Residential dwellings mandated by the local fire marshal to have residential fire sprinkler systems are required to install a District-approved backflow prevention assembly (BPA) or passive purge system for system protection. There are three installation options for backflow prevention in residential dwellings.

For PPS, no annual testing is required after the final inspection by the District's Cross-Connection Control Coordinator. For RP and DC assemblies, annual maintenance, testing, and certification are required and shall be done by a District-approved certified backflow assembly tester at the account holder or owner's expense. Copies of maintenance, repair, and certification data must be mailed or emailed to the District's Cross-Connection Control Coordinator.

Reduced Pressure (RP) assemblies shall be installed in accordance with California State Plumbing Code or the local governing authority and per drawing WR-01 of the Water Agencies' Standards. View Water Agencies' Standards.

For a fire service installation, the property owner(s) must complete and record a Fire Service Agreement and submit it with the legal description of the property.

RP and DC assemblies shall be, at a minimum, the same size as the water meter size and in no case smaller than 3/4-inch. RP assemblies shall be located as close as practical to the meter box. DC assemblies shall be installed just after the point of connection (POC) feeding the fire service.RP and DC assemblies shall be tested by any company on the District’s Approved Testers List within 30 days of installation. The certification test report form shall be mailed or emailed to the District’s Cross-Connection Control Coordinator. RP and DC assemblies must be tested prior to water service activation.

While a hot water recirculating pump does consume some electricity, modern efficient models used properly (with a timer, for example) can minimize energy consumption. The energy savings from reduced water heating needs can often offset the pump’s electricity usage.

Hot water recirculating systems provide instant hot water at your faucets, eliminating the need to clear the pipes with cold water. This is particularly helpful in larger homes or buildings where the water heater is far from the point of use.

Helix Water District is launching a new backflow platform which will require testers to submit backflow test reports online only.

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BacksiphonageA sudden reduction in Helix's water pressure due to a water main break or vehicle running into a fire hydrant can create suction that draws potential contaminants into Helix's water distribution system

BackpressureWhen a customer's water pressure exceeds Helix's water pressure, contaminants can flow into Helix's water distribution system. A well pump or boiler can cause back pressure.

No, a hot water recirculating pump should not run continuously. Using a timer or smart controls to operate the pump only during peak usage times can significantly reduce energy consumption while still providing the convenience of instant hot water when needed.

Only Reduced Pressure or Double Check assemblies tested and approved by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control Hydraulic Research shall be accepted. View List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

With a properly functioning recirculating pump, you should have hot water almost instantly when you turn on the tap. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your home’s plumbing layout and the distance from the water heater, but it should be significantly faster than without a pump.

All piping of the PPS must be inspected by the District’s Cross-Connection Control Coordinator during rough plumbing and at the finish.

Annual maintenance, testing, and certification are required for RP and RPDA assemblies and shall be done by a District-approved certified backflow assembly tester at the account holder or owner's expense. Copies of maintenance, repair, and certification data shall be mailed or emailed to the District's Cross-Connection Control Coordinator.

Some systems can use existing cold water lines as the recirculation line, simplifying installation. These solutions often involve a pump at the water heater and a valve at the farthest fixture to move heated water as needed. This method reduces the need for extensive plumbing modifications, but cold water still recirculates back to the heater instead of being wasted down the drain.

Reduced Pressure (RP) and Double Check (DC) assemblies shall be installed in accordance with California State Plumbing Code or the local governing authority. Additionally, RP assemblies shall be installed per drawing WR-01 of the Water Agencies’ Standards. View Water Agencies Standards.

RP assemblies shall be, at a minimum, the same size as the water meter size and in no case smaller than 3/4-inch. RP assemblies shall be located as close as practical to the meter box.

We recommend having a licensed plumber install a hot water recirculating pump for you. As Trethewey says, “A recirc[ulating] line improperly controlled could be one of the biggest energy wasters in the whole building.” Do-it-yourself (DIY) installers could end up accidentally wasting hot water and overworking the water heater. A professional also knows how to comply with local building codes.

Full recirculation systems require a dedicated return line from the farthest fixture back to the water heater. While these systems are effective, they can be challenging to install in existing homes due to the need for additional plumbing. However, they eliminate cold water in the lines, providing the easiest, most efficient path for getting hot water from your fixtures.

