On systems that do not have a test header for full flow testing of backflow preventers how are people still charging $75- $150 to inspect them. You have to drain down the system and flip the check valve on the FDC. Then rig a male to male adapter to run a hose from the FDC to either a hose monster or play pipe. After getting your flow reading you would have to shut the control valve, flip the check back around and fill the system back up.
You cannot find a place that will let you do a backflow inspection for more than $150. I have asked many AHJ's about this and they are not even aware that full flow is required by NFPA 25. All these contractors are just testing the device, this is not sufficient on a fire sprinkler system. These are all statements so I guess here is my question. What are we going to do as contractors to get this right? I don't want to hang a tag on a BFP only to have a building burn down after the BFP only partially opens. When this happens I am sure that the lawyers will find that contractor and ask where his paperwork is showing the flow test of the BFP. In NFPA 13 2007 it requires a system to be installed with a BFP test header, but not many jurisdictions have adopted this edition yet. This is an added cost and contractors are not being required to do this yet. If a contractor does this based on high ethics he might just price himself out of a job in this market. What are your thoughts? Will Bromley Vice President 214-801-4904 ServiceFire small
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