CSLB C-36 Plumbing ContractorFixture and Appliance InstallationHard
A client wants to install a bidet attachment on their existing toilet. The bidet is designed to connect directly to the cold water supply line of the toilet. What type of backflow prevention is typically integrated into or required for such an attachment to prevent potential contamination of the potable water supply?
- AA Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) assembly.
- BA check valve.
- CA vacuum breaker.
- DAn air gap.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A vacuum breaker.
Bidet attachments, especially those without an integrated air gap, pose a backsiphonage risk if the bidet nozzle is submerged in contaminated toilet bowl water. A vacuum breaker (either atmospheric or pressure type, often integrated into the attachment or supply line) is typically required to protect against this hazard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An RP assembly is overkill and impractical for a simple bidet attachment, typically used for much higher hazard industrial or irrigation applications.
- B. A check valve alone is not sufficient for high-hazard backsiphonage protection.
- D. While an air gap provides excellent protection, it's often not practical or integrated into simple bidet attachments. If it were, it would be the best. But when it's not present, a vacuum breaker is the common requirement.
Bidet Backflow Protection
Measures taken to prevent non-potable water from a bidet attachment from entering and contaminating the potable water supply, primarily due to backsiphonage.
- Primary risk is backsiphonage from submerged nozzle.
- Vacuum breakers are commonly required or integrated.
- Air gaps offer superior protection but are less common in simple attachments.
Memory trick: Bidet 'Backflow' needs a 'Breaker' to 'Block'.