Consider the above factors and your budget to help you determine the best recirculating pump for your home. We recommend consulting a professional to make an informed decision. A consultation can also address any concerns you may have about installation, maintenance, and potential energy savings.

Are you tired of waiting for hot water to reach your faucets? A hot water recirculating pump might be the solution you’re looking for. This device can save time, water, and energy by making hot water readily available at your taps. We recommend professional installation for this project, but it’s helpful for homeowners to understand how these systems function.

Point-of-use pumps are installed at specific fixtures, as Trethewey shows with the system in the bathroom vanity. These are easier to retrofit in existing homes but may not be as efficient as full systems. They’re convenient for homeowners who want instant hot water at particular locations.

An approved, aboveground, Reduced Pressure (RP) backflow prevention assembly is required for commercial, industrial, irrigation, and multiple dwelling water services.

How to EnrollBackflow prevention assembly testers must be industry certified and approved by Helix Water District before testing within our service area. Approved testers are held to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and Helix maintains the right to remove testers at its own discretion pursuant to Helix Water District Policies and Procedures, Section 5.3-3(D).

Proper maintenance extends your hot water recirculating pump’s lifespan and keeps it operating efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your system in top condition.

Installing a hot water recirculating pump benefits the environment by reducing water waste and optimizing your energy use. However, it’s crucial to use timers and aquastats effectively to ensure you’re saving rather than expending extra energy. Also, consider the energy source for your water heater. Homes using renewable energy sources will find even more environmental benefits.

Further information is available in our Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF), Section 5.3 Cross Connection Control and Section 2.7 Fire Service Lateral. If you have questions, please contact Cross-Connection Control.

The recirculating pumps themselves can be included in several different systems that work for different home layouts and hot water needs.

Installation of an approved reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA) backflow assembly shall be completed prior to activation of service by Helix Water District:

Integration with home automation systems allows homeowners to set schedules, monitor energy consumption, and receive maintenance alerts. These features make it easier to manage the system efficiently and ensure continuous optimal performance.

Installing a hot water recirculating pump requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key factors to consider:

If a Reduced Pressure or Double Check backflow assembly (Option 1 or 2) is selected, manufacturer cut sheets of the proposed backflow assembly shall be submitted to the District for approval. If Passive Purge (Option 3) is selected, building plans showing the passive purge system shall be submitted for review and approval.

Helix-Approved TestersWe encourage you to sign up during this introductory phase to learn the new system prior to the start date. Please note, you will need to provide your testing certification and test kit information to enroll in the new platform.

An approved, aboveground Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA) backflow prevention assembly is required on all fire service laterals.

Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested on an annual basis to comply with the State of California Code of Regulations, Title 17, and Helix Water District Policies and Procedures, Section 5.3.

Manufacturer cut sheets of the proposed RP and/or RPDA backflow assemblies shall be submitted to the District for approval. Only assemblies tested and approved by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control Hydraulic Research shall be accepted. View List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

We will send an annual reminder notice to customers who are required to have a backflow assembly 30 days prior to the testing due date. It is the customer's responsibility to complete the testing.

The water meter will not be activated until the PPS has been completed or temporary backflow meter protection is in place.

Cross Connection Control CoordinatorPhone: 619-667-6224Fax: 619-599-8058EmailHoursMonday through Friday7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Backflow is the reversal flow of water, liquids, mixtures or substances from a customer's property into Helix's water distribution system. This can happen when there is a reversal in water pressure and a cross connection, a connection between the public water supply and a source of contamination, such as a garden hose in a swimming pool or an irrigation, fire sprinkler, graywater or rainwater harvesting system. Two conditions can cause a reversal in water pressure:

In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how a recirculating pump works and its benefits. Below, we’ll recap these details and answer some common questions about hot water recirculating pumps.

Testers Applying for Helix ApprovalTo apply for approval, please enroll in our new backflow platform. The platform will request and review your testing certification and test kit information before allowing you to enroll.

Technological advancements have made recirculating pumps smarter and more efficient in recent years. Modern systems can learn your household’s hot water usage patterns and adjust operations accordingly. Some of these systems integrate with home automation platforms, allowing homeowners to control and monitor their recirculating pumps via smartphone apps.