities administer the programs at the connection level, requiring annual testing by a certified tester and submission of test reports as a condition of service.
KJ Fire Protection employs ASSE 5013-certified backflow prevention testers who perform tests to water authority standards, complete and submit required test report forms, and repair or replace failing assemblies on-site — keeping your facility compliant without the bureaucratic burden.
The USC Manual of Cross Connection Control and AWWA M14 classify backflow prevention assemblies by the level of protection they provide, matched to the hazard level of the cross-connection. Selecting the wrong device type for a fire sprinkler application is a common compliance error — and one that local water authorities increasingly catch and require to be corrected at significant cost.
The RPZ is required for high-hazard cross-connections — which includes virtually all fire sprinkler system connections to the potable water supply. The RPZ contains two independently acting check valves separated by a reduced pressure zone; a differential pressure relief valve maintains the zone at a pressure lower than the supply, providing a positive air gap if both checks fail. RPZ assemblies provide the highest level of protection against both backpressure and backsiphonage.
Under Tennessee Division of Water Resources Rule 0400-45-01 and most local water authority requirements in the Southeast, an approved RPZ assembly is required at the service connection for all fire sprinkler systems that contain additives (antifreeze, corrosion inhibitors) or are subject to high-hazard contamination risk.
The DCVA provides lower-hazard protection with two independently acting check valves in series, test cocks, and shutoff valves. Approved for low-hazard cross-connections — clean water systems without additives. Some water authorities permit DCVAs on wet pipe sprinkler systems without additives where the system is maintained free of contamination risk, but this is jurisdiction-specific. Always confirm with the local water authority before specifying a DCVA on a fire protection connection.
The PVB protects against backsiphonage only — it cannot protect against backpressure conditions. Not permitted for fire sprinkler system connections in most jurisdictions because fire sprinkler systems operate under pressure that can create backpressure conditions. PVBs appear on irrigation systems and other low-hazard applications.
Tennessee's cross-connection control requirements are established under Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Rule 0400-45-01, which requires public water systems to maintain cross-connection control programs including:
Local water authorities in Middle Tennessee — including Columbia Power & Water Systems, Metro Water Services Nashville, Franklin Water Management, and others — administer their cross-connection control programs under Rule 0400-45-01 and have specific test report form requirements. KJ Fire Protection knows these local requirements and ensures all test reports are submitted in the correct format to the correct authority.
Backflow preventer testing in Tennessee must be performed by a tester certified under ASSE Series 5000 (specifically ASSE 5013 for field testers of backflow prevention assemblies). Certification requires passing a written and practical examination demonstrating competency in test procedures, equipment calibration, and report documentation. KJ Fire Protection's backflow testers hold current ASSE 5013 certification — the only credential accepted by Tennessee water authorities for backflow test report submission.
Using an uncertified tester to perform backflow testing is a common compliance error. Test reports submitted by uncertified testers are rejected by water authorities — meaning the testing cost is wasted, the facility remains out of compliance, and the testing must be repeated by a certified tester.
A standard backflow preventer field test involves connecting calibrated differential pressure gauges to the test cocks on the assembly and measuring the pressure differentials across each check valve and the relief valve (for RPZ). The test confirms that:
A passing test confirms the assembly is operating within manufacturer and ASSE 5013 acceptance criteria. A failing test triggers immediate repair or replacement — KJ Fire Protection carries the most common repair kits and replacement assemblies to resolve failures on the same service visit in most cases.
When a backflow preventer fails a field test, the choice between rebuilding (replacing internal components) and full assembly replacement depends on several factors:
Annually at minimum under Tennessee Rule 0400-45-01 and virtually all local water authority cross-connection control programs. Some water authorities with high-risk facilities on their distribution system require more frequent testing. We track due dates for all assemblies we service and proactively schedule testing before compliance deadlines — you should never receive a notice of violation.
Fire sprinkler systems are classified as high-hazard cross-connections under AWWA M14 and the USC Manual of Cross Connection Control because they can contain contaminants — antifreeze solution, corrosion inhibitors, microbial growth, or sediment — and are connected under pressure. The RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) assembly is the only device type that protects against both backpressure and backsiphonage at the required protection level for high-hazard connections. Lower-grade devices (DCVA, PVB) are not approved for high-hazard fire protection connections in most jurisdictions.
ASSE 5013 is the American Society of Sanitary Engineering certification standard for field testers of backflow prevention assemblies. It requires passing a written examination covering backflow prevention principles, device types, and testing procedures, plus a practical skills assessment demonstrating competency with field test equipment. Tennessee water authorities only accept backflow test reports signed by ASSE 5013-certified testers — reports from uncertified individuals are rejected and the testing must be repeated.
We repair or replace it on the same visit in most cases. Our service vehicles carry common repair kits for major manufacturers (Watts, Febco, Wilkins, Ames) and replacement assemblies for the most common sizes. Once the assembly passes a re-test, we complete the test report reflecting the as-found failure, repair/replacement action, and as-left passing condition, then submit it to the water authority. Your facility is back in compliance the same day.
Yes, for water authorities that accept third-party submission — which includes most utilities in Middle Tennessee and the Southeast. You receive a copy of the signed test report for your records. Where the water authority requires owner submission, we provide you with the completed, signed report with clear instructions for submission.
Yes. This is one of our specialties for property management companies and building owners with portfolios spanning multiple Middle Tennessee and Southeast markets. We know the specific test report forms and submission requirements for each local water authority, consolidate scheduling across your portfolio, and provide unified reporting so compliance tracking is simple. Call us to discuss a portfolio program.
The USC Manual of Cross Connection Control, published by the Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research at the University of Southern California, is the foundational technical reference for cross-connection control programs in the United States. It defines hazard classifications, specifies acceptable backflow prevention methods by hazard level, and provides the engineering basis that AWWA M14 and state cross-connection control regulations are built on. Water utility cross-connection control programs across the Southeast reference USC Manual criteria for device selection and testing requirements.
Yes, significantly. Antifreeze-charged fire sprinkler systems are an elevated contamination risk because antifreeze (typically glycerin or propylene glycol) is a direct contaminant to the potable water supply. NFPA 13 now restricts antifreeze systems to listed antifreeze solutions only, and virtually all water authorities require an RPZ assembly (not a DCVA) at the service connection for antifreeze-charged systems. If you have an older system with glycerin antifreeze, you may also face NFPA 13 compliance issues with the antifreeze concentration — something we check during backflow service visits.
Key references for building owners, facility managers, and contractors on backflow prevention requirements:
The EPA's overview of cross-connection hazards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Establishes the federal regulatory basis for state cross-connection control program requirements, including annual backflow preventer testing mandates administered by state primacy agencies.
AWWA M14 is the definitive industry manual for cross-connection control program administration. Provides hazard assessment methodology, device selection criteria, tester qualification requirements, and testing frequency standards used by water utilities throughout the Southeast.
Tennessee's specific cross-connection control requirements administered by the Division of Water Resources. Rule 0400-45-01 requires public water systems to maintain cross-connection control programs with annual assembly testing. Local water authorities implement these requirements through their individual utility programs.
NFPA 25 Chapter 13 establishes inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for backflow prevention devices that are part of water-based fire protection systems. These requirements apply in addition to (not instead of) local water authority annual testing requirements.
ASSE Series 5000 backflow prevention tester certification is the required credential for performing backflow preventer field tests in Tennessee and most southeastern jurisdictions. This page covers certification requirements, exam registration, and certified tester lookup.
ASSE 5013 certified. Water authority report submission included. Call us or request a quote online.